|
South African Herbal Remedies
Health Directory - Alternative Medicine Center
With the consciousness shift towards more natural ways of living, more and more people are turning to herbal remedies for medical solace. Our very own South African soils are host to many effective and very powerful herbal remedies, which can be used to treat a variety of symptoms and illnesses. Jean-Franciois Sobiecki, a homegrown ethnobotanist and medicinal plant researcher, believes that as South Africans, we should be using more of our home-grown South African herbal remedies. According to Sobieki, the rationale of using local plants is that there has been a long co-evolution of tens of thousands of years, between the plants and the indigenous people of southern Africa. Investing in African remedies also helps foster local business and product development. Sobiecki believes that we should use our own rich and under-utilised medicinal plant flora for developing our burgeoning natural medicines industry.
One of South Africa’s oldest and most renowned Sangomas, Dr. Credo Mutwa, who also believes that South African herbal remedies are under-utilised as drug-alternatives and are often exploited by pharmaceutical companies here and abroad, who often know little of their correct use.
Here are some of South Africa’s finest herbal remedies to add to your medicine chest.
Aloe ferox
The bitter yellow juice of the Aloe ferox plant has been harvested as a renewable resource for over two hundred years and had documented use by the Khoi San people.
The Research. Over 200 worldwide scientific research papers have been published on the anti-septic and anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera. Aloe vera is often marketed as a health drink to sooth digestive complaints, from peptic ulcers to colitis and constipation. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry (2007) concluded that aloe compounds might show promise in helping to alleviate symptoms associated with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegeneration, HIV and diabetes.
The recommendation. Aloe vera gel is widely available and can be used as a topical soothing moisturiser and to heal wounds or burns, including sunburn. Aloe vera juice can be taken internally to help with all sorts of digestive problems, however caution should be used in diarrheal conditions as it can have a laxative effect. For anti-inflammatory and disease conditions use aloe vera juice or concentrated aloe extract in capsule form.
Sutherlandia fructescens
This beautiful flowering plant has long been known and used as a medicinal plant in southern Africa. The Khoi San and Nama people used it mainly as a strong boiled tea for the washing of wounds and took it internally to bring down fevers. Today it is showing promise in the treatment of cancer and HIV.
The research. Scientific investigation of the chemistry of the plant has shown it to contain the amino acid L-canavanine, which has anticancer, and antiviral activities. In vitro studies have shown a reputable anti-HIV and anti-tumour effect using Sutherlandia, but human trials are still inconclusive. Sobiecki comments that Sutherlandia dramatically improves the appetite and it is known that wasted AIDS patients start to gain weight, and feel improved vitality and well being.
The recommendation. According to Sobiecki, “Long term use of canavanine has been argued to induce auto-immune disorders, and therefore Sutherlandia should only be used to treat disease states such as cancer and HIV or periodically for flu’s, and not continually”. Sutherlandia dramatically improves the appetite and it is known that wasted AIDS patients start to gain weight, and feel improved vitality and well being, says Sobiecki.
Pelargonium sidoides
The tuberous roots of this plant known as ishaqa in Zulu has had a long tradition of use as a medicine, especially for diarrhea and dysentery. The Nama people used to boil the tuber in milk and take it in this form as a medicine.
The Research. The active ingredients in Pelargonium (tannins and umckalin) are responsible for most of its effects as a cough remedy. One large randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial (published in Phytomedicine 2003) was conducted on 468 adults with acute bronchitis who were given either pelargonium or a placebo for 7 days. Within the first four days, onset of treatment effect was recognized in 53.6% of patients under pelargonium compared to 36.2% of patients under placebo. No serious adverse side effects were reported.
The recommendation. Pelargonium extract is available through Bioharmony as a tincture. It is also marketed as Linctagon, which is available at most pharmacies. It is by no means a replacement for antibiotics, which may be indicated in more severe cases.
Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos)
Red tea (more affectionately known to South Africans’ as Rooibos tea) originates from the leaves and stems of the indigenous plant Aspalathus linearis, which are then fermented to form rooibos tea. It grows from the red bush trees on the slopes of the Cedarburg Mountains and found nowhere else in the world. Rooibos is a completely indigenous South African herbal remedy. Rooibos was first recognised for its ability to ease stomach cramps and is an age-old remedy for infant colic.
The research. The anti-tumour flavonoids in Rooibos have been identified as quercetin and luteolin in in vitro studies. A 2006 study published in European Journal of Nutrition, concluded that there was a sound basis for the wide medicinal use of Rooibos. Their study focused on the possible effects of Rooibos to lower blood pressure, as well as its possible use as a bronchodilator and antispasmodic. The researchers worked on tissue preparations as well as animal models. In another research article, published in November 2006, the same researchers reported on the use of Rooibos to relieve abdominal spasms and diarrhea.
The recommendations. Rooibos tea is caffeine and tannin free and is therefore completely safe for human consumptions. Even infants can benefit from Rooibos for colic and irritability. It can be consumed regularly as a health beverage.
Sceletium tortosum (Kanna)
The Hottentots used Sceletium as sacramental sedative and mood enhancer for hundreds of years. Today it is used mostly as an anti-depressant.
The research. Sceletium contains a mood enhancing alkaloid called mesembrine. Research sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States concluded that mesembrine acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and thereby exhibits anti-depressant effects. According to Dr Mutwa, “Sceletium has the power to reduce cravings for drugs or alcohol in addicts”.
The recommendation. Sceletium can be used as an alternative to conventional drugs or St. Johns wort in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Sceletium should never be combined with an SSRI, MAOI, or other psychiatric medications, cardiac medications or any other medications.
Siphonochilus aethiopicus (Wild Ginger)
Wild ginger root has a long tradition in southern Africa in treating infections and has even been used in divination ceremonies. This plant has so many uses that it has been over-utilised and “is in need of some serious conservation measures” explains Sobieki.
The research. There are numerous studies and anecdotal reports that point towards gingers anti-septic effects. A 2007 review article published in American Family Physician confirmed gingers use as an anti-nausea remedy, especially for pregnancy induced morning sickness.
The recommendation. Ginger tea or grated fresh ginger seeped in hot water is the best way to enjoy its benefits. It can be safely used in pregnancy to treat morning sickness and can be used as an adjunctive therapy for colds, influenza and upper respiratory tract infections.
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw)
Devil’s Claw has been used as a pain remedy by the Khoi San people and is today used specifically to treat arthritic pain.
The research. One review study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine in 2006 of studies from 1966 and concluded that data from the higher quality studies suggest that Devil's Claw appeared effective in the reduction of the main clinical symptom of pain. The safety issues were assessed as minimal compared to that of conventional NSAID medications.
The recommendation. Devil’s Claw can be used as an alternative and complimentary medicine for the treatment arthritic pain.
Hoodia gordonii
The Khoi San people used to use this cactus like plant to ward off hunger during times of scarcity. It has been marketed, and somewhat exploited, as an appetite suppressant and weight loss aid.
The research. Studies conducted at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR, South Africa) identified extracts from Hoodia species, as possessing appetite-suppressing properties. Results from human studies on the effects on weight loss are limited and inconclusive.
The recommendation. For people on weight loss programmes, Hoodia can be taken to help curb the appetite. It should be used in conjunction with a kilojoule controlled, balanced diet.
Author: #mce_temp_url#
* A copy of the article appeared in Business Day Health News
