Digestive Disorders
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.
Agave americana (Blougaringboom, century plant, umhlaba) is a healing anti-inflammatory, diuretic herb with hormonal and insecticidal constituents. It acts mainly on the digestive system and lowers fever by increasing perspiration.
Aloe arborescens (kransaalwyn, krans-aloe, unhlabana) leaf extracts show significant wound healing, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and hypoglycaemic activity.
Ekebergia capensis (Essenhout, Dogplum, Mmidibidi) is a beautiful medium-sized tree with many uses for respiratory, skin, and digestive disorders. It also has magical uses.
Gymnosporia heterophylla (Riffelstampendoring, Angular-stemmed Spike Thorn), formerly known as Maytenus heterophylla, has many applications in traditional medicine and it is one of the Top 25 traded plants at muthi markets and shops in its distribution area.
Schotia brachypetala (Huiboerboon, Tree Fuchsia) is used in traditional medicine and in rites. It is a popular garden subject that attracts a variety of wildlife to the garden.
Pittosporum viridiflorum (kasuur, cheesewood) is used in traditional medicine for both people and animals. It is also used as a magical plant. It is a beautiful garden tree.
Leonotis leonurus (wilde dagga, wild dagga) is widely used to treat colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and jaundice. Leaves are smoked for epilepsy and headaches. It is a colourful addition to the eco-garden.
Aloe ferox (Bitteraalwyn, Bitter Aloe, iNhlaba) is one of the best known muthi plants of southern Africa boasting a long history of medicinal and magical use. It is a good addition to an eco-garden.
Portulacaria afra (iNtelezi, Porkbush, Spekboom) is used for sore throat and mouth infections while the astringent juice is used for soothing skin ailments such as pimples, rashes and insect bites. It is a popular ornamental plant.
Terminalia sericea is an important traditional medicine with a variety of applications. It is in the Top 25 traded plants in muthi markets and muthi shops in its distribution area.
Cyclopia genistoides (Gewone Heuningbos, Honeybush) is a popular health and herbal tea which is near threatened due to overharvesting in the wild.
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.
Pelargonium sidoides (Kalwerbossie, Rabassam) is used for gonorrhoea, diarrhoea, and dysentery. They have very dark purple, almost black flowers, that are very unusual.