Page 21 - IFV Issue Issue 9_2022

Health & Wellness

Dr. Hauptfleisch’s love of herbal medicine has spanned 30 years and has included
the growing, compounding and dispensing of herbal medicines. She has also taught
various aspects of Phytotherapy at both lay and tertiary level. She believes that
herbal knowledge, if safely shared, is our birthright.

fever and colds, when used in Quinine from the Cinchona officinalis
combination with other herbs like tree and many others.
Artemisia afra, Salvia species and “The adage: ‘the whole is greater
Olea europeaea. than the sum of its parts’, sums up the
– Sand Olive (Dodonaea viscosa var. approach in herbal medicine. We rely
angustifolia) is traditionally used for on whole plant extracts to work within
treatment of colds and associated the body safely and efficaciously to
Dr Caren Hauptfleisch
sore throat, influenza and measles. both prevent and treat illness. An
The above herbs are generally used example is the antimicrobial action
frutescens) helps the body to as herbal infusions or can be steamed. of Artemisia afra. The herb interferes
ward off infections and ill health, Some of them can also be purchased with the cellular replication of the
when used regularly. It also eases as herbal pills or tinctures. pathogen (e.g. bacteria) by breaking
symptoms related to colds and flu. Dr Hauptfleisch says when using down its cell walls and enhancing
– Wild Olive (Olea europaea subs herbal medicine, it’s important to the body’s innate immune response
Africana) prevents infections, use the right plant for the associated to keep the pathogens in check and
including viral infections of the ailment and in the correct dosage. If restore or maintain good health.”
respiratory system. in doubt, it’s best to ask a professional She says herbal medicines contain
– Pelargonium sidoides and other before trying it at home. a mixture of different phytochemicals
pelargoniums, Tulbaghia violacea “When herbal medicine is used that act in combination with body
(wildeknoffel) treat the common correctly and in conjunction with cells, tissues and chemicals to enhance
cold and associated symptoms of a healthy lifestyle, it is an effective health. The remedies can either work
wet cough and soothe inflamed and safe approach to healthcare. quickly or at a steadier pace over time
respiratory tissues, including a sore People and animals have relied on depending on what is being treated.
throat. herbal medicine for centuries. Like “Treatment should be started at
– Sage (Salvia species) targets viral our food, our bodies are designed to the first sign of disease to achieve the
respiratory infections and eases a respond to herbal medicines. Many best results – or the herbs can be used
sore throat. of our modern medicines were first preventatively as part of your daily
– Helichrysum species helps treat isolated from plants. e.g. Aspirin health regimen.”
coughs. from Salix alba (White willow bark); For more information
– Mint (Mentha longifolia) eases antimitotic chemotherapy drugs from about herbal medicine go to
pulmonary infections, headaches, the alkaloids of Catharanthus roseus; www.phytotherapists.co.za

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) Wilde als (Family artemisia) Asteraceae Helichrysum Crispum

The Villager • Issue 9 2022 • 19