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 @bucipuci 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
Communities to Enjoy On Hive: #lifestylelounge @hive-114105, #qurator @hive-102880, #featheredfriends @hive-106444, #wednesdaywalk @hive-155530, #amazingnature @hive-127788, #alwaysaflower @hive-154065, #feelgood @hive-19093, #theterminal @hive-101265, #ladiesofhive @hive-124452, #silverbloggers @hive-106316
How To
Thank you for entering the competition.
"Lion's ear" does not occur in our country and it is an interesting herb.
Geranium is grown in Europe as a garden plant. I have already tried its effects on myself :-)
We are fortunate in having many plants one is able to use other than decorating the garden. Geranium is planted almost everywhere I am going to be on the lookout for the one with a black flower.
Wild dagga I have not seen often one I am not sure will grow down here at the coast.
Thanks for hosting interesting topics.
:-)
If you want to know something interesting, you must announce a thematic competition :-)
Limited time here with no electricity, back once again after two hours planned rolling blackout by our government! Sorry if I did not add all requirements was more concerned being on time 😌
!BEER
Thoughts and translations sometimes don't match :-).
Your article has everything you need to participate in the competition.
I wanted to say that I am organizing a thematic competition so that I and other people can learn something interesting :-)
!hivebits
Will keep and eye out for thermatic competition and support more.
:-)
Hivebits blends Hive's blockchain and Bitcoin's ethos. Your effort = your reward. Mine HBIT simply with ! hivebits (no space) or ! HBIT (no space), 1-per-day.
Success! You mined .9 HBIT and the user you replied to received .1 HBIT on your behalf. You can receive 100% of the HBIT by replying to one of your own posts or comments. Or, support Hivebits at the official HBIT mine | your wallet | market | tools | connect | <><
Confirmation replies are currently on, but they'll go off when Resource Credits (RCs) get low. Your hivebits command will still go through and you'll get your HBIT.
View or trade
BEER.Hey @bucipuci, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @joanstewart for you. Enjoy it!Do you want to win SOME BEER together with your friends and draw the
BEERKING.Muy buena publicación y uso de las plantas en el área de la medicina
Many plants are used in medicinal or cosmetic sometimes both, makes one realize why we should plant indigenous in our gardens.
The link one is just probably incredible. It is so attractive which really catch the attention from people who walked passed by it I guess.
Many plants around us we simply do not research to learn more, unlike native people in a region who hand this knowledge down through the ages. Yes learn from each other takes us further in life.
The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the person sharing the post on Twitter as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com.
I am almost certain I have seen Lion's ear and the last flower you shared around, interesting they are medicinal.
Most probably you have seen both, now you know what you looking at one relates to the nature around us.
Absolutely I will reflect back to this post when next I come across them.
Have a great start to the week.
Well if every pharmaceuticals go belly up, we now learn about plants that may bring relief in different ways. 😌
Many flowers and plants can be used for medicinal purposes and often work much better than medicines that are expensive to buy.
When I was a child, my mother made some ointments and potions herself, but I can't remember what it was or what it helped against ... and my mother's not a witch, by the way, although sometimes ... 🤣
!BEER and !WINE - both make a nice dinner with !PIZZA :)
!invest_vote
My Mom made lotions all natural ingredients, used many plants in the garden to assist with blemishes, wart removal, these all got passed down through the ages which is slowly being lost.
Either plants no longer exist, or notes never made on what was done or it is easier to spend your money at the pharmaceutical companies. We are still able to obtain old Dutch remedies in-store at a reasonable price.
Going to traditional healers among the tribes is where one learns a lot from the land that works, now people are starting to listen and learn!
!LUV
!BEER
!PIZZA
We have farmers here who have herb gardens and who teach interested people how the different herbs and other plants and flowers can be used for health or other purposes.
That reminds me on a recipe for stopping kids from biting their fingernails: chicken poop on the nails ... it didn't stop me from biting 🤣 !LOLZ
!PIZZA and !BEER served with !LUV - sounds like a nice dinner :)
!invest_vote
Growing up learned from my Dad, later an Indian gentleman I worked with told/taught me of many wild plants used medicinally down here in Durban.
Bitter Aloe was painted on nails to try stop nibbling, did not work continued the habit into my thirties 😁. Not a big issue with my Mom also having the habit....
!LUV
!PIZZA and !BEER
Maybe such knowledge about plants might be even more important in future, who know what will be.
I'm proud of my most times quite nice fingernails ... until I bite them again - yep, I still bite from time to time 😂 !LOLZ
!PIZZA and !BEER served with !LUV - sounds like a nice dinner :)
!invest_vote
Don't think you forget old habits, would be a concern if it did any harm.
At the rate the world is going we might need speed course on how to live, drive donkey carts and much more!
!LUV
!BEER
!PIZZA
Yep, these are habits that come and go, depending on my mood or the stress I have 😁
You're right, and I am prepared ... no I'm not, but I have an old book with lots of recipes for food, drinks and also medicine and other things from the 19th century where they didn't have any electricity. That should help 😅 !LOLZ
!PIZZA and !BEER served with !LUV - sounds like a nice dinner :)
!invest_vote
@johannpiber denkt du hast ein Vote durch @investinthefutur verdient!
@johannpiber thinks you have earned a vote of @investinthefutur !
lolztoken.com
I'm over you.
Credit: reddit
@joanstewart, I sent you an $LOLZ on behalf of @johannpiber
Use the !LOL or !LOLZ command to share a joke and an $LOLZ. (1/8)
@johannpiber denkt du hast ein Vote durch @investinthefutur verdient!
@johannpiber thinks you have earned a vote of @investinthefutur !
lolztoken.com
Because he hated capitalism.
Credit: reddit
@joanstewart, I sent you an $LOLZ on behalf of @johannpiber
Use the !LOL or !LOLZ command to share a joke and an $LOLZ. (1/8)
@johannpiber denkt du hast ein Vote durch @investinthefutur verdient!
@johannpiber thinks you have earned a vote of @investinthefutur !
Congratulations, @johannpiber You Successfully Shared 0.100 WINEX With @joanstewart.
You Earned 0.100 WINEX As Curation Reward.
You Utilized 1/3 Successful Calls.
Contact Us : WINEX Token Discord Channel
WINEX Current Market Price : 0.595
Swap Your Hive <=> Swap.Hive With Industry Lowest Fee (0.1%) : Click This Link
Read Latest Updates Or Contact Us
@johannpiber denkt du hast ein Vote durch @investinthefutur verdient!
@johannpiber thinks you have earned a vote of @investinthefutur !
A lot of plants in Borneo also have medicinal value. These plants are being used by the indigenous tribes as medicine.
Most countries have plants used for medicine, normally local tribes have the knowledge passed down, this is the best place to learn about what plant was used for.
It is always interesting to know how the different plants, flowers and herbs can be so good for our health and in making medicines and we still have so much to learn from them nice interesting post @joanstewart 👍
Plants, roots, in some cases the bark of trees used in variety of ways for medicines making it interesting to know what we do have around or close to hand.
We keep learning!
There certainly is a lot out there that is useful would be nice to understand and know it all nature medicines are always the best 👍
Taste test may be amazing or kill you 😄 someone has to try it first.
We will let the lab rats do that for us...lol 🤣😁🤣
Someone will always give it a go!
Haha, this is true 🤣
PIZZA Holders sent $PIZZA tips in this post's comments:
joanstewart tipped johannpiber (x4)
@johannpiber(5/15) tipped @joanstewart (x4)
Join us in Discord!
Hello @joanstewart.
Very good information in your publication. In my country Venezuela, Leonotis is a wild plant and can be seen near the roads, but I didn't know about its medicinal properties.
As it happens with most of the compounds of the metabolism of the plants, an excess can bring adverse effects like the ones you point out, when they are extracted. Quite different when parts of the plant are consumed.
Beautiful pictures
Regards
One needs to know how to work with plants, ask local older folk if they have a use for it, or which plants they find useful. Thanks for visiting and sharing that the plant is in your country as well.