Page 44 - Waterfall Issue 9_2022

Waterfall Health & Wellness

THE HEALING POWER

OF INDIGENOUS

SOUTH AFRICAN HERBS

In recent years there
Dr Hauptfleisch’s love of
has been a resurgence herbal medicine has spanned
30 years and has included
in traditionally used the growing, compounding
and dispensing of herbal
medicinal plants to medicines. She has also

improve health – either taught various aspects of
Phytotherapy at both lay and
alone or in combination tertiary level. She believes that
herbal knowledge, if safely
with conventional shared, is our birthright.

medicines.

O ne of the main reasons for home to a wide variety of indigenous compounds that allow plants to resist

seeking herbal therapy
medicinal plants that have been
infections and insect infestations.
used safely and effectively since time
or other alternatives to
conventional medicine
are confirming their medicinal value.”
is the belief that they will promote immemorial. Science and clinical use Drinking it regularly may help to:
– Enhance immunity
healthier living. With the many – Reduce the incidence of cancer
side-effects of modern medicines These herbs include Rooibos, due to its cytoprotective effect
and growing antibiotic resistance, Honeybush, Buchu, Aloe ferox and – Regulate blood glucose
people the world over see herbal Devil’s Claw, among others. Marketers – Protect the heart from
medicine as a safer way to stay healthy all over the globe are clamouring degenerative damage
and treat and prevent illness. to include them in their products as – Slow the ageing process, since it is
the demand for herbal medicine and able to reduce oxidative stress, and
Dr Caren Hauptfleisch, Chairperson natural health products grows. in turn reduce free radical damage
of the SA Association of Registered – Prevent certain skin cancers.
Phytotherapists (SAARP), who has Dr Hauptfleisch highlights the benefits
more than 30 years of herbal medicine of some of our local herbs and how When used topically, its anti-
experience, says the steady increase in they can be used to maintain health. inflammatory properties can soothe skin
the use of herbs can be seen throughout irritations, such as eczema and dermatitis.
the world. “The introduction of modern Rooibos (Aspalanthus
healthcare as we know it has led to linearis) “Rooibos is a good daily supplement to
the disappearance and displacement Rooibos is a herb of great significance. improve overall health in combination
of many indigenous health practices, It is rich in antioxidants, also referred with a healthy lifestyle,” she adds.
however scientists worldwide are to as polyphenols, which are
now looking to plants and herbs to Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum
formulate new phytotherapeutic procumbens)
agents (plant-based treatments) to Dr Haupfleisch notes that herbal
prevent and treat disease,” she says. medicine should only be used if it is
able to be sustainably grown. Human
“South Africa, and in particular the use and trade in a plant should never
Western Cape’s floristic region, is threaten its existence in the wild.

42 Waterfall Issue 9 2022