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OUR INDIGENOUS HERITAGE

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Some useful information on the flora of the West Coast from Michele Slabbert  and the Baviaanskloof from Lois Stahl.

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DOMBEYA ROTUNDIFOLIA - Wild Pear

While this tree hails from the northern parts of our country, it has found a place under the Nuxia floribunda in my garden and is thriving. Where I live it will probably be a shrub but in a more suitable habitat can grow up to 10 metres. The wild pear is very attractive to game and also attracts butterflies and honey bees to the garden when in flower. The bees thrive on the abundant nectar produced. As the wood is termite resistant it is excellent for fencing poles. A friend took some flowers and dried them, presenting me with a stunning dried flower picture.

While mainly the bark is used medicinally, occasionally the root is used as a colic remedy. The bark made into a tea treats nausea, especially in pregnant women; intestinal upsets, fever, infertility and both chest and stomach complaints.

The Wild Pear is both frost and drought resistant so is an excellent addition to your garden.

 

RAMBOS (Pelargonium papilionaceum)

This plant has an incredibly strong smell which is very difficult to describe as I don’t know of anything that smells remotely like it and just a brush on the leaves releases this aroma. Rumour has it the smell is that of a he-goat!

This plant has a medium size leaf with a serrated edge and with very fine, almost imperceptible hairs on it.  

It grows in the veldt where there is water or damp patches.  

The local people use it for earache.  They roll a leaf into a tube and insert this into the ear for any ear trouble and especially if they are working in a strong and cold wind.   Having tried it myself I was rather amazed at the efficacy of the plant and the speedy way it remedied the earache.

 

KIESIEBLAAR (Malva parviflora)

This is a most common plant in all the farming lands and veldt and grows in many places of South Africa.   It has no distinguishing smell and its leaf is similar to a miniature pumpkin leaf.   Flat with slightly serrated edges with obvious veins running across the leaf and also fine little hairs.   The size of the leaf depends on the area it is growing in and when it gets lots of water it can grow fairly large.    So the leaf can vary from about 4 to 8 centimetres in size. 

The kiesieblaar tends to die down quite radically in winter after is has sprouted some little white flowers which end in clusters of seedpods. 

This plant is locally used to draw out thorns and anything else that could get stuck in the fingers or feet or wherever.   It has strong drawing abilities and eventually draws out the most stubborn of splinters or thorns.

The leaf or even a couple of leaves in a small pack together get placed on the area where the thorn is and then tied up with plaster or a bandage.  Repeated use is sometimes necessary if the thorn is very deep but eventually it has the desired result.

It has also been used as a poultice for neuralgia, sore throats and abscesses.

 

KATTEKRUID (Ballota Africana)

This is also a very pungent and bitter tasting plant which mostly likes to grow in more shady areas and in particular underneath the Acacia trees.  It has small little mauve or pale pink flowers and the leaves are smallish, also serrated on the edges and fine hairs.

It is easy to recognize from its odour and just a small taste of the leaf will identify its bitterness very quickly.

This is an extremely useful plant for various ailments from haemorrhoids to skin problems and is particularly good for liver ailments due to its bitterness.

The local people also use it for throat infections, pneumonia as well as heart and lung ailments and is a good antidote against sleeplessness. 

An infusion is made of the leaves for the various ailments. Tinctures are used for colds, flu and insomnia.

 

BULBINELLA

The leaves are juicy and succulent with a jelly-like juice in the leaves which ooze out with a mere squeeze.  The plant has yellow or orange flowers that grow on a stick-like stem out of the centre of the plant.   This plant can be found in a variety of places as it can survive with little water and in fairly drought situations.  Needless to say that it grows bigger and fatter leaves if it has adequate water. There are various types of Bulbine in South Africa. Many of us have the Bulbine frutescens growing in our gardens and know that the leaf sap aids many an insect bite or sun rash. The much broader leaf variety is known as B. Natalensis.

 

The fresh sap of B. frutescens is used to treat burns, rashes, blisters, insect bites, cracked lips, cold sores, acne, bee and wasp stings.  An infusion can be made using a fresh leaf snapped and placed in a cup of boiling water. Cover the cup and stand for 10 minutes. Use this for coughs, colds and to ease arthritic pains. This herb can be used successfully on your pets. The leaves and roots of B. natalensis are used medicinally. Rooiwortel has proved to be a highly effective blood cleanser and infection fighter.  The sap from the leaves is squeezed onto wounds, burns, rashes, ringworm and cracked lips.  The root is dug up in part and used in tincture form for diarrhoea, rheumatism, blood disorders and assists the immune system in fighting off infections.  A piece of root roughly 8 cm in length, cut up into thick pieces is enough to make about 1 litre of tincture, which turns quite red, hence the name. A poultice can be made of the leaves by warming the leaf – try a steamer – and placing this on areas affected by eczema, arthritis, sunburn, burns or rashes. Bulbine makes an attractive pot plant and can be placed in a light and airy bathroom, or alternatively on a balcony for you to use exactly when you need to! This charming indigenous plant requires minimum watering and when they bloom they make any little corner sunny and bright.

 

SCELETIUM

Sceletium has large bulbous water cells on the surface of the fresh leaves. The leaves dry out to become like skeletons.   This plant does well in the dry Karoo environment and has been used by pastoralists and hunter-gatherers as a mood-altering substance from

pre-historic times. The traditional way in preparing the dried plant material is to squeeze out the juices, and then the dried plant material is chewed or smoked or inhaled as a snuff.  The succulent plant material is crushed with a rock, and then put into closed black plastic bags to sweat for eight days.   Leather bags were traditionally used. The material is then spread out in the sun to dry and stored for smoking.

 Sceletium elevates the mood, decreases anxiety, and enhances physical endurance.   It can also induce euphoria which is followed by sedation.

In certain cases it is used to decrease thirst and hunger, and can be used as a local anaesthetic for extracting teeth from the lower jaw.  It is also used effectively to wean alcoholics off alcohol.  The local people call it:  “onse droe drank”.

 

ACACIA GUM

This gum sometimes flows from a damaged branch of the Acacia Karroo Tree.   It is a defence mechanism of the plant to stop wood-boring insects, and to seal off wounds so that wood-rotting fungi and bacteria are kept out.  It is also known as Cape gum. It can be eaten raw as it is the same carbohydrate as cane sugar, although it is not sweet. It has the property of sealing ulcerated tissues in the mouth and throat.  Locally the people say the gum is the medicine if your “heart is leaking” and the children suck it like sweets. The bark and leaves are used to treat diarrhoea. The gum, bark & leaves are used for colds.

 

THE WILD FIG (Ficus natalensis)

The wild fig is a comforting tree and one of the few that grows fast and strong enough so that small children can enjoy climbing and be held amongst the energetic growing branches.   The soft wood of this tree makes it ideal for fire-sticks, especially for the sacred fire. The wild fig has an extremely adventurous root system so care should be taken in placement when planting this tree. Wherever I travel and see this tree I hear the whispers of all the people who have sat beneath its shade and conversed, dreamed or just sat silently. In the language of flowers the fig tree represents prolificness. Root and bark used as an abortion preventative and for Constipation.

 

CABBAGE LEAF TREE (Cussonia spicata)

A magical tree that often gives me insight into the people I am due to meet. Either the roots, stem, leaves or bark are used to treat a variety of ailments such as nausea, uterine pain, stomach ulcers, backache and muscular pain. The roots are succulent and can be eaten for their moisture content and this tree is also highly prized for its ability to calm intense emotion. It is easy to see why this tree is considered magical and it is not always necessary to imbibe parts of this tree; all it takes is meditation, reflection or contemplation beneath its umbrella like canopy to achieve a sense of calmness.

Chew and spit out to obtain moisture. Add to fresh agapanthus leaves and use as poultice to reduce inflammation, muscle spasm and cramps.

 

SWEET THORN (Acacia Karoo)

The sweet thorn is steadily swaying its way skywards, often reminding me of the tree of life. So many birds nest in between the long thorny branches, which affords them good protection. “The tree yields a clear, golden or red gum which is edible and suitable both for confectionery and for use as an adhesive” (K.C. Palgrave – Trees of S.A.). Medicinally the bark, leaves and gum are used in decoctions to treat ailments such as diarrhoea, colds, bleeding and conjunctivitis. Esteemed as a powerful tree entity a decoction of the bark is taken to eliminate negative influences that tend to build up within us. The bark can also be used to make splints.  There is a mould that grows on this tree that is traditionally used as a poultice for abscesses and splinters. (E. Palmer). Standing, sitting or even exercising under the protective branches of this tree is an uplifting and balancing experience. In the language of flowers a yellow acacia means secret love.

Bark, leaves and gum used for diarrhoea, dysentery, colds, haemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, oral thrush

 

Wild Olive  (Olea europaea subsp. africana)

The Wild Olive grows from Table Mountain to North Africa making it one of the most important trees on the continent, as it is worldwide. The Olive is considered a sacred tree, and not only for its ability to activate us humans to create olive oil!

 Meditating or just relaxing under this tree brings about a feeling of peace and tranquillity and as you sit quietly, the birds you have attracted to your garden, will serenade you with their song, eternally. Olive trees are known for their longevity.

The dried leaves of wild olive are used as an effective diuretic and are also used to lower blood pressure. Fresh leaves are infused to make an effective eye lotion and the infusion is also used as a gargle for sore throats. The fresh bark is used in a decoction to relieve colic and the dried leaves can be powdered to make a snuff to stop nosebleeds.

 

Flower Essence of Olive is for those who are over worked and unable to relax or sleep deeply enough. It corrects the imbalances in energy levels, giving one renewed motivation and clears the path for the journey forward.

 

The Wild Olive is associated with the symbol of summer ever returning. An ancient belief was that as the summer peaks this tree reminds us that there is always an everlasting summer in the spirit world, and that the colder season is only here for a while.

 

MARULA

An indigenous tree, the Marula (Sclerocarya birrea), sometimes has woodroses forming on the wood. These are flowerlike growths of the wood of the host tree and are formed in response to the mistletoe. The branch is cut off and the woodrose carefully cleaned and then mounted on a wooden stand. It is interesting to note that as with the oak, the Marula is highly venerated, and not only for the intoxicating drink made from the fruits! A Feast of the First fruits is celebrated each year by pouring a fresh infusion into the ground. The powdered bark or a tincture of the bark has been used to treat malaria. The pulp is said to contain 4 times more vitamin C than orange juice.

It is said of the Marula that if you want a boy drink an infusion from the male tree and for a girl from the female tree!

The Marula provides nourishment for larger animals, such as elephants and various species of buck, as well as providing for the smaller birds and rodents. The Marula represents protection, strength and contact with the divine.

 

BLOU BLOM SALIE / Blue Sage / Salvia Africana-corulea

This blue flowering shrub was one of the earliest medicinal plants used in the Cape, introduced to the settlers by the Khoi, who had knowledge of this herb since antiquity. Blue Sage can be used in the same way as the common sage (salvia officinalis) we know so well. The leaves and flowers are the parts used for medicinal purposes. To treat coughs, colds, flu, whooping cough, women’s ailments, abdominal troubles and chest congestion use this recipe.

 

1 cup boiling water to 1 tablespoon fresh leaves. Cover the cup and stand for 10 minutes. Strain. If desired, sweeten with honey. Sip ½ cup 3 to 4 times a day. Make fresh every day for at least 2 to 3 days.

Chew a fresh leaf to ease a sore throat and any voice loss. Take a generous handful of fresh herb and add 1 litre of boiling water. Stand until mixture is quite cool. Pour this into your bath to ease rashes and stubborn sores.

 

This herb falls under the influence of Jupiter, ruler of Thursday, the day of expansion. The lovely tiny blue flowers are used in a flower essence to aid in strengthening and energizing. The essence assists in subconscious clearing, allows you to get out of your own way and assists in learning life’s little lessons, giving a clear perception. Aids in internal cleansing, such as digestive problems and nausea. Helps with integration bringing understanding and wisdom.

 

WILD CAMPHOR BUSH(Tarchonanthus Camphoratus)

This unassuming bush grows wild throughout southern Africa. As it blooms it stages a transformation with showy graceful white blooms. A member of the daisy family this bush is a veritable medicine chest. The leaves and small twigs are used for medicinal purposes either as an infusion or in a tincture form. These treat stomach ailments, headaches, toothache, bronchitis, over anxiety, heartburn and inflammation. It makes a good tonic for colds, coughs and flu. A small handful of leaves placed in 1 cup of boiling water (cover cup) should stand for 5 minutes. Strain, cool slightly and sip.

A poultice can be made of the leaves and placed on the chest to ease asthma and bronchitis. The leaves are also used as a steam inhalant for asthma, rheumatism and headaches. Burning the green branches is a cure for blocked sinuses and headaches.

The fresh leaves can be rubbed into the hair as a dandruff and nit treatment.

The San and Khoi used the dried leaves as tobacco for sedation purposes. They would chew the fresh leaves as a remedy for chest ailments, but they are quite bitter and leave a burning sensation in the mouth. Hence the need for the infusion!  The hunters would chew the leaves and then mix their saliva with poison for the use on their arrows. A tradition amongst the hunters was to hold their arrows in the smoke of the camphor bush when somebody in the family died. If the hunters failed to perform this ritual, then the person’s death will lead to an unsuccessful hunt. The fresh leaves were also chewed for protection on a long journey.

The camphor bush makes a good fodder tree in the more arid areas; however the milk can become tainted if the animals eat too much. It is also a soil binding bush so is good for eroded areas. It has an aggressive root system, but makes a good bonsai. The wood is fine grained and is used for musical instruments, cabinet work, boat building, makes good fence poles as it is termite proof and also makes excellent walking sticks.

The seeds can be burned to fumigate, but ensure you keep adding fresh leaves and twigs to the fire to create more smoke. Pieces of wood can be placed in drawers or in the closet to keep insects away.

Place leaves under your pillow for a peaceful night’s sleep.  Alternatively you can stuff the fluffy seeds into little pillows for the same effect.

 

LOBOSTEMON FRUTICOSUS (agdaegeneesbossie)

This shrub like plant grows wild over large areas of the Western Cape and sports silver grey leaves amongst the mass of either blue or pink flowers. They grow easily from seed but does enjoy more shade out of its normal habitat. The nickname applies to this plants remarkable ability to heal within an 8 day period.

We are all familiar with the remarkable healing powers of the Comfrey plant (Symphytum officinale). The agdaegeneesbossie is closely related to comfrey; both of which are members of the Borage family.

The fresh leaves and young branch tips are used to heal wounds, sores, ulcers, burns and general skin ailments. The plant is also used as an effective remedy for ringworm.

A strong infusion can be made and bandages soaked in the liquid and then applied to wounds or you can grind the fresh leaves to a paste and apply this to any wound or insect bite.

 

A ¼ cup of fresh leaves is brewed in 1 cup of boiling water for around 5 minutes; remember to cover the cup while brewing. This can be used as a cleansing tonic and blood purifier and should be drunk in the morning. This infusion can also be taken on the first day or two of a painful and heavy menstruation.

 

Should you find yourself hiking in the mountains of the Western Cape and run out of suntan lotion, pound the leaves into a paste and work with boiled cooled water to a smooth consistency and apply to exposed areas.

The flowers can be used in a Flower Essence for those who are seeking truth, understanding, wisdom and knowledge. It provides the necessary grounding for future expansion.

The dried leaves can be used in cleansing ceremonies, together with Sage or any of the Helichrysum species.

 

OONDBOSSIE (Conyza ivaefolia)

 

This plant has an elongated serrated leaf, shiny and darkish green of colour.  It has no significant aroma.   The flowers start off in tiny little berries pale yellow in colour which eventually opens up into little fluffy seeds similar to the dandelion but much smaller.

This plant grows very profusely around the gardens and is also used a lot by the indigenous people for various ailments of which fever and constipation are the most common.

For constipation they make an infusion to be drunk on an empty stomach and for fever they pack the leaves with Vaseline on the stomach or fevered area and allow it to draw out the fever.

An old superstition was that unless the outdoor oven was first swept with a bunch of this plant (hence the name oond (besem) bossie, the bread would not bake properly.

 

PERDEPIS AND STINKKRUID -  (Clausena anista//Pentzia suffruticosa)

 

The Perdepis literally smells like horse urine as its name indicates and has a very insignificant small leaf and gets little yellow flowers that are similar to the indigenous chamomile, This shrub or tree grows up in the mountains mostly.  It is best identified by its pungent odour. The dried leaves and flowers are used for fevers, colds and also to fumigate male babies in order to make them strong. A potent tape worm remedy.

 

The Stinkkruid grows all around in the garden during winter time and also has a very strong smell that is slightly reminiscent of paraffin.  It has a small leaf and gets little yellow flowers that are similar to the indigenous. The dried leaves and flowers are powdered, then moistened and used on scorpion stings.

These two plants get boiled up together in a pot and drunk against any flu or cold.  It is quite common for the household to have an ongoing pot of this concoction during the winter months against all cases of flu and fever.

 

WILD GARLIC (Tulbaghia violacea)

 

It has long, thin strap like leaves that immediately give a smell of garlic when crushed. These leaves are very tasty in salads and not as pungent as ordinary garlic.  The pretty purple flowers come on long stems during summer. The leaves and bulbs get used to treat tuberculosis and they have remarkable antiseptic qualities which help against colds, coughs and flu.

The older people tie the root into a little sachet of cloth and put this into hot water to ease rheumatism and general aches and pains.  It also helps to bring down high fevers.

 

RENOSTERBOS (Elytropappus rhinocerotis)

 

A very tough, resinous, bushy scrub that grows to about a meter in height throughout the veldt and on the mountain slopes.  It has clusters of tiny leaves on long switch like branches.  Its aroma is interestingly different but very faint and insignificant, but it is very bitter tasting.

A few twigs get boiled up, sometimes in milk but mostly in water and taken against flatulence, colic and heartburn and also to bring down high temperatures.  It is also used very effectively against heatstroke and flu.  For those that can afford it they keep some twigs soaked in a bit of brandy which is then taken as needed.    

They also dry out the tips of the twig, powder it and then a teaspoon of this gets given with a little warm water to children that have diarrhoea.

 

DAWIDJIESWORTEL (Cissampelos capensis)

 

This grows a bit like dense hedges as it twines around other plants like a perennial climber and the leaf is pale green, almost bluish in colour that grow in clusters and it has small orange berries.  This plant is used for a variety of ailments and the root is used.   They dry the root out and whenever needed they chop up little pieces to make an infusion.  The common ailments it is used for is urinary problems and the powdered root is made into a poultice for boils. It is commonly known as a blood purifier. 

 

PLAKKIES OR PIG’S EAR (Cotyledon orbitculata)

 

This is found all over the veldt in dry areas as well as on hills and in scrub areas as it is a very tenacious plant and if a section falls to the ground it very soon roots itself and makes another plant. It has large thick, smooth, succulent leaves with a fine red edge and pinky-red, drooping flowers that look like bells.

 

It is used for getting rid of warts by placing a small section on the wart for a period of time and eventually the wart disintegrates.  It is also used as a drawing poultice over infected wounds and sores.  Warmed leaf juice is used for earache and toothache.

 

SORREL (Oxalis sp.)

 

It has a triangular lobed leaf that has a sour taste with pretty little yellow flowers.  The leaves get used as dressings on burns and wounds and when warmed can be applied as a poultice to boils, abscesses and suppurating sores. It has high oxalic content and should be used sparingly in the diet even though it is very nourishing.  Too much of it can cause digestive disorders and heartburn. The corns are a very good vermifuge and a dessertspoon on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is the usual dose given to household pets.

 

NYMANIA CAPENSIS - Chinese Lanterns / Klapperbos / kipkippers   

 

 Excellent plant for dry gardens especially where the winters are cold. A shrub to explore for its insect repelling properties!

 Grows readily in poor soil but it is advisable to improve the soil to promote quicker growth. Drought and cold tolerant. Grows in the hottest and driest areas of the Cape (Little Karoo, Namibia). Grows well in alkaline soil.

 Grows in sandy well-drained soil in the open sun and will withstand extreme heat in summer and cold winters with frost. Slow growing, especially if not watered regularly when young.

 Can be grown from seed or cuttings. Grows easily from seed but does not survive well in high rainfall areas and also when a sudden high rainfall with too much water in summer. Grows well in a pot for the first few years.  Will grow in the South Western Cape if given a well-drained position. Upright in habit.  Flowers prettiest in late winter and spring.

 Rose red fruits – papery, balloon like, 4-angled approx 4 x 4 cm.  When seeds are ripe these light puffed out fruits are blown far and wide to disperse seed.     Flowers in shades of pink, red and dark red.     In its natural surroundings will grow taller than when cultivated.

 Grows readily from seed which should be sown in March or April.  Seeds germinate from 3 weeks and can take longer.  Seedlings should be pricked out into individual tins and kept moist through winter.  Keep in a sheltered spot until spring.  May be left in tins for a year before planting out during the second season.

 Plant has powerful antifeedant properties (similar to other exotic members of the family such as the Neem Tree  (Azadirachta indica)

  and the weedy seringa tree  (Melia  azedarach).)

 

BABIANA AMBIGUA – Bobbejaantjie

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The corm of this flower is used as a nutritious food source.  As the name suggests, baboons (and as I have found, also mice and porcupines) dig up the corms to eat.  The corms can be baked, also dried and then powdered to form a sweetish flour and used to make small cakes.  The corms should always be harvested in the wet season, they are not considered edible in the dry season.  Many of the Babiana species can be used in this way.

The Flower essence allows an exchange of energy to occur between the intuitive nature within us and the nature that surrounds us. This could take the form of either a positive or negative flow of energy, depending on what our individual needs may be at the time of the exchange. The little flowers create a healing just by glancing at them, turning back to look again, stopping, kneeling down and then inhaling this delicious scent. The Flower essence allows an exchange of energy to occur between the intuitive nature within us and the nature that surrounds us. This could take the form of either a positive or negative flow of energy, depending on what our individual needs may be at the time of the exchange. The little flowers create a healing just by glancing at them, turning back to look again, stopping, kneeling down and then inhaling this delicious scent

 

WILDE ALS (Artemisia afra)

 

This graceful herb is a pharmacopoeia all on its own! Treat colds, coughs, flu, fevers, stomach ache, gout, rheumatism, arthritis, loss of appetite, headaches, colic, intestinal worms and most bronchial ailments with an infusion of this herb. The standard procedure is to take 1 to 2 tsp. of the herb and infuse in a cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Please remember to cover the cup while infusing to retain all the goodness this herb has to offer. 3 cups a day for a few days is the recommended dose.

A handful of leaves made into a strong infusion can be poured into the bath to draw out rashes, measles and to soothe haemorrhoids. A few drops of this brew can also be gently dropped into the ear to relieve earache and also makes a very effective eyewash. Wounds, sores, rashes, bites and stings are effectively cleansed and prepared for healing by using this wash. A ¼ cup of leaves infused until cool in a cup of boiling water makes an ideal mouthwash that treats gum problems and mouth ulcers.

A word of caution - Wilde Als is a very potent herb and should never be used for too long a time. It has been noted that Wilde Als dilates the blood vessels and has an effect on the heart and therefore Wilde Als should never be taken by people who are on heart medication and should also be used with caution by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

 

HYPOXIS Sp. -  (Rooperi/Hemerocallidea) African Potato / Inkomfe

 

The African Potato plant is a delightful addition to any garden, with gently bending leaves and clusters of bright yellow star like flowers, almost sure to catch the eye.  This graceful little herb has a myriad of medicinal uses and is highly valued as an immune system booster.

The corms can be boiled or roasted to be eaten, and an added bonus is when you boil the corms, the water can be used as an effective lotion for septic wounds. Infusions of the corms can be used to alleviate dizziness, bladder disorders, and can be given in a weak solution to children and adults as a general tonic. The fresh corm can be juiced and applied to burns.  Tincture of Hypoxis is used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis. Hypoxis is an anti inflammatory.

Some of the claims given to this little plant: pancreas disorders, urinary tract infections, anxiety and depression.  It is said that the heated corms yield an oil that is used to cure chafing on horses.

The entire plant can be used, as above the corms are used for various medicinal and food purposes. The leaves produce a black dye and the flowers can be made into an essence that assists us in allowing ourselves to see our own self-deception, thereby bringing about the ability to create our own reality, releasing the creative and strengthening the inner resolve to succeed.

The tuberous rootstock is the part to be used medicinally, being dark brown on the outside and yellow on the inside. When harvesting the plant, dig up the whole plant and slice off a portion of the rootstock. If needs be separate the plant and then replant quite close together. They are water wise, need little attention and seed themselves all over, so do watch out for this. The little seedlings can be used to edge walkways.

 

HELICHRYSUM SPECIES

 

Most of the species of helichrysum are aromatic and have woolly leaves and the ends of the straggling branches are covered in a white/gold flower, which blooms for a good length of time.  The H. petiolare scents the air during late spring and early summer with a delicious curry flavour.  This scraggly shrub or creeper tends to sprawl all over the garden, climbing into other trees and over shrubs without smothering the host plant.

The leaves, roots and twigs are used to treat coughs, colds, flu, fever, chest complaints, headaches, menstrual pain, asthma, stress, backache, kidney ailments and high blood pressure. The leaves can be used as a wound dressing and a steam bath is used to treat fevers and associated nightmares.

The ash from the burnt plant is mixed with vegetable or animal fat to make an effective ointment for bruises.

The lovely scented flowers make an unusual addition to pot pourri and should you have an invasion of insects, try placing some of the leaves and flowers around your sleeping area for relief.  The leaves dried and powdered can be sprinkled in the house for general insect control.

The dried aerial parts are used in cleansing ceremonies. The plant has powerful cleansing properties and is used most effectively in clearing negativity from an area. Be careful to only burn a small amount at a time as the scent can be over powering.

Oil can be made from the aerial parts and used to treat muscular aches and pains

 

COMMON DOCK—  RUMEX LANCEOLATUS

 

This herbaceous plant has wonderful large green, smooth leaves that look very similar to spinach leaves and is a great favourite with the porcupine.  The leaves are slightly wavy on the edges, borne on tall stalks that can grow up to 30 or 40 cm.  This plant produces clusters of pale yellow flowers which eventually turn into pale brown little fruits with dark brown seeds.  There are two types of common dock – the Rumex Crispus and the Rumex Lanceolatus but both are coveted by the porcupine and have equal healing properties.  The pulp of the fruit can also be applied to ringworm and is an effective cure for various skin disorders

Mainly the roots are used for internal parasites (tapeworm and roundworm) and the whole plant is also used for vascular diseases and internal bleeding.  Externally it gets applied to abscesses boils and tumours.

The roots and leaves are boiled in water or at times in milk and taken as an infusion but for external topical uses the roots and leaves get pounded and then applied like a poultice.

 

TANDPYN BESSIE  --  SOLANUM SUPINUM

 

This plant is also in some place known as gifappel as its fruits look like little green variegated apples.  The pulp of the green fruit is applied directly to the tooth and adjacent gum for the effective treatment of toothache. In some cases pounded roots are also used. It contains steroidal alkaloids that are toxic and is best not swallowed.  The dried ripe fruits are also used as a sedative and anticonvulsants but it is best to be very cautious with this.  The pulp of the fruit can also be applied to ringworm and is an effective cu8re for various skin disorders.

 

BOOPHANE DISTICHA  --  GIFBOL

 

This is a most unusual looking plant with its bulbous strap like fan-shaped leaves that have a twist in the middle.  The bulb is partly exposed above the ground with many papery scales surrounding the fleshy inner part. 

The flowers form a rounded inflorescence and have numerous reddish pink flowers on a main flowering stalk.  When the flower has dried out the inflorescence rolls about in the wind like a tumbleweed and distributes its seeds which are contained in little pockets on the tips of the inflorescence.

The dry outer scales of the bulb are used as dressings for various septic and infected wounds and boils, in particular in the circumcision of the Xhosa people. 

These scales are a wonderful pain reliever on wounds and also draws out pus and infection.   A very weak concoction can be used for an enema and for headaches, abdominal pains and weak eye conditions.

 However as it is a highly toxic plant only the very outside scales should be used and in moderation.  Very weak concoctions can be used as a sedative as well and in the rituals of the indigenous people this plants is used to induce visual hallucinations but it is best to exercise great caution as it is potentially a toxic plant and can be fatal.  Therefore it is best to avoid external uses.

 

SPEKBOOM  -  PORTULACARIA AFRA:

 

The Spekboom is a close relation to the Purslane but indigenous to South Africa.  It grows on rocky hillsides and is an attractive succulent scrub that roots easily and is very drought, heat and frost resistant.  It is also very much loved by the bees and most wild animals in particular the buffalo and Kudu. 

The Spekboom has leaves that are astringent and lemony tasting and very thirst quenching and the Khoi and San people used to chew it whenever they went on a long walk.   The leaf is held in the mouth and sucked and helps wonderfully against heat exhaustion and dehydration. 

The juicy leaves rubbed over blisters or corns on the feet will quickly soothe and heal.  The leaves of the Spekboom are very edible and can be used in many dishes.

Medicinally the leaf is chewed against sore throats and mouth infections and the astringent juice is soothing and antiseptic for skin spots, pimples, rashes and insect strings.  The leaves are also used as a poultice for sores and infected bits and the juice squeezed onto the area is very effective as a sunburn treatment.

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KAREE BARK: Rhus Lancea

 

This tree can grow very tall and can spread its branches very far.  The leaves are variable but characteristically has three leaflets arising from a narrowly winger leaf stalk and they have pointed tips and a distinctly wavy margin.  The young leaves are usually shiny and resinous.  The greenish yellow flowers are not very conspicuous and these form into berries that are slightly reddish.

The leaves, bark and roots are used for medicinal purposes and the indigenous people used to chew the leaves for chest colds.  Leaves were also made into a concoction for post-partum problems.   The roots are good against infective disorders or the gastro-intestinal tract.   This bark is a very good tonic but is mostly used for prostrate problems.

 

DOSAGE:  This bark is best made into tinctures of 1 gm. bark equal to 1 gm. wine.  Made into a tea it needs to boil for at least 10 minutes and 1 spoon of bark with 1 cup of boiling water.

 

WILD WILLOW:  Salix Mucronata.

 

This shrub or tree grows up to 12 meters in height and can be found all along the riverbeds.  It has drooping branches like the known willow tree but the leaves are different and a darker green with minute teeth along the margins.  The bark is dark brown, rough and fissured. 

The male and female flowers occur separately on the tree.   They are both small, a greenish yellow and not very noticeable.  The fruits are like small brown capsules that split open to release the white woolly seeds within.

The tips of the branches and leaves are mostly used and also the bark. The most common use is used for rheumatism and fevers.   The bark is also very helpful as a pain reliever as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

 

 DOSAGE:   Decoctions or infusions are made or taken as a tea or you can make tinctures of it.  1 Cup of plant to 1 cup of boiling water is about the right mixture if the fever is high.   Otherwise you can add more water.

 

PELARGONIUM TRISTE - Kaneelbol / Naelblom/ Night scented Pelargonium/Rooiwortel

 

Tuberous rootstock. Flowers yellow with purple-brown blotch on each segment. In the evening the flowers emit a cinnamon or clove like scent. The plant emerges during the early part of May and depending on weather/rain patterns will flower early August.

The tuber is dried and pulverized for use in a decoction for diarrhoea and dysentery, nausea and digestive ailments, and is also used as a vermifuge.

A tincture or tea to assist with bronchial and digestive problems can be made using the leaves of P. Triste with other indigenous herbs such as, Wilde or Klip dagga, Wild Rosemary, Wilde Als and Cape Mistletoe.

In the veldt the leaves can be used to dress sores, when no other aid is available. The leaves should be lightly chewed and applied to the wound.

As the plant is slowly gaining ground on our little piece of earth I have only harvested small quantities at a time. At present I am using the leaves, to which a small amount of rootstock is added. This is added to brandy tinctures used in the preparation of digestive tonics.

 

DEVIL’S CLAW - Harpagophytum procumbens

 

Devil’s Claw is used to relieve arthritis, lower back, knee and hip pain. It is also used to treat a number of ailments including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, tendonitis, loss of appetite and digestive disorders.

Great news for pain sufferers who have grown dependent on pain killers for relief: recently published double blind studies have shown that Devil's Claw can relieve pain from arthritis in as little as ten days of use1, lower back, knee and hip pain included. It is also used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, tendonitis and soft tissue pain (muscle aches).

Since studies have shown no side effects, even at very high doses, Devil's claw can be an alternative for those taking over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, which can cause liver and stomach problems. Devil's claw can be a healthier approach to treating joint pain.

Approved uses of devil's claw include loss of appetite, digestive disorders, and "degenerative disorders of the locomotor system" (to treat pain and inflammation in the joints).

A new clinical study shows that a traditional African medicinal herb may reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis as effectively as some conventional drugs. In a randomized, double-blind, parallel group study conducted in France, the patients received either capsules containing the herb devil's claw or a pharmaceutical drug. Pain measurements of all patients indicated that those taking the herb and the drug experienced similar benefits. However, the study also showed that patients taking the herb experienced significantly fewer adverse side effects than those taking the drug.

 

Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, a nonprofit research and education organization, "At least two previous clinical trials on devil's claw have supported its use as an aid in treating lower back pain and rheumatic conditions. This study is significant in that it is the first to show the potential benefits of devil's claw for osteoarthritis." (Quoted from herbwisdom.com).

 

Devil’s Claw can be added to added herbs such as African potato (hypoxis) and rooiwortel (bulbine) to prepare a tonic to boost general health. In Southern Africa the dried root has been used for aeons as a remedy for digestive disorders and lack of appetite. It is also used as an analgesic, especially in pregnancy, and the treatment continued after labour. (Van Wyk, Van Oudtshoorn & Gericke)

Devil’s Claw’s natural habitat is the Kalahari Desert of Southern Africa and is considered by the indigenous peoples as their most important plant, being a cure all for most ailments. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant that restores the body’s subtle biochemical balance, boosts the immune system and alleviates a wide range of disorders. (Dugmore & Van Wyk).

In our traditional medicine Devil’s Claw (sengaparele) is often used with other herbs to treat those recovering from a coma. It is used as a tea for labour pains, liver disorders, allergies, menstrual pains, headaches, fever, skin lesions & wounds.

 

WILD JASMINE - Jasminum multipartitum

 

Jasmine is a herb that stills the mind, aids digestion and ensures a good night’s rest. While there are teabags available it is best to use the dried flowers. 1 teaspoon in a cup of just boiled water (remember to cover the cup) left to infuse for around 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and sip.

You can also make a relaxing bath preparation with the dried flowers. Take a 1 cup of fresh flowers, add to 1 bottle of white grape vinegar. Allow to mature in sunshine for 10 days, changing the flowers every few days. Strain and use ½ cup in your bath. Store in the refrigerator.

A tip – when drying jasmine flowers do so in the shade, turning them every day until dried.

Making a Flower Essence from the delightful flowers awakens our sense of self-love.  Releases feelings of alienation, isolation and separation. Brings spiritual attunement – this is a highly spiritualizing essence. A flower head or two mixed with either rooibos or honeybush tea, green tea, lemon and ginger makes a refreshingly soothing refreshment.

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