Before the invention of modern medicine, several ancient cultures like the Khoi and San, lived off the land. They used the plants, herbs, and flora around for everything from enhancing the taste of their food to treating all types of illnesses and diseases.
South Africa has an abundance of medicinal plants and herbs. Some have been used in traditional medicine to treat all sorts of ailments. In the following article, you will find a brief guideline for the medicinal plants and herbs of South Africa. You will learn how to grow them at home, their healing properties, and how to use them to treat yourself or family members when ill.
Several plants and herbs in South Africa have medicinal and healing properties. Some may consume the entire plant, while others may use the leaves, flowers, or roots for ailments. Some of these plants are native to South Africa, while others, like moringa, have adapted and thrived.
The information given below is for educational and informational purposes only. It is essential to contact your medical professional before you change your regular medical routine.
Unveiling the secrets of aloe ferox
Aloe ferox, commonly known as bitter aloe, belongs to the aloe family. It is slightly different from its cousin, the more popular aloe vera you find in America. There are approximately 360 aloe species in Africa. However, South Africa is known to produce and utilise more aloe ferox products than other African countries.
Aloe belongs to the family of succulents; they have a thick outer skin that allows the plant to store water during the drier seasons. You can quickly identify aloe ferox by the thick, lance-shaped leaves with tall orange-red flowers that sprout from the centre of the plant.
It contains a chemical compound aloin and amino acids, which are higher in aloe ferox than in aloe vera. It is also easier to extract aloin from aloe ferox than from aloe vera, which requires a chemical process for extraction.
Can I grow this at home?
Aloe ferox can easily be grown at home. You can grow them either from seeds or propagate them from a parent plant.
You’ll find aloe ferox growing plentiful across South Africa. So you don’t have to worry whether they will grow in your area. They don’t require much attention or maintenance.
Medicinal properties of aloe ferox
Several cultures, like the Khoi and San or the Xhosa, use aloe for its medicinal and healing properties. Recently cosmetic houses worldwide tout the benefits of the aloe ferox and aloe vera. Every part of the aloe is beneficial, and not much goes to waste.
Manufacturers of aloe products use the inner and outer fleshy layers as bitter aloe sap, aloe fillets, pressed leaf fibre, and aloe juice.
The aloe gel contains vital antioxidants, along with vitamins A, C, and 12, which are essential for the skin. It treats skin-related infections, like eczema, sunburn, radiation burns, and insect stings.
It also contains an enzyme called bradykinase, which reduces inflammation. Therefore aloe is great for treating arthritis.
You need to be aware the leaves are a mild laxative, so caution is warranted if you decide to ingest any part of the leaves.
How to use aloe ferox
Steep the leaves in boiling water for approximately 20 minutes. Once the tea has cooled completely, you may enjoy it. If you find the taste bitter, you can add some honey.
The tea is beneficial for arthritis; sinusitis, stress, tension, and relief from stomach aches. It will help if you are aware that the tea may cause mild diarrhoea, so some caution is warranted.
You may also slice the leaves and use the gel to treat sunburn or other mild skin irritations. However, aloe forex gel may heighten skin irritation, so caution is warranted. Conducting a skin test before applying it to your face is best.
Moringa: Africa’s green gift to the world
Moringa, also known as drumstick, horseradish, or peperwortelboom, although not native to South Africa, grows across most provinces. Over the last few years, moringa has gained popularity as the healing wonder plant. Traditional medical practitioners from the African and Indian cultures claim moringa can treat approximately 300 health issues.
It reaches a height between 5 to 12 m and has a thick trunk with the leaves forming an umbrella over the tree. It produces small white flowers and thin, long green pods hence the name drumsticks. The flowers and the pods are consumed.
Can I grow this at home?
Moringa seeds should be sown directly into the ground. There should be sufficient space for the tree to spread its branches. The tree grows to a height of 12m, so select a spot away from your home that receives good sunlight.
The young plant is not a fan of frost or cold temperatures. It can also be propagated from stems. You can plant them directly into the ground or in pots. During the cold weather, you can bring them under shelter.
Moringa is low maintenance, so there is no need to worry that you may kill this plant if you don’t have a green thumb.
Medicinal properties of moringa
Moringa is easily cultivated, making it great for treating malnutrition across Africa. Every part of the plant treats various illnesses ranging from nutritional deficiencies to reducing inflammation and antioxidant properties. It is known as a superfood.
The moringa leaves contain more beta-carotene than carrots and are an excellent source of calcium. The plant is rich in vitamins potassium, C, E, iron, and zinc. It is also an abundant essential amino acid source, which makes it a complete protein.
Moringa powder, made from flowers and leaves, treats anemia. Moringa powder contains more iron than beef steak. It has 28mg of iron compared to a beef steak with about 2mg of iron.
How to use moringa
Moringa powder is readily available at all health stores and pharmacies. However, try these remedies for pain relief or general well-being if you have a plant at home.
You can steep the leaves and flowers in a mug of boiling water. When cool, you may add a teaspoon of honey to counter the leaves’ bitterness.
You can also cook the leaves and flowers as a vegetable. But also remember the bitter taste, so pair it with a food that complements it or add a dash of lemon juice or crushed peanuts to offset the bitter taste.
Rooibos: Mzansi’s fynbos tea and its healing legacy
Rooibos known by its scientific name Asphalatus linearis, is native to the Western Cape. It was first used by the Khoi and San in their traditional medicine before the Anglo-Boers recognised the health and healing properties of the plant.
Rooibos translates to redbush and, sometimes called “bush tea”, is a green, leafy shrub indigenous to the Western Cape mountains. It grows to a height of 1,5m and has thin spiny leaves. It flowers over the spring and summer months and produces yellow flowers.
Can I grow this at home?
The rooibos plant can be grown from seeds in your home. However, many gardeners outside and in some parts of South Africa failed to grow the plant because it requires precise weather and climate conditions that only the Western Cape offers.
The seeds can be germinated in greenhouses and planted into the ground over the autumn season. The plant prefers acidic sandy soil, so you may need a fertiliser with a higher acid ratio.
Rooibos is a drought-resistant plant and therefore does not require much water. It would help if you cut back your watering of this precious plant to perhaps once a week.
Medicinal properties of rooibos
Our humble rooibos has come a long way! Since its discovery in the early 19th century, Rooibos has been known to possess several health and beauty benefits. Several international cosmetic houses are adding rooibos into their cosmetic products.
The Khoi and San used rooibos to settle upset tummies, ease coughs, or calm skin irritations. These remedies are passed down through the ages.
Rooibos is low in tannin and caffeine-free. Therefore, consuming it is safe for those with hypertension or stress-related illnesses.
A scientific study found that consuming rooibos tea also lowers blood cholesterol levels. It is also rich in antioxidants, which are essential for heart health – another bonus to keeping your heart healthy.
How to use rooibos
Rooibos tea is highly beneficial for relieving coughs, colic, digestive issues, and allergies and is safe for babies and children. You can prepare tea using dried leaves or a commercially prepared teabag.
If you are lucky enough to have a rooibos plant at home, you can prepare tea from the fresh leaves. Place the leaves into your cup or mug, then pour over boiling water. You should allow the leaves to steep for approximately 20 minutes for the full flavour to release. Wash and clean the leaves to ensure no dust particles or bugs.
With the fresh leaves, you can pour boiling water over them as you consume the tea. The flavour of the leaves remains for a long while.
This article was first published by our sister publication, Food For Mzansi.
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