Page 19 - Dainfern Precinct Living issue 7 2022

Health & Wellness

In recent years there has been a

resurgence in traditionally used

medicinal plants to improve health –

either alone or in combination with

conventional medicines.

ne of the main reasons for seeking herbal therapy or
other alternatives to conventional medicine is the
belief that they will promote healthier living. With the
Omany side-effects of modern medicines and growing
antibiotic resistance, people the world over see herbal medicine
as a safer way to stay healthy and treat and prevent illness.

Dr Caren Hauptfleisch, Chairperson of the SA Association of
Registered Phytotherapists (SAARP), who has more than 30 years
of herbal medicine experience, says the steady increase in
the use of herbs can be seen throughout the world. “The
introduction of modern healthcare as we know it has led to the
disappearance and displacement of many indigenous health
practices, however scientists worldwide are now looking to
plants and herbs to formulate new phytotherapeutic agents Asteraceae
(plant-based treatments) to prevent and treat disease,” she says. Helichrysum
Crispum
“South Africa, and in particular the Western Cape’s floristic region,
is home to a wide variety of indigenous medicinal plants that
have been used safely and effectively since time immemorial.
Science and clinical use are confirming their medicinal value.”
These herbs include Rooibos, Honeybush, Buchu, Aloe Ferox
and Devil’s Claw, among others. Marketers all over the globe are
clamouring to include them in their products as the demand for
herbal medicine and natural health products grow.

Dr Hauptfleisch highlights the benefits of some of our local herbs
and how they can be used to maintain health.
ROOIBOS (Aspalanthus linearis)
Rooibos is a herb of great significance. It is rich in antioxidants,
also referred to as polyphenols, which are compounds that allow
plants to resist infections and insect infestations.
Drinking it regularly may help to:
- Enhance immunity
- Reduce the incidence of cancer due to its cytoprotective
effect
- Regulate blood glucose
- Protect the heart from degenerative damage
- Slow the ageing process, since it is able to reduce oxidative
stress, and in turn reduce free radical damage
- Prevent certain skin cancers.
- When used topically, its anti-inflammatory properties can
soothe skin irritations, such as eczema and dermatitis.
“Rooibos is a good daily supplement to improve overall health in
combination with a healthy lifestyle,” she adds.

DEVIL’S CLAW
(Harpagophytum procumbens)
Dr Haupfleisch notes that herbal medicine should only be used if
it is able to be sustainably grown. Human use and trade in a plant
should never threaten its existence in the wild.
Wild Olive (Olea
“Herbs like Devil's Claw, that has been used in the treatment of europaea subs Africana)
pain associated with arthritic diseases, liver and kidney problems,

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