Research and Promoters of African Medicinal Plants
Lantana Plant (Lantana camara) Health Benefits and How to Uses as a Herb Lantana camara, commonly known as common lantana, is a species of flowering plant within the Verbena family (Verbenaceae). It is native to Africa, America, the Caribbean, and tropical / sub-tropical countries worldwide. Lantana leaves can display antimicrobial, fungicidal and insecticidal properties. L. camara has also been…
Facts About Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) Lemon Grass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus is a common plant in Africa, the plant has been used for traditional herbal treatment of various health issues for a history memorial. It is widely used in culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic applications due to its aromatic, citrusy scent and numerous health benefits. Lemon…
Golden Melon (Cucumis melo) Golden melon botanically known as Cucumis melo, is a nutritious fruit that offers a variety of health benefits, originates from Africa and Europe and spreading around the world. Golden Melon is rich in vitamins and many minerals that give it the medicinal value required by the body to treat several health issues. Health…
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Health Benefits and How to Use as Herbal Medicines Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, are fungi that grow in various hot and humid locations in Asia Africa and many parts of the world. They are well-known for their potential health benefits and have been used in traditional Eastern medicine for…
Hypoxis hemerocallidea (African wild potato) Medicinal Benefits and How to Use Hypoxis hemerocallidea, commonly known as the African potato or African star grass, is a plant native to Southern Africa that’s highly regarded for its medicinal properties. It’s not related to the common potato but is associated with the lily family. This hardy and drought-resistant plant has been used…
Dog Bush Plant (Cornus florida) Traditional Herbal Benefits and How to Use the Plant as Medicines The botanical name of the dog bush plant is Cornus florida. It is commonly known as Dogwood and is a species of flowering plant in the family Cornaceae. Dogwood (Cornus florida) is a type of tree native to North…
Red Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) Health Benefits and Herbal Uses Rubus idaeus (raspberry, also called red raspberry or occasionally European red raspberry to distinguish it from other raspberry species) is a red-fruited species of Rubus native to Europe and northern Asia and commonly cultivated in other temperate regions. Rubus idaeus, are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients…
Amazing medicinal value of Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is a natural remedy that has been used for thousands of years to address various hormonal issues. Chasteberry helps alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Vitex agnus-castus (also called vitex, chaste tree / chaste tree, chaste berry, Abraham’s balm, lilac chaste tree, or monk’s…
Rose Sage (Salvia pachyphylla) Benefits and Traditional Herbal Uses Rose Sage (scientifically known as Salvia pachyphylla) is an extraordinarily showy evergreen shrub native to America and can be found in many parts of the world. The plant is an ancient herb that has been used in traditional herbal medicines for long. Rose Sage produces slightly cupped, silvery grey,…
Ramgoat Dashalong (Turnera ulmifolia) Health Benefits and Traditional Herbal Uses The Ramgoat Dashalong, scientifically known as Turnera ulmifolia, is a species of plant native to Mexico, the West Indies and Africa. It’s also commonly referred to as Yellow Alder. This plant is known for its traditional use in herbal medicine and is believed to have various health…
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Health Benefits and Herbal Uses Chamomile, scientifically known as Matricaria chamomilla and also referred to as German chamomile, is a well-known plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It’s an annual herb native to Africa and worldwide. Chamomile is commonly used to make herbal tea and has been traditionally used in medicine for various purposes. It’s…
Fireball Lily (Scadoxus multiflorus) Traditional Herbal Uses The Fireball Lily, scientifically known as Scadoxus multiflorus, is a bulbous plant native to most of sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Seychelles. Common Names: Blood lily, ball lily, fireball lily, blood flower, Katherine-wheel, oxtongue lily, poison root, powderpuff lily. It is strongly toxic and has been used…
Eucalyptus plants, The Health Benefits and Traditional Uses Eucalyptus plants, belonging to the genus Eucalyptus, are a diverse group of flowering trees and shrubs. There are over 700 species of eucalyptus, most of which are native to Australia, with a few species found in neighboring areas. Beyond their ornamental value, eucalyptus leaves can be harvested for their oil,…
Coriander Spice (Coriandrum sativum) Herbal Benefits and Uses of the Leaves, Seeds and Oil Coriander, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. It’s a versatile plant where all parts are edible, but it’s the fresh leaves and dried seeds that are most commonly used in cooking. In addition to its culinary…
Dill (Anethum graveolens) Health Benefits and Herbal Uses Dill, scientifically known as Anethum graveolens, is an annual herb in the celery family Apiaceae. It’s native to North Africa, Iran, and the Arabian Peninsula. Dill has a long history and was even found in the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep II, dating back to around 1400 BC. It’s…
African peach Plant (Nauclea latifolia) The African peach is a valuable medicinal plant native to tropical Africa and Asia, it is scientifically known as Nauclea latifolia Smith and some of its common names are African peach, Pin cushion tree, Guinea peach, Sierra Leone peach, Bishop’s head, and more. The plant is Found in tropical forests of…
Ox Knee (Achyranthes bidentate) Health Benefits and How to Use Achyranthes bidentata, commonly known as the Ox Knee, Achyranthes bidentata is an annual herb found in hilly districts of Asia and Africa and a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The plant grows wildly in most parts of Africa and its benefits are attributed to the…
Fern (Polypodiophyta) Herbal Benefits and How to Use A fern is a member of a group of vascular plants (plants with xylem and phloem) that reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. Unlike mosses, ferns have specialized tissues that conduct water and nutrients, and their life cycles involve a dominant branched sporophyte phase. They inhabit…
Facts About the Star Anise (Illicium verum) Star anise, scientifically known as Illicium verum, is a spice with a flavour reminiscent of licorice. It is obtained from the star-shaped pods of the fruit of the Chinese evergreen tree I. verum. Star anise is a spice from the Illicium verum ( I. verum) evergreen tree native to…
Facts About The Bay Plant (Laurus Nobilis) The leaf of the sweet bay tree ( Laurus nobilis ), an evergreen of the family Lauraceae, is a native of the Mediterranean and is widely cultivated in Africa. Its leaves, commonly known as bay leaves are used for seasoning food and herbal medicines in traditional medicine practices because…
