| African
Traditional Medicine |
| Here
are just some of the plants that are used in African Traditional
medicine. |
Buchu
(Agathosma betulina) also known as Barosma
betulina or round-leaf buchu
What It Is; Why It Works
The use of herbal remedies, including the herb buchu (Barosma
betulina, round-leaf buchu), classified as Agathosma betulina,
are popular as an alternative to standard Western allopathic
medicine for a variety of problems, including kidney and
bladder infections, prostate problems as well as stomach
aches.
Buchu is also known as Agathosma betulina, and has certain
therapeutic properties and the reported benefits of using
it internally, in the form of a herbal tea (infusion) are
listed below.
A Remedy For
Kidney and bladder infections, prostate problems, problems
with the bladder, colds and flu, stomach aches, fluid retention,
heartburn, inflammation of the colon, rheumatism and inflammation
of the gums. |
Aloe
ferox
What It Is; Why It Works
Aloe ferox
- " The bitter aloe is most famous for its medicinal
qualities. In parts of
Africa, the bitter yellow juice found just below the skin
has been harvested as a renewable resource for two hundred
years.
A Remedy For
The hard, black, resinous product is known as Cape aloes
or aloe lump and is used mainly for its laxative properties
but is also taken for arthritis. "Schwedenbitters"
which is found in many pharmacies contains bitter aloe.
The gel-like flesh from the inside of the leaves is used
in cosmetic products and is reported to have wound healing
properties. |
Rooibos
(Aspalathus linearis)
What It Is; Why It Works
Rooibos is a member of the legume family
of plants and is used to make a tisane (herbal tea).
Studies also show that this tea contains anti-spasmodic
agents, which can relieve stomach cramping and colic in
infants. It is also very high in antioxidants and low In
caffeine.
A Remedy For
Rooibos has been used to treat allergies such as hay fever,
asthma and eczema very effectively. It
is also used to treat irritated skin. Rooibos is brewed
and placed directly on infected areas. Rooibos contains
antioxidants which can help slow the aging process and boost
the immune system.
This tea contains almost no oxalic acid, making it a good
beverage for people prone to kidney stones. Rooibos contains
the following minerals: copper, iron and potassium, calcium,
fluoride, zinc, manganese, alpha- hydroxy ( for healthy
skin) and magnesium (for the nervous system) are also components
of this tea. |
Boswellia
serrata
What It Is; Why It Works
Boswellia has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Recently, the boswellic acids that are a component of the
resin it produces have shown some promise as a treatment
for asthma and various inflammatory conditions
Boswellia Serrata is a tree found in India,
Africa, and the Middle East. Strips of bark are peeled away,
yielding a gummy oleo-resin that contains oils, terpenoids,
and gum. The gum resin from Boswellia has been used extensively
in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety
of conditions.
A Remedy For
Among these conditions are: chronic ulcers, pain, inflammation,
diseased bones, rheumatic and nervous diseases, urinary
tract disorders, skin diseases, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea,
sore nipples, ringworm, jaundice, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia
and hemorrhoids. |
Kola Nut
What It Is; Why It Works
Also known by the names Kola, Cola, Cola Nut, Bissy Nut,
Gooroo Nut, and Guru Nut. This plant is native to Africa,
and is cultivated extensively in the tropics, particularly
in Nigeria, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and South America.
There are 125 species of this plant (all of which are indigenous
to tropical West Africa) where the seeds are chewed to curb
hunger, allay thirst, and enable people to work hard in
hot conditions. Although called a "nut", the part
of this plant consumed is really the inner part of the fleshy
seeds.
A Remedy For
Historical uses of Kola Nut include increasing the capacity
for physical exertion, for enduring fatigue without food,
for stimulating a weak heart, and for treating nervous debility,
weakness, lack of emotion, nervous diarrhea, depression,
despondency, brooding, anxiety, and sea sickness.
Kola has a marked stimulating effect on
the human consciousness. In the short term, it may be used
in nervous debility, in states of weakness Additionally,
it can act as a specific for nervous diarrhea. It will also
aid in states of depression and may, in some people, give
rise to euphoric states. Because of its caffeine content.
The phenolics and anthrocyanin in Kola nut are likely to
provide antioxidant activity.
|
Honeybush
What It Is; Why It Works
Honeybush tea is made as a simple herbal
infusion. It also has a low content of tannins, so it doesn't
make a highly astringent tea, which can be a problem with
some grades of black or green tea or when ordinary tea is
steeped too long.
A Remedy For
The traditional use of the tea for treating cough may be
explained, in part, by its content of pinitol, a modified
sugar. Pinitol is also of interest for apparent blood-sugar
lowering effects and is being considered as a drug for diabetes.
Honeybush also contains flavones, isoflavones, coumestans,
luteolin, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, polyphenols, and xanthones.
These ingredients serve as antioxidants and may help lower
blood lipids. The isoflavones and coumestans are classified
as phytoestrogens, used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms
an application for which honeybush has recently been promoted.
The flavones and isoflavones of honeybush are similar to
those in soy, another leguminous plant, also used in treatment
of menopausal symptoms. Honeybush tea is naturally sweet,
caffeine free and has very little tannin. It is very soothing
and calms the central nervous system, eases constipation.
Like chamomile and rooibos teas, it can also be applied
topically to skin irritations. It is also rich in minerals
such as iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium,
manganese, and sodium. |
Griffonia simplicifolia
What It Is; Why It Works
Griffonia is a woody climbing shrub native to West Africa
and Central Africa. It grows to about 3 m, and bears greenish
flowers followed by black pods.
The seeds of the plant are used as a herbal supplement for
their 5-Hydroxytryptophan content. 5-Hydroxytryptophan may
be extracted from seeds as a supplement which as a serotonin
precursor is beneficial in serotonin deficiency.
A Remedy For
Ongoing research suggests that 5-Hydroxytryptophan may also
be beneficial in mood disorders including mild to moderate
clinical depression and sleeping disorders.
The leaf juice is used as an enema and for the treatment
of kidney ailments. A decoction of the steams and leaves
is also used to stop vomiting, to treat congestion of the
pelvis and as an aphrodisiac. The bark-pulp is applied as
a plaster to soft chancres. Botanical synonyms for the plant
include Schotia simplicifolia. |
Haronga madagascariensis.
What It Is; Why It Works
Used historically as a remedy for dysentery, Haronga is
a small evergreen tree that grows up to 24 feet in height.
It comes from Madagascar and east Africa and is widely distributed
throughout tropical Africa.
A Remedy For
Haronga's leaves and bark are used medicinally. They have
been shown to stimulate digestive juices and kill certain
bacteria. Haronga has exhibited a protective effect on the
liver. It is also good for appetite loss, Indigestion, Liver
and gallbladder problems . |
Devil’s Claw ( Harpagophytum procumbens)
What It Is; Why It Works
South African plant whose name is derived from the fruits
which resemble miniature grappling hooks
Properties: The two active ingredients
in Devil's Claw are Harpagoside and Beta sitosterol which
possess anti-inflammatory properties. The British Herbal
Pharmacopoea recognizes Devil's Claw as having analgesic,
sedative and diuretic properties
A Remedy For
Uses of Devils Claw include anti-inflammatory, pain reliever,
for treating diseases of the liver, kidneys and bladder;
arthritis and rheumatism. Helps to alleviate joint, ligament
and tendon problems and assists in the improvement of vitality
in the joints. Stimulates appetite and aids digestion, promotes
reduction of abnormally high cholesterol and uric-acid blood
levels recommended for treating diabetes, allergies, arteriosclerosis,
lumbago, gastrointestinal disturbances, menstrual difficulties,
neuralgia, headache, menopausal problems, heartburn, nicotine
poisoning, gout and senility. |
Hhypoxis rooperi (African
potato)
What It Is; Why It Works
African Potato has a long history of use
by traditional healers. Recently it has attracted the interest
of the biomedical and ethno botanical community because
of its unusual chemical constituents and their efficacy
in the treatment of immune system disorders.
Researchers have found that the plant sterols and sterolins,
which are found in high concentrations in the African potato,
increase the functioning of T-cells, which control and regulate
the immune system. This increases the body's natural resistance
to disease and helps fight illnesses. Reduction in allergy
symptoms has also been shown. |
African Sausage Tree (Kigelia
pinnata/Africana)
What It Is; Why It Works
Kigelia has a long history of use by rural African communities,
particularly for its medicinal properties.
A Remedy For
Most commonly, traditional healers have used the sausage
tree to treat a wide range of skin ailments, from fungal
infections, boils, psoriasis and eczema, through to the
more serious diseases, such as leprosy, syphilis and skin
cancer. It also has internal applications, including the
treatment of dysentery, ringworm, tapeworm, post-partum
hemorrhaging, malaria, diabetes, pneumonia and toothache.
Recently tests have given validity to the traditional use
of the plant as a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.
Later work also supports the use of kigelia fruit extracts
for treating skin cancer. The sterols are known to help
a range of skin conditions, notably eczema, and the flavonoids
have clear hygroscopic and fungicidal properties. |
Moringa
What It Is; Why It Works
Moringa oleifera is already highly esteemed by people in
the tropics and sub-tropics for the many ways it is used
medicinally by local herbalists. Some of these traditional
uses reflect the nutritional content of the various tree
parts. The following are but some of the ways the tree is
used.
A Remedy For
LEAVES
Juice from leaves is believed to have a stabilizing effect
on blood pressure and is used to treat anxiety. In Senegal,
a infusion of leaf juice is believed to control glucose
levels in cases of diabetes.
Mixed with honey and followed by a drink of coconut milk
2 or 3 times a day, leaves are used as a remedy for diarrhea,
dysentery and colitis (inflammation of the colon).
Leaf juice, sometimes with carrot juice added, used as a
diuretic (to increase urine flow). Eating leaves is recommended
in cases of gonorrhea on account of the diuretic action.
In India and Nicaragua, leaves and young buds are rubbed
on the temple for headache.
In India and the Philippines, a poultice made from fresh
leaves is applied to reduce glandular swelling.
It was reported that Malaysians sometimes applied a leaf
poultice to the abdomen to expel intestinal worms.
Leaf juice is sometimes used as a skin antiseptic.
In India, leaves used to treat fevers, bronchitis, eye and
ear infections, scurvy and catarrh (inflammation of the
mucus membrane).
Leaves are considered to be anthelmintic (able to kill intestinal
worms).
Leaves are used as an irritant and as a purgative.
In Nicaragua, Guatemala and Senegal, leaves are applied
as poultice on sores and skin infections.
In the Philippines, eating leaves is believed to increase
a woman's milk production and is sometimes prescribed for
anemia.
Pods are used in affections of the liver and spleen, and
in treating articular pains (pain in the joints).
ROOTS
The roots are used as a carminative (promotes gas expulsion
from the alimentary canal, against intestinal pain or spasms)
and as a laxative.
Roots are considered useful against intermittent fevers
and are sometimes.
Roots are used to treat epilepsy, nervous debility and hysteria.
In Senegal and India, roots are pounded and mixed with salt
to make a poultice for treating rheumatism and articular
pains. In Senegal, this poultice is also used to relieve
lower back or kidney pain.
In India, Indo-China, Nicaragua and Nigeria, a root poultice
is used to treat inflammations, especially swelling of tissues
in the foot (pedal edema).
A decoction of roots is used to cleanse sores and ulcers.
In India and Indo-China roots are used to treat cases of
scurvy.
Root juice mixed with milk is considered useful against
in hiccoughs, asthma, gout, lumbago, rheumatism, enlarged
spleen or liver, internal and deep-seated inflammations,
and calculous affections. Crushed root mixed with rum has
been used as a liniment on rheumatism.
A snuff made from roots is inhaled to relieve earache and
toothache.
A juice made from a combination of fresh roots, bark and
leaves is inserted into the nostrils to arouse a patient
from coma or stupor.
In Senegal, root and tree bark are used to treat sores and
skin infections.
Bark is regarded as useful in treating scurvy.
In India, stem and root bark are taken as appetizers and
digestives.
In Senegal, a decoction of root bark, roots, leaves and
flowers is used to treat epilepsy, hysteria, and intestinal
spasms.
Stem bark is used to cure eye diseases.
In India, stem and root bark are believed to be aphrodisiacs
and anthelmintic.
Juice from root bark is put into the ear to relieve earaches
and also placed in a toothache cavity as a pain killer.
Bark is used as a treatment for delirious patients.
SEED OIL
In India, seed oil is applied externally to relieve pain
and swelling in case of gout or rheumatism, and to treat
skin diseases.
Oil is used to treat hysteria and scurvy.
Oil is applied to treat prostrate and bladder troubles.
Oil is considered to be a tonic and a purgative.
Some of the above traditional remedies have been supported
by recent laboratory studies. Among these:
Moringa leaf extract has been shown to be effective in lowering
blood sugar levels within a space of 3 hours.
An extract taken from dried leaves showed an impressive
ability to heal ulcers
|
Pelargonium
What It Is; Why It Works
Pelargonium as alternative medicine: South African Flora
is well known for its beauty and biodiversity, and the plant
extract Pelargonium sidoides DC is set to become the ultimate
African cure for coughs, colds and respiratory problems.
A Remedy For
Pelargonium has a long and distinguished pedigree as a traditional
remedy for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and infections
of the respiratory tract including tuberculosis.
Today Pelargonium has gained European
Union acceptance in the treatment of respiratory tract
infections. This means that its efficacy and safety have
been the subject of various clinical trials.
The non-toxicity and negligible side effects of this plant
preparation are further plus points".
|
Dongoyaro (Neem)
What It Is; Why It Works
The following are the most abundant and well studied chemicals
in the Neem Tree, along with their recognised effects:
Nimbin - anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, antihistamine,
anti-fungal
Nimbidin - antibacterial, anti-ulcer, analgesic, anti-arrhythmic,
anti-fungal
Nimbidol - antitubercular, anti-protozoan, anti-pyretic
Gedunin - vasodilator, anti-malarial, anti-fungal
Sodium Nimbinate - diuretic, spermicide, anti-arthritic
Quercetin - anti-protozoal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
antbacterial
Salannin - repellent
Azadirachtin - repellant, anti-feedant, anti-hormonal
Neem is also an ideal natural insect repellent
for adults and children, both in the UK and foreign holiday
destinations.
A Remedy For
Benefits to human health are achieved with topical and
oral administration.
'Skin' is our largest organ. A vast plethora of skin-related
disorders seem responsive to treatment. Neem oil is rich
in long chain fatty acids, the most likely constituents
for producing such an effect.
However, in addition to the active ingredients listed
above, analysis reveals many other vital nutrients: fibre,
carbohydrates, calcium, at least ten essential amino acids
and also carotenoids - the antioxidants currently promoting
speculation for their ability to mop up 'free radicals'
in the body, thereby averting development of cancerous
or pre-cancerous cells. Public interest in non-steroidal
treatments for long term problems such as eczema have
been welcomed, due to side effects such as thinning of
the skin.
The anti-inflammatory action of Nimbin and Nimbidin have
been demonstrated to be equally if not more effective
than standard over-the counter treatments, but without
side-effects.
Research has shown that Neem will boost
the immune system, and also stimulate the production of
T-cells when challenged with infection. Metabolically,
the combination of chemicals in Neem also serves to dampen
or modify imbalances causing diabetes, heart arrhythmia,
digestive ailments and nervous disorders.
|
The baobab
What It Is; Why It Works
The baobab is found in the savannas of African and India,
mostly around the equator. It can grow up to 25 meters tall
and can live for several thousand years. The baobab is leafless
for nine months of the year.
The baobab is found in the savannas of African and India,
mostly around the equator. It can grow up to 25 meters tall
and can live for several thousand years. The baobab is leafless
for nine months of the year. The Baobab tree has large whitish
flowers which open at night. The fruit, which grows up to
a foot long, contains tartaric acid and vitamin C and can
either be sucked, or soaked in water to make a refreshing
drink.
They can also be roasted and ground up to make a coffee-like
drink. The fruit is not the only part of the Baobab that
can be used. The bark is pounded to make rope, mats, baskets,
paper and cloth; the leaves can be boiled and eaten, and
glue can be made from the pollen. The Baobab tree is a very
useful tree. It has many medicinal qualities -- a balm for
any number of ailments. Its bark, leaves, fruit, and trunk
are all used for good purposes. Its wood is even used to
make musical instruments.
The baobab is best-known for its high vitamin C content.
The pulp has levels of vitamin C averaging 300mg/100 g,
nearly 6 times higher than that of an orange. 20 g of an
average baobab fruit would provide the daily vitamin C requirement
for a human. The pulp also has high values for carbohydrates,
calcium, potassium, thiamine and nicotinic acid, with appreciable
quantities of tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate.
The bark, which contains several flavonols, has been sold
commercially in Europe under the name ‘cortex cael
cedra’, as a fever treatment, and substitute for cinchona
bark (Quinine for malaria)
The seed oil is interesting. Described as semi-fluid, golden
yellow and gently scented, it is strongly non-siccative
(non-drying), and has a demonstrably longer shelf-life than
many other oils. Containing almost equal measure of palmitic
acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid (as well as some small
quantities of stearic and cyclopropenoid acids), it is used
in the cosmetics industry. The seedcake, as well as the
shells from the fruit, are a useful stockfeed, being high
in protein, calcium, vitamin B1 and vitamin C.
A Remedy For
Medicinally, it has many applications. The pulp is consumed
to treat fever, diarrhea, malaria, haemoptysis and scorbutic
complaints (vitamin C deficiency). The bark and leaves are
also useful in the treatment of fever, and are reported
to have anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic properties. The
seed is either pulped and applied externally, or drink in
water, to cure gastric, kidney and joint diseases. In the
Kalahari, San bushmen use the seeds as an antidote to Strophanthin,
a common plant-derived arrow poison.
|
African plum tree
(Pygeum Africanum)
A Remedy For
Pygeum africanum is used mainly to relieve the symptoms
of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
— a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system.
Numerous studies have been done to test the effectiveness
of Pygeum africanum for prostate enlargement. In general,
results have been positive.
Pygeum africanum contains a number of different chemicals,
including some known as triterpenes that have mild anti-inflammatory
effects. It also contains fatty acid derivatives, such as
n-docosanol, that may keep cholesterol from building up
in the prostate. In addition, laboratory tests seem to show
that Pygeum africanum may reduce the ability of both prostate
cancer cells and BPH cells to divide into new cells.
In animal studies, Pygeum africanum has increased the amount
and activity of semen, possibly alleviating some causes
of male infertility. Some unconfirmed reports seem to indicate
that it may also be moderately effective in stimulating
hair growth. |
Sceletium tortuosum
What It Is; Why It Works
Sceletium tortuosum is a succulent herb commonly found in
South Africa, which is also known as Kanna, Channa, Kougoed
(Kauwgoed) - which literally means, 'chew(able) things/goodies'
or 'something to chew'. The plant has been used by South
African pastoralists and hunter-gatherers as a mood-altering
substance from prehistoric times. The earliest written records
of the use of the plant date back to 1662.
The traditionally prepared dried sceletium was often chewed
as a quid, and the saliva swallowed, but it has also been
made into gel caps, teas and tinctures. Less commonly, it
has been reported that Sceletium used to be inhaled as a
snuff, or smoked, usually with the addition of other herbs.
In animal studies, Pygeum africanum has increased the amount
and activity of semen, possibly alleviating some causes
of male infertility .
A Remedy For
Sceletium is known to elevate mood and decrease anxiety,
stress and tension. It has also been used as an appetite
suppressant by shepherds walking long distances in arid
areas.
S. tortuosum can cause significant mood-elevation
and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) action. In doses as low as
50 mg users have reported improvements in mood, decreased
anxiety, relaxation and a sense of well-being. At higher
dosages near 100 mg, kanna acts as a calming euphoriant
and empathogen. Users report increased personal insight,
interpersonal ease and a meditative, grounded feeling without
any perceptual dulling. Some have noted enhanced tactile
and sexual response. |
African Ginger
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 jointed branches called races or
hands. The smell of ginger is aromatic and penetrating,
the taste spicy, pungent, hot and biting.
What It Is; Why It Works
African Ginger is 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..
A Remedy For
Ginger has a stimulating effect on the heart and circulation,
creating a feeling of warmth and well-being and restoring
vitality, especially 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 action 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 secretion 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.
Ginger is famous for relieving nausea
and vomiting, from whatever cause. It settles the stomach,
soothes indigestion and calms wind. Its pain-relieving
and relaxing effects in the gut relieve colic and spasm,
abdominal pain, distension and flatulent indigestion and
help to relieve griping caused by diarrhea.
In the uterus it promotes menstruation,
useful for delayed and scanty periods as well as clots.
Ginger relaxes spasm and relieves painful ovulation and
periods, and is recommended to invigorate the reproductive
system. Ginger also inhibits clotting and thins the blood;
it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Because of its
heating properties ginger is not recommended for those
who do not tolerate heat well or those with gastritis
or peptic ulcers.
|
Sutherlandia frutescens (Cancer bush)
What It Is; Why It Works
The cancer bush is a small shrub that can grow between 0,5m
and 1.5m. The six species of the cancer bush are difficult
to tell apart
Sutherlandia frutescens is regarded as the most profound
and multi-purpose of the medicinal plants in Africa. Because
of its efficacy as a safe tonic for diverse health conditions
it has enjoyed a long history of use by all cultures in
Africa.
Sutherlandia powerfully assists the body to mobilise its
own immunological physiological resources to cope with diverse
physical, mental and chemical stressors. It is described
as a supernatural health tonic and immune booster and it
should therefore be more correctly known as an adaptogenic
tonic.
A Remedy For
The indigenous, folk, and contemporary uses of Sutherlandia
include use as a tonic for:
enhancing well-being, immune support, stress, depression
and anxiety, quality-of-life tonic for cancers, HIV/AIDS
and TB, appetite stimulant in wasted patients, but not in
healthy people, Influenza, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, viral
hepatitis, asthma and bronchitis, type 2 diabetes, mild
to moderate hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, peptic ulcer,
gastritis, and reflux oesophagitis, hot flashes and irritability
in menopause.
Urogenital Tract:
Sutherlandia was used to treat urinary tract infections,
including gonorrhoea, and cystitis, particularly what would
nowadays be termed ‘interstitial cystitis’.
This tree is the most valuable of the natural African antimicrobials,
and the bark and leaves have been used to treat yeast, fungal,
bacterial and protozoal infections for centuries.
The other organism that ethnopharmacological screenings
have shown Warburgia to act against is Escherichia coli,
the bacteria responsible for causing cystitis or bladder
infections, which again, can be chronic and difficult to
break from a pattern of repeated outbreaks.
|
Warburgia ( Pepperbark, Isibhaha,
Peperbasboom )
What It Is; Why It Works
The barks unique anti-microbial and anti-fungal activities
have been attributed to its hot tasting compounds known
as sesquiterpenoids such as polygodial.
This makes Warburgia not only excellent for helping treat
bacterial infections such as chest infections (especially
bronchitis) but also kills off the pesky candida albicans
fungi.
These findings would have come as no surprise at all to
traditional African healers who have used this plant to
fight yeast, fungal and bacterial infections for hundreds
of years and this herb is now available here in supplement
form.
Remedy for
Candidiasis syndrome
Oral and oesophageal thrush
Natural antimicrobial particularly for chest infections
Bronchitis Adjunct to allopathic antibiotic treatment
Apthous ulcers
|
Xysmalobium undulatum (Uzara)
A Remedy For
Diarrhea
What It Is; Why It Works
Uzara combats diarrhea by slowing the movement of the bowels.
In high dosages, its active ingredient uzarone acts like
digitalis, strengthening heart contractions and steadying
the heartbeat.
Uzara is native to South Africa, where it is a traditional
remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. It is also used for afterbirth
cramps, dysentery, stomach cramps, colic, edema, headaches,
indigestion, and dysmenorrhea. Externally, Uzara root can
be used in a poultice for treating sores and wounds.
|
|
|
|
