For many, the African potato might conjure images of a familiar starchy staple. However, despite its name, the African potato isn’t our typical starchy side dish but rather one of the most popular plants used in traditional African medicine.
Using the African potato for over a decade, Andrew Modishane from North West says he started a business selling it. He has received a lot of positive feedback from men and women about their skin conditions and how it expels intestinal worms and makes one fertile.
“My uncle showed me the African potato remedy while I was still doing my primary level at school, around 1998 or 1999. It has since treated many diseases, including lower blood sugar, improving the immune system, clean kidneys, urinary tract infections, and prostate problems.”
Andrew Modishane
“I mix it with water, bring it up to boiling, and just drink, whether warm or cold. It benefits both myself and my customers expeditiously.”
Palesa Sehlolo from the Free State says she started using African potato during the second year of her spiritual journey, and it has since become a powerful and important remedy in her life.
“The African potato has helped me a lot and has also helped me to heal people with fertility issues, provide protection from bad energies, and cleanse women experiencing heavy periods, including smelly discharge,” she says.
Different uses for African potato
“It can be used as a tea, but I prefer it cooked to make imbiza (concoctions), sometimes mixed with other herbs. It should, however, be drunk in moderation, as it can cause unplanned pregnancy and dehydration,” says Sehlolo.
Scientifically known as Hypoxis hemerocallidea, agronomist Bongani Ndhlovu from Johannesburg explains that the African potato is a plant native to South Africa and has a long history of traditional medicinal use in various parts of Africa.
According to him, some common uses of African potatoes include:
- Immune Support: African potato is often used to boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections and diseases. It is believed to have immunomodulatory properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: It is used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism.
- Antioxidant: African potato contains antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-diabetic: Some studies suggest that African potato may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it potentially beneficial for managing diabetes.
- Prostate Health: In traditional African medicine, African potato is often used to support prostate health and alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Anti-cancer: There is some research indicating that certain compounds found in African potatoes may have anti-cancer properties, although more studies are needed to confirm these effects.
- Digestive health: African potato is sometimes used to promote digestive health and relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion and stomach ulcers.
While the African potato has been traditionally used for its various health benefits, he advises that there are some potential drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind, as scientific research on its efficacy and safety is still limited.
How it can be bad for you
“Some individuals may be allergic to African potatoes or their components. The African potato may interact with certain medications, affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Some individuals may experience digestive side effects, so starting with a low dose and monitoring for any adverse reactions is important,” he cautions.
“The quality and purity of African potato products can vary depending on factors such as sourcing, processing, and manufacturing practices. It’s important to choose products from reputable brands that adhere to quality standards and undergo testing for contaminants.”
Overall, he says it’s important to approach their use with caution and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Horticulturist Zandile Mazibuko from Pretoria says in Southern Africa, the African potato grows in seven provinces: Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Free State, and North West.
Water-wise plant
“The African potato is a water-wise plant that thrives in full sun and can stand some frost. Due to the plant’s growing habits, hypoxis can be propagated from seed, bulb, and tissue culture. Seed propagation is a prolonged method (it can take up to a year) compared to corm division or separation, which is more rapid,” explains Mazibuko.
“The seed requires a period of cold treatment in the refrigerator for 8 weeks to break dormancy before sowing. Treatment with fungicides is advised, along with an additional soak in boiling water for the seed before planting. Composted soil will benefit the plant.”
Mazibuko points out that the plant suffers from fungi and pests such as termites, stink bugs, grasshoppers, spotted maize beetles, and American bollworm, which can be controlled by chemical methods (pesticides or fungicides) and also ensure proper sanitary methods while propagating and maintaining the plants surrounding it. This is because the disease will live within the plant, so chemical control can only treat the outer part of the plant.
“The symptoms of the plant being infected are the dieback of plant leaves in the winter. The plant also has occasional visits from porcupines that dig around the plant, exposing it to centipedes that feed on the corm.”
“The plant is not endangered in its natural habitat, but the continuous harvesting methods used by individuals can result in the extinction of the species because the plant takes a long time to set seeds.”
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