‘African herb’ is the name used to denote any plant, either wholly or in part, that is native to the African continent which may be used either for culinary purposes or for providing health benefits.   African herbs have been used since long as an essential part of ancient and modern medicine.  It is believed that approximately 75 % of the local population relies on herbs for health purposes. This is probably because of the immense natural forest cover and the sheer number of herbs and plants that are available, fortunately untouched yet by urbanisation and modern development.   It is believed that at least about 80 % of African herbs offer various health benefits to the local populace. Add to its own natural heritage, trade exchange down the years with China, Europe and India has only added to the treasure trove of African herbal medicine.

Health Benefits of African Herbs

It is common to use herbal remedies to take care of simple health concerns like common cold, flu, fever etc. Research has reported the use of traditional African medicine and natural health remedies as primary treatment even in serious health conditions like HIV infection. In Africa, traditional herbal medicines are often used in HIV-related problems like dermatological disorders, nausea, depression, insomnia, and weakness. Although research and evidence on the effectiveness of these treatments is still inadequate, it is noteworthy that Ministries of Health of several African nations continue to promote traditional herbal remedies for treatment of HIV and other associated ailments. The South African Ministry of Health for HIV Management with support of 14 member states of the South-African Development Community [SADC] recommend the use of two principal African herbal compounds Hypoxis hemerocallidea (commonly known as African potato), and Sutherlandia.

Beneficial herbs

• Hypoxis hemerocallidea also known by common names like star lily, magic muthi, yellow stars boasts of a long history of medicinal use in Africa. It is currently used as an immunostimulant for AIDS patients at a dose of 2,400 mg of raw plant extract. Two popular species of this herb are known to be used in preparation of herbal teas and tinctures. Traditional Zulu healers use root extracts of this plant to treat urinary tract infections, heart tremors and nervous imbalances.

• Sutherlandia Frutescens subspecies Microphylla is known more commonly as Insiswa, Unwele, Mukakana, Phetola, Lerumo-lamadi, cancer bush, kankerbos in those parts. It has been found to be useful in the treatment of a variety of conditions; from cancer, diabetes, anxiety, clinical depression, influenza to even rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, peptic ulcers, gastritis, tuberculosis etc. In humans, the recommended therapeutic dose is 9mg/kg body weight/day. The innate anti-oxidant activity of this herb may be responsible for its anti-inflammatory response in the human body. The leaves of this herb are known to have a sedative effect when inhaled and help ease sensations of extreme pain.

• Rooibos is a herb native to a small area in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is used in the preparation of a herbal tea called rooibos tea, bush tea or redbush tea and well known as South African red tea. It has been popular for generations in Africa and has steadily gained popularity around the world. Lack of caffeine, low tannin levels and a wealth of anti-oxidants makes this a highly nutritious option. It also contains a host of phenolic compounds, including flavones, flavanols and flavanones. It is known to alleviate symptoms of asthma, allergies, colic, digestive concerns, and also has anti-cancer benefits due to presence of Luteolin. 

• Hoodia Gordonii is a succulent, cactus-like plant that grows in arid regions like the African Kalahari Desert. It works by emulating the effect that glucose has on the nerve cells in the brain. In essence, it transmits the feeling of fullness to the brain, diminishing appetite and curtailing hunger pangs for longer periods.

This is a modest peak into the infinite world of African herbs, which holds immense promise and potential as a key to delivering health benefits in a most natural and safe manner.