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South African Healing Herbs

​South Africa's rich biodiversity includes numerous medicinal plants utilized in traditional healing practices by various communities, including the Zulu and San (Bushmen) peoples. Below is an expanded list of notable medicinal plants, incorporating previously mentioned species and additional ones, along with their common names, botanical names, and traditional medicinal uses:​

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  • African Wormwood (Artemisia afra) "Wildeals" in Afrikaans and "Umhlonyane" in Zulu, this plant is traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments such as colds, coughs, and asthma. It's also employed for fever, headaches, and intestinal worms. ​

  • Bitter Berry - Chironia baccifera - Used to treat digestive disorders and as a mild laxative; also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Bitterbush - Xanthium strumarium - Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects; often used to treat minor wounds and digestive issues.

  • Buchu - Agathosma betulina - A diuretic and anti-inflammatory herb, traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and as an antiseptic.

  • Bush Daisy - Osteospermum fruticosum - Used in traditional medicine for treating wounds and skin irritations; also thought to relieve headaches.

  • Bushman’s Tea - Pteronia incana - Known for its calming effects, often used in herbal teas to relieve stress and anxiety.

  • Bushman’s Wort - Gethyllis sp. - Used for its soothing effects and calming properties, particularly for nervous conditions.

  • Cape Aloe - Aloe ferox - Known for its healing properties, especially for skin conditions, and has a laxative effect when used internally.

  • Cape Chamomile - Eriocephalus punctulatus - Used for its calming properties, particularly in aiding sleep and digestion.

  • Candelabra Protea - Protea nitida - Used for its astringent properties and to treat inflammation in traditional medicine.

  • Caper Bush - Phyllanthus debilis - An anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb, used for treating digestive issues and enhancing overall well-being.

  • Chili Bush - Capsicum frutescens - Used for its ability to stimulate circulation, aid digestion, and relieve pain through its capsaicin content.

  • Citrus Myrtle - Corymbia citriodora - Known for its antibacterial and calming properties, used to treat respiratory problems and digestive issues.

  • Elephant’s Ear - Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis - Used for digestive and respiratory ailments; has mild antiseptic properties.

  • Featherbush - Seriphium plumosum - Used in traditional medicine for pain relief and its anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Fynbos Geranium - Pelargonium cordifolium - Used to treat headaches, digestive issues, and is known for its antimicrobial effects.

  • Fireball - Leucospermum cordifolium - Known for its anti-inflammatory effects and used in traditional remedies for pain relief.

  • Kruidjie-roe-ma-nie (Melianthus) - Melianthus comosus - Known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, traditionally used for respiratory conditions like coughs and chest infections. plant's leaves are used in poultices and decoctions to treat septic wounds, sores, ulcers, and rheumatic joints. It's also used for backache and as a traditional remedy for snakebites. ​

  • Klipdagga - Leonotis nepetifolia - Known for its calming and sedative properties; used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

  • Leonotis leonurus (Wild Dagga) - Leonotis leonurus - Has mild narcotic effects; used as a natural remedy for calming the nervous system and treating respiratory issues.

  • Long-leafed Metarungia - Metarungia - Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, used for treating wounds and digestive complaints.

  • Long-leaved Kleinia - Kleinia longifolia - Used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and often applied in treating skin infections.

  • Mountain Sage - Salvia africana-lutea

  • Known for its soothing effects, particularly in treating sore throats, digestive issues, and respiratory conditions.

  • Pepper Bush - Berzelia abrotanoides - Known for its antimicrobial properties, often used to treat respiratory infections and digestive disorders.

  • Pineapple Weed - Matricaria discoidea - Used to treat digestive problems, relieve stress, and promote relaxation; it also has mild sedative effects.

  • Protea repens (Sugarbush) - Protea repens - Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, often used in traditional medicine to treat wounds and promote healing.

  • Ruschia (Vygie) - Ruschia spp. - Used in traditional medicine for treating burns and skin irritations, and known for its antioxidant properties

  • Spearleaf - Asparagus capensis - Known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, used to treat respiratory ailments and digestive issues.

  • Sugarbush - Protea repens - Has antimicrobial properties and is traditionally used in treating wounds and improving circulation.  Birds feed off the sugar.

  • Wild Dagga - Leonotis leonurus - Known for its calming effects, it is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and respiratory issues.

  • Wild Rosemary - Eriocephalus africanus - Used as a mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and to improve digestive health.

  • Willow Leaf - Leucadendron salignum - Used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, especially in the treatment of wounds and infections.

  • White Ironwood - Sideroxylon inerme - Known for its astringent properties, it is used to treat diarrhea, skin conditions, and mild infections.

  • White Mimetes - Mimetes fimbriifolius - Used for its stimulant and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in treating pain and respiratory issues.

  • Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) - Traditionally used to enhance the immune system and alleviate symptoms of cancer and other chronic diseases. ​Is an adaptogen.

  • Cape Ash (Ekebergia capensis) - Employed in treating stomach ailments and as a purgative. ​

       Cotyledon orbiculata Pig’s Ear, Koperblaar, Imphewula (Zulu) Cotyledon orbiculata.  Wound healing: Fresh leaf juice i          applied topically to cuts, boils, and warts. Earache: Warmed leaf juice is dropped into the ear to relieve earache.                 Used traditionally as a deworming remedy.  Epilepsy: Some indigenous traditions use it to treat epilepsy, often under         guidance of a traditional healer. Warts, veruccas.        Crushed leaves are applied to painful joints or inflamed areas.

  • Curry Bush (Helichrysum italicum) - Also known as "Curry Plant," its flowers and leaves are traditionally used to treat allergies, colds, coughs, skin, liver, and gallbladder disorders. ​

       Khat (Catha edulis) - Also known as "Bushman's Tea," the leaves are chewed or brewed to stimulate wakefulness,               suppress hunger, and induce a state of euphoria. 

  • Lippia (Lippia javanica) - Used to treat colds, coughs, bronchitis, and as an insect repellent. ​

  • Milkweed (Gomphocarpus fruticosus) - Traditionally used to treat headaches and as a purgative. ​

  • Pelargonium (Pelargonium sidoides) - Employed in the treatment of respiratory infections like bronchitis and sinusitis. ​

  • Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) - Consumed as a tea for its antioxidant properties and to alleviate digestive issues. ​

  • Sceletium tortuosum - Kanna, Channa, Kougoed - Uses: Traditionally chewed, smoked, or made into a tea by the Khoi and San people. Used to relieve anxiety, depression, stress, and tension. Acts as a natural mood booster, helping with low mood and emotional balance. Some modern studies suggest it works as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), similar in action to some antidepressants.Also used to improve mental focus and reduce social anxiety.

  • Sour Fig (Carpobrotus edulis) - Applied to wounds and burns for its antiseptic properties; also used to treat sore throats and mouth infections. ​

  • Stinkwood (Ocotea bullata) - Traditionally used for headaches, urinary tract infections, and as a diuretic. ​T

  • Tumeric Root (Curcuma longa) (not indigenous) - Used for its anti-inflammatory properties and to aid digestion.​W

  • Wild Dagga (Leonotis leonurus) - Employed to treat coughs, colds, high blood pressure, and as a mild sedative. ​

  • Wild Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) - Used for its antimicrobial properties and to treat coughs, colds, and sinus infections ​

  • Wild Ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus) - Traditionally used for colds, flu, asthma, and headaches. ​Y

  • Ysterhout (Olea capensis) - Utilized for its antimicrobial properties and in treating respiratory ailments.

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