Children's Health Issues
Vachellia karroo (Acacia karroo) (Soetdoring, Sweet Thron, umuNga) is the most common and widespread thorn tree (Acacia) in southern Africa. It has a wealth of medicinal uses for people and animals and it is also used magically. The gum is edible.
Mimosa pudica (kruidtjie-roer-my-nie, sensitive plant) is not indigenous to southern Africa but it is nevertheless used in traditional medicine for children’s disorders, insomnia and nervousness.
Tribulus terrestris (Gewone Dubbeltjie, Puncture Vine) is a widely used and popular remedy for eczema, enlarged prostate, reproductive disorders, infertility, and many other ailments.
Aptenia cordifolia (brakvygie, red aptenia, Ibohlololo) is traded at most muthi markets and shops in its distribution areas. It has both medicinal and magical uses. It is also a popular ground cover in suitable climates.
Agapanthus africanus (Kleinbloulelie, Miniature Agapanthus) is used medicinally and magically. It is a popular eco-gardening plant.
Aloe marlothii (bergaalwyn, mountain aloe, umhlaba ) is widely used in southern Africa for stomach ailments. Powdered leaves and ash are used in African snuff.
Aloe maculata (Seepaalwyn, Soap Aloe, Icena) has a wide range of uses in traditional medicine for both people and animals. It is also edible and is a good addition to any eco-garden.
Dombeya rotundifolia var. rotundifolia (Gewone Drolpeer, Common Wild Pear, Nhliziyor) is used medicinally to cure many ailments in southern Africa and other parts of Africa. It is an ideal tree for a small garden.
Carpobrotus edulis (suurvy, sour fig, ikhambi-lamabulawo) is a popular traditional medicine with a wide variety of applications. It is also edible and is ideal for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens.
Pelargonium sidoides (Kalwerbossie, Rabassam) is used for gonorrhoea, diarrhoea, and dysentery. They have very dark purple, almost black flowers, that are very unusual.
