Page 20 - IFV Issue Issue 9_2022

Health & Wellness

THE HEALING POWER OF

INDIGENOUS SOUTH AFRICAN HERBS

In recent years there has been a resurgence in Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum
traditionally used medicinal plants to improve procumbens)
Dr Haupfleisch notes that herbal
health – either alone or in combination with medicine should only be used if it is
conventional medicines. able to be sustainably grown. Human

use and trade in a plant should never
threaten its existence in the wild.
ne of the main reasons for Dr Hauptfleisch highlights the
seeking herbal therapy or other benefits of some of our local herbs “Herbs like Devil’s Claw, that has
Oalternatives to conventional and how they can be used to maintain been used in the treatment of pain
medicine is the belief that they will health. associated with arthritic diseases,
promote healthier living. With the many liver and kidney problems, fever and
side-effects of modern medicines and Rooibos (Aspalanthus linearis) malaria, was nearly made extinct by
growing antibiotic resistance, people Rooibos is a herb of great its export to overseas markets, which
the world over see herbal medicine as a significance. It is rich in antioxidants, led to the commercial farming of the
safer way to stay healthy and treat and also referred to as polyphenols, herb.”
prevent illness. which are compounds that allow Devil’s Claw is also used in an
Dr Caren Hauptfleisch, Chairperson plants to resist infections and insect ointment to treat various skin
of the SA Association of Registered infestations. problems such as sores and boils.
Phytotherapists (SAARP), who has Drinking it regularly may help to:
more than 30 years of herbal medicine – Enhance immunity HERBS USED IN THE PREVENTION
experience, says the steady increase in – Reduce the incidence of cancer due AND/OR TREATMENT OF
the use of herbs can be seen throughout to its cytoprotective effect COMMON AILMENTS
the world. “The introduction of modern – Regulate blood glucose Herbs that are commonly used for
healthcare as we know it has led to – Protect the heart from degenerative the prevention and/or treatment of
the disappearance and displacement damage common ailments, which are found in
of many indigenous health practices, – Slow the ageing process, since it is the Cape and various parts of Africa,
however scientists worldwide are now able to reduce oxidative stress, and include:
looking to plants and herbs to formulate in turn reduce free radical damage – Wilde als/Umthlonyane (Artemisia
new phytotherapeutic agents (plant- – Prevent certain skin cancers. afra) prevents and treats various
based treatments) to prevent and treat – When used topically, its anti- respiratory infections.
disease,” she says. inflammatory properties can soothe – Kankerbossie/Cancer bush (Lessertia
“South Africa, and in particular the skin irritations, such as eczema and
Western Cape’s floristic region, is home dermatitis.
to a wide variety of indigenous medicinal “Rooibos is a good daily supplement
plants that have been used safely and to improve overall health in
effectively since time immemorial. combination with a healthy lifestyle,”
Science and clinical use are confirming she adds.
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 grows. Wild Olive

18 • Issue 9 2022 • The Villager