African Plants Used in Medicine

pic genus Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) Introduction For hundreds of years the Zulu, Basuto, Xhosa and Mfengi cultures have utilizePelargonium sidoidesas a curative for coughs, upper respiratory tract irritations and gastrointestinal concerns. Today, with the advantages of modern scholarship and clinical research, we are able to better understand what makes this tralatitious unbosom work so effectively.Pelargonium sidoides has been successfully ingestiond for the treat handst of Respiratory infections exchangeable bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia, tonsillitis and rhinopharyngitis It is often used as an alternative to antibiotics Acute and chronic ear, prod and throat infections Rapid improvement in the symptoms associated with colds and flu Analgesic (absence of pain) effect Pelargonium sidoides is also rich inphotochemical, vitamins, minerals and amino acidsthat enhance the ashess functioning and protects it against diseases.Treatment withPelargonium sidoidesr apidly improves the typical symptoms 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 ginzo the demonstrate is regarded as mucilaginous and tonic to heart and stomach. The seed is redolent and has a musk-like odour used in perfumery under the nameAmbretta. In South America and West Indies, the seed is a snakebite remedy. The interchange gives a very fair zone of inhibition, when tested for its antibacterial effect. The peruse ofHibiscus sp. s used by the Xhosa as a dressing for septic wounds and is verbalize to contain Mucilage. In the East Indies and Senegal the seed has been used as a remedy for eye diseases and dysentery. The seed oil 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 hibis cetin. The Swati use a decoction of the go down and flower in pneumonia. A hydrochloric acid extract of the leaf and stem 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 full treatment as a colic remedy.The Southern Sotho, also use theHibiscus malacospermus E. Mey ex Harv. as a remedy for headaches and opposite ailments. The root ofHibiscus pusillus Thumb. is used by the Zulu as an emetic in the treatment of bad dreams and by men as stir up 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 injection into the urethra and vagina for gonorrhoea and other inflammations. pic African spice up Siphonochilu s aethiopicus selected chemotype IntroductionThis rare southernAfrican plant, is an ancient traditional herb regarded as Africas best 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 Other dear uses spice up is an subtle remedy for digestive complaints (indigestion, nausea, gas, colic and congestion) spices antiseptic qualities make it highly beneficial for gastro-intestinal infections Circulatory stimulant stimulates the circulation making it an important remedy for chilblains and paltry 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 flimsy the blood as well as to lower cholesterol Ginger is useful as a supplement for heartburn & halitosis (bad br eath) 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 with the skin, and through increased kidney filtration Ginger relieves motion disease 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, piano 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 smelling(p) 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 large 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 Northern Province and has induce extinct in Kwa Zulu Natal. Ginger has a stimulating effect on the heart and circulation, creating a spirit 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 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 supporting 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. ALOE VERA pic pic aloe was used locally to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative. Today, in a ddition to these uses, aloe is used as a folk or traditional remedy for a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. It is also used topically for osteoarthritis, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis.