While sour foods may not always be the first choice for many, sour figs have a rich history and are valued not only for their unique taste but also for their endless health benefits. From calming tonsillitis and sore throats, to possibly aiding troubled tummies, the sour fig might just be the overlooked natural remedy in your garden you never knew you needed.
Wandile Hlamvana, a traditional healer from eMdantsane in the Eastern Cape, started using the sour fig for tonsils and still does due to its endless benefits.
“I was battling with tonsils, and the sour fig helped me. I noticed ringworms are also a thing of the past since I started using the plant, and there are other benefits, such as helping with digestion,” he says.
Healing juices
“It is also used to treat burns. It is also known for killing cancer cells and is very effective. It is also important to note that healing requires one (the user) to believe in the muti given. You chew it, swallow the juices, and spit out what’s left. There are no side effects known to me. However, when chewing the plant, it is essential to remember the dosage.”
Tshepo Mokwena from Soweto, who had the sour fig recommended by a friend to treat tonsillitis two months ago, underlines that it has been very effective in doing so.
“I used the sour fig to treat tonsillitis, and it has been impressively effective. I was fully healed in two days. I chew on it and spit it out, but swallow the juice it releases. I have not experienced any side effects that I’m aware of.
Tshepo Mokwena
“I had a swollen gum at the bottom row on the right-hand side after using it. I’m still unsure if there’s a connection between this and using the sour fig,” Mokwena adds.
Raised by a traditional healer, Balungile Mini (Mkhulu Robi) from the Western Cape grew up learning about the sour fig’s uses from her mother and has been using it almost all her life.
“I use the sour fig to treat ulcers, tonsillitis, tooth decay, swollen gums, ear infections, and dead taste buds. It also helped my digestive system; I no longer suffer from constipation. You either chew the juice or gargle with warm water; some people add it to their salads,” says Mini.
“There are no side effects, but when one chews the juice, they just need not overdose, as one can choke on four to five of the sour fig chips at a time. Sour fig also helps teething babies; you can rub the juice on swollen gums.”
Plant pathologist Takalani Harding from Pretoria North emphasises that the sour fig plant is of great medicinal use and can be quite beneficial to health.
“The sour fig heals wounds and burns, treats open sores and skin infections, and treats eczema. Its leaf juice can be used to treat acute diarrhoea, sore throats, and sore mouths. It also treats oral thrush and vaginal thrush. It is so vast in treating things, including the nappy rash that babies suffer from.”
Other uses and disadvantages of sour fig
“Their fruits can be used to make jam, and commercial farmers use them for sand binding, ground cover as a dune, and embarkment stabilisers, and as fire-resistant barriers,” explains Harding.
While there are clear health advantages, certain downsides could outweigh the benefits if not approached cautiously.
“Sour figs can reduce the abundance of native invertebrates, with substantial effects on herbivores. They can also decrease species diversity by preventing sand movement. This can further hinder the natural processes of disturbance and change in dune environments,” Harding says.
“On humans, they can cause negative digestive issues, so they should be taken in moderation and/or consult a health professional if you have certain medical conditions.”
Chad Booysen, an indigenous plant grower, and supplier at Afro Indigenous residing in Fourways Sandton in Johannesburg, highlights that what interested him in growing the sour fig plant is how versatile it is and how easy it is to propagate and grow.
“Carpobrotus edulis, aka sour fig, is a plant endemic to South Africa and is found mostly in coastal regions, growing in the wild. What makes it so unique is its ability to thrive in harsh areas, even with poor soil conditions. It is used in a lot of landscaping projects, especially to prevent soil erosion, and it produces quite a vibrant flower. In the coastal areas, they are quite tolerant of the salty conditions,” he says.
“They prefer well-drained soil, especially sandy or rocky soil, and full sun to thrive and produce fruit and flowers. Watering is done occasionally as they are drought-tolerant, and they prefer mild to moderate temperatures.”
Top choice for landscaping
He adds that in traditional medicine, it has various purposes, such as being anti-inflammatory and having wound-healing properties that treat burns, minor skin irritations, and insect bites.
“The fruit itself is good at aiding digestion and provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Culturally, it was used in cuisines and symbolised resilience and adaptability due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions.”
Booysen also points out that they can suffer from rot from overwatering, which is why sandy soil is preferred.
“They tend to be quite invasive when they grow, so constant pruning is needed if you want to control the growth and prevent them from spreading into natural habitats; otherwise, they will take over large areas. They are susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions and some pests, such as aphids and mealybugs,” he explains.
“It is one of the more popular succulents to use, whether it be for landscaping or rehabilitation of an area. They are super hardy, and that makes them a top choice for growers and landscapers as long as they are managed well to prevent invasiveness into natural habitats.”
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