This chapter was added by "popular demand" we take no responsibility whatsoever
for any damages, wrong and inaccurate information and strongly advise
anybody against using any of the information included in this website.
Before the event of colonialism, Africa was a continent where the "witch
doctors" taken care of all ailments, real or not.
The African
traditional healers went by many names such as: Inyanga and Isangoma in Zulu,
Ixwele and Amaquira
in Xhosa, Nqaka in Sotho and Toordokter, bossiedokter or kruiedokter in
Afrikaans, some of these remedies was also known as "boererate" or
"kruierate".
Although the Inyanga or Sangoma was more spiritually endowed the elders,
birth attendants, mediums, herbalist and the ordinary person living in
the bush are all carriers of tribal medicine knowledge.
The following herb/plant descriptions are for informational purposes
only. We are not advising or prescribing herbs or plants for any specific
medical conditions.
Always check with you health care provider prior to
using herbs/plants for medical purposes. Be smart and do your research.
Most of the information and herbs listed in the following descriptions
have not been verified or
not proven safe by the FDA. Use at your own
risk.
Abortifacient
- Abscess - Acne - Anodyne
- Anthelmintic - Antiseptics
- Ear Ache - Stomach Ache
- Head Ache - Aphrodisiacs
Acacia
erioloba
Ear infections can be treated with the dried powder of the pods, The
gum can be used for the treatment of gonorrhea and the pulverized burned
bark can be used to treat headache.
Acacia
hebeclada
Rood can be used for a cure for diarrhoea.
Acokanthera
oppositifolia
This plant and ALL it's parts are extremely poisonous, it contain several
cardiac glycosides of which Acovenoside A is the major compound, with minor
constituents which include the well known hunting poison ingredient Ouabain.
Acovenoside A is highly toxic and can cause death even with minute doses.
A infusion of the root bark are used to treat excessive and irregular menstruation. Small doses of the plant are taken orally, and
some applied topically for the treatment of toothache. Other medical uses include the treatment
of colds, anthrax and tapeworm.
Acacia nilotica (Mimosa nilotica) Zulu take bark for cough. Astringent
bark used for diarrhea, dysentery, and leprosy. Other preparations
used for coughs, gargle, toothache, ophthalmia, and syphilitic ulcers.
African Vocanga (Vocanga africana) This plant is used by the
Diola of Africa against infectious diseases. It has also been reported
to been used to treat mental disorders and as an analgesic. Reported to
contain voacangine (carbomethoxy-ibogaine), ibogamin, plus many other unidentified
alkaloids in the root & trunk bark, leaves and seeds. The total alkaloid
fraction is said to be slightly toxic, acting as CNS depressants &
hypotensives.
Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) Has been found effective
in the treatment of some cases of arthritis. Also aids in liver and gall-bladder
complaints.
Lion tail (Leonotis and Leonuris) are known collectively as lion's
tail; ongoing research at the CBGTEP suggests that these little-known herbs
may also be useful as a calming tea. In South Africa, the leaves and roots
of the plant are also used as a remedy for snake bite and to alleviate
the pain of other bites and stings. The decoction of dried leaf or root
is used as an external wash to treat itchy skin and eczema. Internally,
the tea of the dried leaves is taken to treat headache, bronchitis, high
blood pressure and the common cold. The plant contains volatile oils and
marrubiin.
Yohimbe bark (Pausinystalia
johimbe) Increases blood flow to
the genitals, compressing the veins and prevents the blood from flowing
back out. It has been shown to restore erectly function in many cases of
impotence. Also used for weight loss and as a poultice for pain. Used as
an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture. The bark has been smoked
as mild hallucinogen.
Yohimbe is a tall evergreen forest tree, reaching
a height of 90 feet and width of 40 feet, native to southwestern Nigeria,
Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo. Yohimbe bark has traditionally been used
in western Africa as a sexual aphrodisiac, especially in male erection
disorders, reportedly stimulating both erection and salivation. No significant
human studies on crude yohimbe bark or its whole extract have been conducted.
Numerous studies, however, have investigated the actions of the isolated
constituent yohimbine. One study indicated that lower doses of yohimbine,
given to patients who are fasting or eating a low-fat diet, may be effective.
There are a few studies showing that yohimbine is effective for some impotence,
especially of vascular, diabetic, or psychogenic origins. It can improve
the quality and staying power of erections, usually without increasing
sexual excitement. Though yohimbe bark is freely available in the United
States in health and natural food stores, pharmacies, and by mail order,
it should be used with caution.