African wormwood or artemisia afra – known in Mzansi as umhlonyane or wildeals – is a traditional plant that has been widely used to treat a range of flu-related conditions, such as colds and coughs. The plant became quite popular in South Africa during the Covid-19 outbreak to treat the symptoms of the coronavirus.
Since its popularity, even now, a majority of people still depend on it to beat the flu, and most have swapped it for Western medicine, putting their faith in trusted natural health remedies again.
Dr Bonile Jack-Pama, the executive chairman of Xhayimpi Traditional and Spiritual Healing Institute, Westonaria, has been practising as a traditional healer for 16 years and says that umhlonyane is cooked in water and consumed as a tea. It’s been mainly used to heal pulmonary ailments, viz. cough, chest pains, flu, fevers, and diabetes, by African people for ages with no side effects.
Unpleasant, yet effective
Without knowing about it for years, Sakhile Mahlobo from Mpumalanga started consuming umhlonyane due to its popularity during the coronavirus outbreak. He says it has been nothing but good for his health, even though it does not have the best of tastes.
“Finding out about umhlonyane during Covid-19 was a game changer; we consumed it a lot at res. Although I cannot prove that it helped or that I was never going to have Covid-19 at all, personally, I do believe it did because I never had Covid-19, which was the main reason I was consuming it. Even minor cases of flu do not bother me if I drink umhlonyane. It truly boosts one’s system and fights against a lot of flu-like symptoms,” he says.
Precious Mhlongo from Pretoria, who started consuming umhlonyane in 2016, says her grandmother planted the leaves at home, so it has been long known to her community and culture.
“Umhlonyane has helped me in many ways. My grandmother makes it for me, mixes it with guava leaves, and boils them together. After a maximum of two days of drinking that mixture, I always feel completely fine. Because of it, I no longer get the flu every now and then, and it has also improved my urinary system with absolutely no side effects,” she says.
How much can you drink?
“Umhlonyane can be mixed with most foods and beverages to enhance their healing properties,” explains Jack-Pama.
“It is a wonderful plant that can be mixed with others, like eucalyptus, and consumed as a tea. There are no known side effects from using umhlonyane according to the recommended dosage, which is half a cup (about 150 ml) three times per day until the condition subsides. It is however not advisable to use it when pregnant or breastfeeding. One should also check with a doctor before using it,” he says.
Treating malaria, headaches, intestinal worms, and boosting appetite can be among the other reasons to drink the herb, recommends Jack-Pama.
Powerful properties and side effects
Mpumalanga-based medical and traditional doctor, Dr Talian Mkhonto, says, “Umhlonyane has been found to have antimicrobial properties, which means it may be effective against certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
“Umhlonyane may also have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. It has also been traditionally used to treat digestive disorders such as diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach ulcers,” he explains.
Despite its potential benefits, allergic reactions, stomach upsets, interactions with medication, and toxicity due to high dosage levels are some of the potential side effects that Mkhonto mentions. He cautions that umhlonyane should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“As with any herbal supplement, it is important to also talk to your healthcare provider before using umhlonyane to determine if it is safe for you and to discuss potential interactions with any medications you are taking,” advises Mkhonto.
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