Medicinal plant species
African Traditional Medicine Day is celebrated annually on 31 August. On this day, we recognise the important role traditional medicine plays in contributing to improved and more accessible healthcare in Africa.
Plants are valued worldwide for their impressive medicinal properties and are frequently used in traditional medicine. In South Africa, there are many species which have been reported to provide great healing and health benefits. We have highlighted some of the popular medicinal species along the Garden Route below. For each species, the scientific name and the common names are provided. The language of the common names provided is abbreviated as follows:
Afrikaans: (A)
English: (E)
Sotho: (SO)
Swati: (SW)
Tsonga: (TS)
Venda: (V)
Xhosa: (X)
Zulu: (Z)
Protected species with traditional medicinal uses
Protected species are often valued for their medicinal properties and are part of many cultures throughout South Africa. It is important, however, to note that the use of these species and products from them is restricted given their protected status. Some key protected species with medicinal properties include:
1. Sideroxylon inerme
White milkwood (E); witmelkhout (A); umQwashu (X); aMasethole (Z)
The bark and roots are traditionally used to treat fevers and aid in the healing of broken bones. White milkwood is also used to treat gall sickness in stock.
2. Pittosporum viridiflorum
Cheesewood (E); Kasuur (A); Umfusamvu (Z); Nkasur (TS); Umgqwengqwe (X)
Decoctions or infusions from the bark are used to help ease pain, and treat stomach aches and abdominal pain or fevers. The root or bark can be dried and powdered to be used as an aphrodisiac.
3. Curtisia dentata
Assegai (E); assegaai (A); umGxina (X); uMagunda (Z); iliNcayi (SW); musangwe (V)
Bark from the assegai tree is used to treat stomach ailments and diarrhoea. It is also traditionally used as a blood purifier and aphrodisiac.
Indigenous species with traditional medicinal uses
South Africa has a wide diversity of flora, which may be used to treat a range of ailments and conditions. Some of the well-known medicinal plant species include:
Shrub
1. Lessertia frutescens
Cancer bush (E); kankerbos (A); umnwele (X and Z)
This plant has received a great deal of attention, and research into its medicinal properties is ongoing. This species was first used by the Khoi and San to clean wounds and treat fevers. Conditions that it has been reportedly used to treat include:
- Respiratory diseases: colds, flu, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and Tuberculosis (TB).
- Digestive issues: stomach problems, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcer, and oesophagitis.
- Chronic diseases: diabetes, haemorrhoids,varicose veins, rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis, cancer, kidney and liver conditions, and heart failure.
- Infections: chicken pox and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Symptoms associated with various illnesses: fever, poor appetite, and inflammation.
- Stress, anxiety, irritability, and depression.
- Women’s health conditions: amenorrhoea, prolapse of the uterus, post-partum pain, removal of retained blood and urinary repair after childbirth. This is not used during pregnancy.
There is no scientific evidence that cancer bush alone can cure chronic illnesses such as cancer. However, it appears to help improve the quality of life of patients with terminal illnesses. This plant supports the body as it fights the illness, boosting patients’ immune systems, and improving appetite and energy levels. It is reported to decrease anxiety and elevate mood.
2. Tecomaria capensis
Cape honeysuckle (E); Kaapse kanferfoelie (A); icakatha (X); imunyane (Z)
The bark of this plant is powdered and can be used to help relieve pain and induce sleepiness. It is also reported to help reduce fevers, treat chest problems, stomach pains and bleeding gums. The bark and leaves are used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and gastro-enteritis.
3. Protea repens
Common sugarbush (E); suikerbos (A); Isiquane (X)
Nectar is taken from these flowers and strained and boiled until it forms a syrup (bossiestroop). This was traditionally used medicinally in cough syrups.
4. Carissa bispinosa
Forest num-num (E); bosnoemnoem (A); isibethankunzi (Z); Beta-umtumzi (X)
The root of this plant is used to treat toothache.
5. Leonotis leonurus
Wild dagga or lion’s ear (E); wildedagga (A); imvovo (X); imunyane (Z)
Leaves are used to treat high blood pressure and respiratory ailments such as colds, flu, coughs, bronchitis and asthma. Smoking these leaves has also been reported to help treat epilepsy. Flowers, stems and leaves may be used to treat headaches and promote menstruation in patients with amenorrhoea. Traditional remedies for snakebites are also created from the leaves and roots, and an infusion is used to treat tapeworm. Adding twigs to a bath can help soothe itchy skin and relieve muscle cramps. Caution is advised when using this species for medicinal purposes, especially in high doses.
6. Pseudodictamnus africanus
Cat herb (E); kattekruie (A)
This species has been used historically in the Cape to treat ailments such as fever and measles. It is also used to treat headaches and joint pain, with the plant sometimes tied onto the affected area. Traditionally, leaves were used as a tea to help treat respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, flu, asthma, sore throats, and bronchitis. This tea was also used to help relieve symptoms of colic, typhoid fever, and hysteria. This plant is also used to create a brandy tincture, which is still popular today, to treat haemorrhoids and prevent a variety of other ailments.
Tree
7. Erythrina afra
Coast coral tree (E); kuskoraalboom (A); umsinsi (Z); umsintsi (X)
The bark is used to treat wounds, sores, abscesses, arthritis and toothache. It is also powdered and burnt to treat open wounds. Infusions of the leaves are used as eardrops to treat earache and decoctions of the roots are used for sprains. Coral trees produce a poison with a paralyzing effect, which can be used to relax muscles and treat nervous diseases. Caution should be taken when using these plants as they are highly toxic.
8. Zanthoxylum capense
Small knobwood (E); kleinperdepram (A); umlungumabele (X); umnungamabele (Z); monokwane (SO); khunugumorupa (TS)
The bark and powdered root may be used to treat toothache, and infusions are used as mouthwash. The small knobwood has also been traditionally used to treat fever, stomachache or snakebites and relieve flatulence.
Succulent
9. Aloe ferox
Cape aloe or bitter aloe (E); bitteraalwyn (A); Umhlaba (X and Z); iKhala (X)
This plant is well-known for its medicinal properties and many health benefits. It is used commercially for medicines and cosmetics. The juice from the leaves is concentrated through boiling to form Cape aloe which is used as a laxative. This Cape aloe is powdered and mixed with vaseline, and applied topically to treat herpes and shingles. The gel and juices extracted from the leaves are applied onto open wounds, sores, burns or ulcers to help healing. It is also used to treat acute sunburn.
10. Aloe arborescens
Krantz aloe (E); kransaalwyn (A;) ikalene (X); inkalane (Z)
Similar to Aloe ferox, the krantz aloe leaves and gel extracted from them is used to treat burns and wounds. These extractions from the leaves are recognized for their anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antibacterial properties (among others). It is also reported to be used as a general health tonic to prevent getting sick.
11. Carpobrotus edulis
Sour fig (E); Suurvy or vygie (A); umgongozi (Z)
The leaves are astringent and the juices can be gargled to treat throat and mouth infections. The leaf juices are also used as a lotion to soothe skin conditions such as abrasions, bruises, burns, sunburns, ringworm, tick or mosquito bites, eczema, nappy rash, cold sores, and chafing. The crushed leaves are useful for soothing blue-bottle stings, acting as a natural first-aid kit in coastal areas. The fresh leaf juice can be used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and stomach cramps.
12. Bulbine frutescens
Stalked bulbine (E); kopieva (A); Ibhucu (Z)
The gel can be extracted from the leaves and applied to treat wounds, cuts or abrasions or burns. It is also used to treat skin conditions such as rashes, boils, blisters, acne, cold sores and mouth ulcers. The gel is also used to moisturize cracked lips or skin. Infusions are made from the fresh leaves to treat coughs, colds and arthritis.
Bulb
13. Zantedeschia aethiopica
Arum lily (E); wit varkoor (A); intebe (X); ihlukwe (Z)
The lily leaves are traditionally used as a poultice, and are heated and applied to cover wounds, sores or boils.
14. Agapanthus africanus
Agapanthus (E); Bloulelie (A); Ubani (Z); leta-la-phofu (SO)
A decoction of the rhizome and root are used as antenatal medicine, as they are mildly laxative and uterotonic. Agapanthus is also reported to help the kidney function.
Parasitic
15. Viscum capense
Cape mistletoe (E); Voëlent (A)
The stems are used to make a herbal tonic, which is drunk as a tea to support health. The stems have also been powdered or taken as a decoction to treat epilepsy and asthma. In the Transkei, it is reportedly used to treat hysteria.
Wide spread species with traditional medicinal uses
Species have not only been used in South Africa as sources of traditional medicine. Plants have historically been valued for their medicinal properties throughout Africa and globally. Some examples of species that are used medicinally across multiple countries include:
1. Gomphocarpus fruticosus
Milkweed (E); melkbos (A); Lebegane (SO); Umsinga-lwesalukazi (Z)
The leaves are powdered and used as a snuff which is a sedative that can be used to treat headaches. The milkweed roots have also been used to relieve abdominal pain and body aches.
2. Typha capensis
Bulrush ( E); papkuil (A); ibhuma (Z); ingcongolo (X); motsitla (SO)
The rhizome of this plant is widely used in traditional medicines. Root infusions are used to treat sexually transmitted infections, dysentery, diarrhoea, and kidney or bladder conditions. Bulrush is also used to help women in childbirth, ensuring an easy delivery, expulsion of placenta and strengthening contractions. The rhizomes are also used to create sexual tonics to promote fertility, potency and libido.
3. Artemisia afra
African wormwood (E); wildeals (A); umhlonyane (X); mhlonyane (Z); lengana (TS)
African wormwood is a very well-known plant in South African traditional medicine. This plant is used to treat colds, flu, coughs, fevers, sore throats, asthma, pneumonia, headaches, earaches and malaria. It is also used to treat digestive issues such as gastritis, indigestion, appetite loss, flatulence, constipation, intestinal worms and gout. It is used to relieve menstrual cramps and pains after childbirth. Fresh leaves are packed in tooth cavities to treat toothache, and inserted into the nostrils to clear blocked nasal passages.
4. Centella asiatica
Pennywort (E); Waternael (A); Icudwane (Z)
This plant is globally recognized for its medicinal properties. Pennywort is used to treat many skin conditions. It is used as a fresh herb, infusion or ointment to treat wounds, sores, burns, varicose ulcers, eczema, and psoriasis. It has also been reported to be used to treat fever, diarrhoea, leprosy, tuberculosis, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Powdered root is used as a calming sedative, taken as a snuff.
Invasive species with traditional medicinal uses
Some invasive alien plants have also become popular for their medicinal value. Invasive alien plants, their sale and cultivation are, however, regulated by legislation. These species should therefore not be spread. Some common invasive alien plants used for traditional medicines include:
1. Camphora officinarum
Camphor tree (E); kanferboom (A); ulosilina (Z)
Camphor trees are popularly used in traditional medicines in South Africa. The wood and bark contain camphor, which has antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, rubefacient and mild analgesic properties. The bark is used to treat colds, flu, fever and abdominal discomfort. The leaves are also used as a ritual emetic. Camphor is also used as an insect repellent, and perfume. It may be toxic at high doses and caution is advised when using this plant.
2. Datura stramonium
Common Thorn Apple or Jimson Weed (E); Gewone Stinkblaar (A); Ijoye (Z and X); Iloqi (Z); Lethsowe (SO)
Fresh and dried leaves are used to create infusions and decoctions which are used to help sedate hysterical and psychotic patients. A weak infusion can be made from leaves to help with insomnia or act as anaphrodisiac. Leaves can also be dried and smoked to induce euphoria, and treat headaches or asthma. Fresh and dried leaves are used as poultices and ointments to relieve pain and inflammation from wounds, abrasions, bruises, rheumatism, fractures and sprains. Seeds or small pellets of fresh leaves are used topically to soothe earache. Traditional diviners may use dried and powdered roots and leaves as a conscious-altering snuff.
This plant is highly toxic, and caution must be taken when using this plant. Doses must be carefully determined to prevent harm or fatalities.
3. Nicotiana glauca
Tobacco Tree (E); Jan-twak (A)
The leaves may be warmed and placed on the head to help relieve headaches, on the throat for sore throats, or in shoes for painful feet. This plant is highly toxic and caution should be taken when using it.
4. Ricinus communis
Castor Oil Plant (E); Kasterolieboom (A); Umhlakuva (Z), Umhlakuva (X)
The seeds of the castor oil plant can be ground and boiled to release an oil. This oil can be applied to the cheeks to treat toothache and mumps. Roots are also used to create a paste which can be applied to sore teeth to alleviate toothache.
5. Eucalyptus globulus
Tasmanian bluegum tree (E)
The leaves and oil derived from the tree are used as a decongestant and to help treat colds and flus. The essential oils from this, and other Eucalyptus species, are sold commercially for inhalants and ointments. The leaves are also sometimes sold in muthi markets in South Africa.
Note
Please note: this blog aims to be informative rather than act as a guide for using medicinal plants. Plant species in this blog are reported to be used medicinally; however, not all of these have been scientifically tested. Many of the species can be highly toxic and its use can have severe or fatal consequences. Caution is always advised before any of these species are used.
References
Wyk, B.V. and Gericke, N., 2000. People’s plants: A guide to useful plants of Southern Africa.
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