new natural therapy · 2020. 5. 9. · the root is used for treatment of dizziness, headaches,...

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Natural therapy

Did you know you can grow your own herbal medicine? There are a variety of indigenous

plants with medicinal qualities that can be grown successfully in your own backyard.

Bulbine frutescens

Now you only need to look in your back garden for a sustainable supply of indigenous and organic herbs that can be used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments. Have a look at this Water Wise list of herbs and medicinal plants that you can grow at home. If you do not have space to cultivate a garden, use containers such as old tyres, cold drink bottles, cans and pots in which to grow your medicinal plants. Before using any herbal medication, please consult your doctor.

Euclea crispa (blue guarri)The bark and fruit is used traditionally as a purgative, diabetes remedy and to prevent rheumatism. The blue guarri is tolerant of drought and severe frost and can be grown throughout South Africa.

Aloe marlothii (mountain aloe)This succulent grows well in rocky, mountainous areas that are warm and where frost is infrequent. The leaves and roots are used for roundworm infestations, stomach problems and horse sickness.

Acacia karroo (sweet thorn)This acacia grows in a variety of regions from the highveld to low-lying areas. The bark, leaves and gum are used for wound poultices, eye treatments, and cold remedies. The sweet-tasting gum is also eaten by people and animals.

Hypoxis hemerocallidea (african potato)The african potato grows in wetlands and woodlands. The root is used for treatment of dizziness, headaches, mental disorders, cancer, inflammation, and urinary disorders. The plant is also used as an emetic and laxative.

Artemesia afra (african wormwood)This multi-stemmed shrub grows along forest margins and streams. The leaves, roots and young stems are used to treat tooth abscesses, fevers, colds, sore throats, coughs, asthma, headaches, indigestions, colic, constipation, gout and worms, amongst other afflictions.

Gazania krebsiana (gazania) These water wise and fast-growing annuals love the sun and come in a variety of flower colours. The roots are used to cure constipation and the plant is used for sterility problems in women.

Tulbhagia violacea (wild garlic) This perennial herb grows along rocky cliffs and slopes in grasslands throughout South Africa. The plant is believed to be both an aphid and snake repellant, and the green parts as well asthe flowers are eaten as a type of spinach.

Make your own herbal tea:Pour one cup of boiling water over a quarter cup of fresh leaves of the specific herb. Allow to stand for five minutes, strain, and sweeten with honey if preferred. Enjoy the healing properties of your home-grown herbal medicine!

References:www.plantzafrica.co.za

Bulbine frutescens (above) known as stalked bulbine, is used to treat vomiting, diarrhoea, blood disorders, urinary tract infections, convulsions and diabetes. The juice from the leaves are used to treat rashes, boils, eczema, cracked lips, wounds and burns.