Healing from South Africa

FIVE AMAZING AFRICAN HEALING PLANTS ORIGINATING FROM CAPE TOWN

With its very own floral kingdom (that’s the Cape Floral Kingdom, just in case you were wondering), it comes as no surprise that the Cape is home to a number of healing African plants. From the world-famous Buchu to Cancer Bush and Aloe, the Western Cape offers many medicinal plants that are used in traditional African medicine and herbalism, as well as Rastafarian and ancient San medicine.

Many herbs can be found as supplements or as teas in health shops across the city, while others can be obtained from a herbalist or Rastafarian herb seller. In this mini-guide, we showcase the most significant types of medicinal herbs grown in Cape Town and surrounds.

Medicinal Herbs Grown in Cape Town

Some of the most interesting medicinal herbs grown in Cape Town include the following:

1. Buchu

The term ‘buchu’ was used by the Khoi and San people for any fragrant plant that they would dry and powder. The name, therefore, does not specific a single species but rather a larger group of fragrant herbs. Buchu is rich in natural essential oils and has a strong fragrance that has made it a popular win in the world of natural cosmetics, soaps and even food flavouring. This herb repels insects and is said to have powerful immunity properties when used in the form of tea.

2. Carpobrotus Edulis (Sour Figs)

The leaves of this succulent are good for a variety of skin issues, ranging from sunburn to rashes, cold sores, insect bites and bee stings. The leaves can also be chewed for sore throat relief. As a fast growing plant, this ground cover gets flowers in spring that start out yellow but slowly turn pink. It is found in large amounts in the Western Cape.

3. Sutherlandia Frutescens (Cancer Bush)

The famous Cancer Bush is often used in tea. The leaves are where most of the healing properties are found, but other parts of the plant can also be used. This herb is traditionally used for stomach problems as well as cancer (hence its name). It’s also a general topic that is used for colds, flu, chicken pox, varicose veins, diabetes, liver issues and pain. For years, a mixture made from the plant was used to treat wounds, fevers and other problems.

4. Cyclopia Genistoides (Honeybush Tea)

Almost as famous as Rooibos, honeybush tea is found in sandy soil from Darling to other regions. This tea has no caffeine, with only a small trace of tannin. Research done by the University of the Free State found that honeybush is high in antioxidants that help to provide a number of health benefits from longevity to glowing skin. Green honeybush is especially powerful. It is said to clear a number of skin issues such as eczema, as well as help to treat skin cancer, intestinal ailments, hormonal imbalances and high blood pressure. As a native Cape plant, this tea is also delicious, with a smoky taste that is similar to Rooibos.

5. Aloe

There are hundreds of Aloe species in South Africa. In the Western Cape, one of the important species is the Cape Aloe, which is the Aloe Ferox. This large Aloe can reach 10 feet, with red flowers growing a few feet above the leaves. Extracts can be used as a laxative and taken internally. Aloe Ferox pills or ‘tar’ is readily available at many chemists and health stores.

 

Beauty treatment

 

Wei East: Chinese Brand

Wei East combines traditional Chinese herbal medicine to deliver natural skincare treatments. Essential herbs like green tea, red peony root, Tibetan chrysanthemum, reishi mushrooms, pomegranate peel, ginger and soy are used in a variety of the brand’s skincare and makeup products. As one of the few Chinese beauty brands out in the marketplace, Wei East has become one of the biggest in the U.S.

 

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