South Africa Medicinal Plants
Wide variety in biodiverse plants within the country that have been used over the ages from the original San People through to Bantu now in European medicines or cosmetics, we have a lot to offer and I will show two of the plants I have photographed of the many over the years. Due to electrical outages once again one is limited in time to research or do much of late.
WILD DAGGA - Leonotis leonurus, also known as lion's ear
A medicinal plant treating a variety of symptoms from cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis and more common ailments as colds, arthritis, menstrual problems or stomach issues.
South African Medicinal Plants
Photograph of the plant taken in the Himeville, KwaZulu-Natal a couple of years ago at their local museum with interesting herb garden within the walls of the fort.
Leonotis leonurus contains a chemical constituent leonurine that has been reported to be used in traditional medicine for curing a wide range of ailments including headaches, coughs, fever, asthma, haemorrhoids and dysentery. A remedy concocted out of the leaf and root is also used in treating snakebites as well as a natural remedy or charm to keep snakes away. An infusion of the flower and leaf is used to treat tapeworm. The twigs of this plant can be added into a warm bath to soothe diseases such as itchy skin and helps to relieve cramps in the muscles. L. leonurus has also been reported as a slimming medicine.
Animal studies done on mice and rats in 2005, South Africa have indicated that the aqueous leaf extract of L. leonurus contained anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties that could aid in the control of painful, arthritic, and other inflammatory conditions including adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus.
However in a study done on female rats in 2008 in South Africa, the results had shown that when rats were exposed to high doses of the extract of this species, it had adverse effects on their organs, caused changes in their red blood cells and caused death. Scientists had advised in this toxicology study that caution should be used when using this plant for medicinal purposes.
Early dwellers present in South Africa such as the Hottentot tribe or Khoikhoi, smoked the dry leaves and flowers which were said to have narcotic properties bringing on a calm sensation or euphoric feeling when smoked, hence the vernacular name wildedagga meaning wild dagga. It has been reported to be similar to Cannabis but not in any way related and is very mild and not as potent. It is one of the most effective legal herbal substitutes to smoking tobacco or cannabis. Users have reported to have experienced symptoms of mild excitement or elation, visual impairment, dizziness and light headedness, nausea, and sweating.
The dried leaves can also be brewed to make an appetizing tea.
In livestock it is used to treat cattle and fowl with Gall sickness.
The sweet nectar is sucked from the base of the flowers by local children.
Leonotis leonurus was one of the many Cape Plants taken to Europe for gardening purposes many years ago, it is reflected in the European gardening literature as early as 1673.
Source
GERANIUM - AFRICAN - Pelargonium sidoides
Traditional remedies made and caused in coughs, upper respiratory tract irritations and gastrointestinal problems. I do not have a photograph of the actual black flower, here is the lighter flower to enjoy.
P. sidoides has been a traditional remedy used by the Zulu, Basuto and Xhosa as a curative for coughs, upper respiratory tract irritations and gastrointestinal problems.
Today, clinical research has confirmed that P. sidoides is very effective for treating respiratory infections like acute bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis and rhinopharyngitisthe symptoms associated with bronchitis, including headache, fever, fatigue, cough, chest pain while coughing, sputum in the lungs, rhonchi, nasal dripping and acute and chronic ear infection.
Root extract of Pelargonium sidoides is marketed under various brand names including Kaloba, Umcka and Zucol and is often used as an alternative to antibiotics.
It is anti-bacterial and prevents bacteria from attaching to cells in the mucous membranes.
It is antiviral and prevents viruses from attaching to the mucous membrane cells and stimulates the body’s immune system in such a way that both bacteria and viruses are prevented from multiplying.
It acts as an expectorant, allowing the body to expel contaminated mucous making conditions less suitable for the multiplication of the bacteria and viruses.
Pelargonium sidoides is also rich in phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that enhance the body’s functioning and protects it against diseases.
Treatment with Pelargonium sidoides rapidly improves the typical symptoms associated with infections such as cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue and weakness.
Source
Immunity from nature host 
on behalf of Amazing Nature Contest 42
Immunomodulatory effects of Umakhonya®: A South African commercial traditional immune booster Mixing roots, leaves, bark or blooms traditional medicines have been consumed down the ages.
All photography my own using Canon Powershot SX730 HS camera. Any queries or requests please drop a comment below or make contact with me, have a wonderful day! Photography without tripod, go with the flow wherever life takes you. NB: Amateur photographer in nature, keep smiling!
Thought for Today: "Knowledge is like a garden, if you don't cultivate it you cannot harvest it. - African proverb
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