Digestive Disorders
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aloe marlothii (bergaalwyn, mountain aloe, umhlaba ) is widely used in southern Africa for stomach ailments. Powdered leaves and ash are used in African snuff.
Tribulus terrestris (Gewone Dubbeltjie, Puncture Vine) is a widely used and popular remedy for eczema, enlarged prostate, reproductive disorders, infertility, and many other ailments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aloe arborescens (kransaalwyn, krans-aloe, unhlabana) leaf extracts show significant wound healing, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and hypoglycaemic activity.
