Page 45 - Waterfall Issue 9_2022

use the right plant for the associated
ailment and in the correct dosage. If
in doubt, it’s best to ask a professional
before trying it at home.

“When herbal medicine is used
correctly and in conjunction with
Wild Olive Harpagophytum procumbens Devil’s Claw
a healthy lifestyle, it is an effective
and safe approach to healthcare.
People and animals have relied on
herbal medicine for centuries. Like
our food, our bodies are designed to
respond to herbal medicines. Many
of our modern medicines were first
isolated from plants. e.g. Aspirin
from Salix alba (White willow bark);
antimitotic chemotherapy drugs
from the alkaloids of Catharanthus
roseus; Quinine from the Cinchona
officinalis tree and many others.

Family artemisia Wilde als Asteraceae Helichrysum crispum
“The adage: ‘the whole is greater
than the sum of its parts’, sums up
“Herbs like Devil’s Claw, that has been prevents infections, including viral the approach in herbal medicine. We
used in the treatment of pain associated infections of the respiratory system. rely on whole plant extracts to work
with arthritic diseases, liver and kidney – Pelargonium sidoides and other within the body safely and efficaciously
problems, fever and malaria, was pelargoniums, Tulbaghia violacea to both prevent and treat illness. An
nearly made extinct by its export to (wildeknoffel) treat the common cold example is the antimicrobial action
overseas markets, which led to the and associated symptoms of wet of Artemisia afra. The herb interferes
commercial farming of the herb.” cough and soothe inflamed respiratory with the cellular replication of the
tissues, including a sore throat. pathogen (e.g. bacteria) by breaking
Devil’s Claw is also used in an – Sage (Salvia species) targets down its cell walls and enhancing
ointment to treat various skin viral respiratory infections the body’s innate immune response
problems such as sores and boils. and eases a sore throat. to keep the pathogens in check and
– Helichrysum species helps restore or maintain good health.”
HERBS USED IN THE treat coughs.
PREVENTION AND/OR – Mint (Mentha longifolia) eases She says herbal medicines contain a
TREATMENT OF COMMON pulmonary infections, headaches, fever mixture of different phytochemicals
AILMENTS and colds, when used in combination that act in combination with body
Herbs that are commonly used for with other herbs like Artemisia afra, cells, tissues and chemicals to enhance
the prevention and/or treatment Salvia species and Olea europeaea. health. The remedies can either work
of common ailments, which are – Sand Olive (Dodonaea viscosa var. quickly or at a steadier pace over time
found in the Cape and various angustifolia) is traditionally used for depending on what is being treated.
parts of Africa, include: treatment of colds and associated
– Wilde als/Umthlonyane (Artemisia sore throat, influenza and measles. “Treatment should be started at
afra) prevents and treats various the first sign of disease to achieve
respiratory infections. The above herbs are generally the best results – or the herbs can
– Kankerbossie/Cancer bush (Lessertia used as herbal infusions or can be be used preventatively as part
frutescens) helps the body to steamed. Some of them can also be of your daily health regimen.”
ward off infections and ill health, purchased as herbal pills or tinctures.
when used regularly. It also eases For more information about
symptoms related to colds and flu. Dr Hauptfleisch says when using herbal medicine go to
– Wild Olive (Olea europaea subs Africana) herbal medicine, it’s important to www.phytotherapists.co.za

Waterfall Issue 9 2022 43