African Plants Used in Medicine

pic Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) Introduction For hundreds of years the Zulu, Basuto, Xhosa and Mfengi cultures have hiredPelargonium sidoidesas a curative for coughs, upper respiratory tract irritations and gastrointestinal concerns. Today, with the advantages of modern science and clinical research, we are able to better understand what makes this traditional mend work so effectively.Pelargonium sidoides has been successfully used for the discourse of Respiratory infections like bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia, tonsillitis and rhinopharyngitis It is often used as an alternative to antibiotics Acute and chronic ear, nose and throat infections Rapid improvement in the symptoms associated with colds and flu analgesic (absence of pain) effects Pelargonium sidoides is also rich inphotochemical, vitamins, minerals and amino corrosivesthat enhance the bodys functioning and protects it against diseases.Treatment withPelargonium sidoidesrapidly improves the typical sym ptoms associated with infections such as cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue and weakness. pic Hibiscus sp. Introduction Recorded Medicinal uses The Shangaan use theHibiscus sp. leaves in the form of tea for the treatment of hypertension, profuse menstruation and PMS. In Guinea the seed down is regarded as mucilaginous and tonic to heart and stomach. The seed is aromatic and has a musk-like odour used in perfumery under the nameAmbretta. In South the States and West Indies, the seed is a snakebite remedy. The leaf gives a very fair zone of inhibition, when tested for its antibacterial effect. The leaf ofHibiscus sp. s used by the Xhosa as a dressing for septic wounds and is said to contain Mucilage. In the East Indies and Senegal the seed has been used as a remedy for eye diseases and dysentery. The seed cover contains 55. 9% of stearic acid, 9. 1% of palmitic, 32. 6% of oleic and 2. 4% of linoleic. The flower yields a pigment canna hibiscetin. The Swati use a decoction of the root and flower in pneumonia. A hydrochloric acid extract of the leaf and straw has given positive alkaloid tests. A small piece of the root ofHibiscus malacospermus Harv. is chewed by the Europeans in Lydenburg (South Africa) to relieve heartburn. The Southern Sotho use the plant as a colic remedy.The Southern Sotho, also use theHibiscus malacospermus E. Mey ex Harv. as a remedy for headaches and other ailments. The root ofHibiscus pusillus Thumb. is used by the Zulu as an emetic in the treatment of bad dreams and by men as part of the preparation for courting. The Zulu use a lotion of the leaf and stem ofHibiscus surattensis L. for the treatment of penile irritation of any sort, including venereal sores and urethritis. It is sometimes applied as an ointment for the same purposes. An infusion is also used as an dig into the urethra and vagina for gonorrhoea and other inflammations. pic African gingery Siphonochilus aethiopicus elite chemotype IntroductionThis rare southernAfrican pl ant, is an ancient traditional herb regarded as Africas take up natural anti-inflammatory remedy, and it has many other uses Headaches Influenza Mild asthma Sinusitis and throat infections PMS, Menstrual cramps Candida albicans, trush Mild sedative Mood swings and hysteria Colds, flu & coughs former(a) beneficial uses Ginger is an excellent remedy for digestive complaints (indigestion, nausea, gas, colic and congestion) Gingers antiseptic qualities make it highly beneficial for gastro-intestinal infections Circulatory stimulant stimulates the circulation making it an important remedy for chilblains and poor circulation.By improving the circulation, ginger helps reducing high blood pressure Ginger also increases sweating and helps reduce body temperature in fevers Ginger helps to thin the blood as well as to lower cholesterol Ginger is useful as a supplement for heartburn & halitosis (bad breath) This herb is know to relieve vomiting and to sooth the stomach and spleen in the process Ginger is a warm vascular stimulant and body cleanser.It encourages the removal of toxins through the skin, and through increased kidney filtration Ginger relieves motion sickness and morning sickness General Information This herb has a long history of use in African traditional medicine for a range of conditions including headaches, Influenza, mild asthma, sinusitis, throat infections, thrush, candida, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps. The root or rhizome is the part used, and comes to market in fit branches called races or hands. The smell of ginger is aromatic and penetrating, the taste spicy, pungent, hot and biting. African Gingeris a deciduous plant with large, hairless leaves, developing annually from a small, distinctive cone-shaped rhizome.The spectacular flowers appear at ground level in early summer. Because of its medicinal uses it has been over-harvested and has a restricted distribution in Mpumalanga and the Union Province an d has become extinct in Kwa Zulu Natal. Ginger has a stimulating effect on the heart and circulation, creating a feeling of warmth and well-being and restoring vitality, specially for those feeling the cold in winter. Hot ginger tea promotes perspiration, brings down a fever and helps to clear catarrh. Ginger has a stimulating and expectorant operation in the lungs, expelling phlegm and relieving catarrhal coughs and chest infections. Ginger is a wonderful aid to digestion.It invigorates the stomach and intestines, stimulating the appetite and enhancing digestion by encouraging secernment of digestive enzymes. It moves stagnation of food and subsequent accumulation of toxins, which has a far-reaching effect throughout the body, increasing general health, vitality and enhancing immunity. ALOE VERA pic pic aloe was used topically to heal wounds and for diverse skin conditions, and orally as a laxative. Today, in addition to these uses, aloe is used as a folk or traditional remedy for a contour of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. It is also used topically for osteoarthritis, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis.