Research and Promoters of African Medicinal Plants
Medicinal benefits of Huckleberries (Gaylussacia baccata) Huckleberries are native to Africa Asia and North America and belong to the Ericaceae family, within the genera Vaccinium and Gaylussacia Huckleberries are generally more tart, while the darker ones are sweeter. They’re used in a variety of foods, from pies and jams to pancakes, but are not typically grown commercially…
Health Benefits of The Jiaogulan Plant (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) Jiaogulan, scientifically known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and various uses. Jiaogulan is a dioecious, herbaceous climbing vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, gourds, and melons. It’s widely distributed in South and East Asia, New Guinea and Africa. In…
Amazing Health Benefits of Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis) The Rooibos plant, scientifically known as Aspalathus linearis, is a broom-like member of the Fabaceae family that grows in South Africa’s fynbos biome. The leaves of this plant are used to make a herbal tea called rooibos, which is popular in Southern Africa and has gained international popularity for…
Amazing Health Benefits of the Black Sesame Plant (Sesamum indicum nigrum) Black sesame is the oldest sesame plant variety and belongs to the plant family with the botanical name Pedaliaceae and it shares its genus with the more commonly known sesame (Sesamum indicium). Black Sesame is cultivated in Africa and India, sometimes it grows wildly….
African Velvet Tamarind (Dialium guineense) The velvet tamarind can be found in West African countries such as Benin where it is called “Assiswè”, Ghana where it is known as Yoyi, Sierra Leone where it is known as “black tombla”, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau where because of its texture is called “Veludo”, Portuguese for velvet, and Nigeria where it is known as awin or igbaru in Yoruba, icheku in Igbo and tsamiyar biri in Hausa. Health Benefits of The African Velvet Tamarind…
Awolowo plant ( Chromolaena odorata) Chromolaena odorata, commonly known as Siam weed or Christmas bush, Awolowo leaf, is a tropical and subtropical flowering shrub in the sunflower family. Native to the West Africa, it has spread to tropical Asia, America, and the Pacific Islands. Although it is considered an invasive species due to its rapid colonization of disturbed…
Locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) Facts About the Roots, Leaves, Seeds and Bark. Health Benefits Locust beans, also known as African locust beans or néré, are the seeds of a leguminous tree called Parkia biglobosa. These flavour-packed legumes are a staple in traditional African, Asian, and South American cuisines. Its pods, commonly referred to as locust beans, start pink and turn dark…
Facts About the Avocado (Persea americana) Plant Health Benefits Avocado (Persea americana) has gained substantial popularity and is often marketed as a “superfood” due to its unique nutritional composition, antioxidant content, and biochemical profile. Let’s explore some of its remarkable health benefits: Healthy for the Heart: Avocado contains beta-sitosterol, a natural plant sterol. In every 100 grams…
Breadfruit Plant (Artocarpus altilis) The breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a remarkable tree belonging to the mulberry family. The plant grows in many parts of the world including Africa. These fruits have a greenish to brownish-green outer skin and a white, somewhat fibrous pulp. Breadfruit contains considerable amounts of starch and is seldom eaten raw. Instead, it…
CANCER BUSH (Sutherlandia frutescens) Health Benefits and How to Use Sutherlandia frutescens, commonly known as Cancer Bush, Kankerbos is a plant renowned for its traditional medicinal uses. Here are some of the herbal benefits associated with Cancer Bush: Immune Support: It’s believed to boost the immune system, particularly in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Anti-inflammatory: The…
Guava (Psidium guajava) The Amazing Health Benefits of Guava Leaves and Fruits Guava is a tropical fruit known for its unique flavour and numerous health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. Guava trees are grown in many tropical and subtropical regions. The fruit is typically round or oval and can have a…
Bengal Currant (Carissa Carandas) Carissa carandas is a species of flowering shrub in the family Apocynaceae. It produces berry-sized fruits that are commonly used as a condiment in Indian pickles and spices. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that thrives well in a wide range of soils Health benefits of Bengal Currant (Carissa Carandas) Carissa carandas,…
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) for Immune Support The coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) belongs to a group of flowering plants in the daisy family. These plants are native to North America, where they thrive in prairies and open wooded areas. The genus Echinacea includes several species, with Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida being commonly used in herbal supplements Immune System Support…
Health Benefits of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a type of maca root with a dark colour and distinctive properties. Maca is a plant that grows in the Andes mountains of Peru and has been used for centuries as a food and a natural remedy. Some of the potential benefits of…
Facts About the Newbouldia Plant Newbouldia plant is a common name for Newbouldia laevis, a species of evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Bignoniaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, often planted as a boundary marker or a living hedge. It is also known as boundary tree, ogirisi, ewe akoko, or aduruku in different languages. Newbouldia plant has…
Tribulus Terrestris Plant (Herbal Uses and Health Benefits ) Tribulus is a genus of plants in the family Zygophyllaceae that grows in diverse climates and soils worldwide. The most well-known species is Tribulus terrestris, also called puncture vine, goat’s head, or caltrop. It is a small, creeping plant with yellow flowers and spiny fruits that…
Sage Plant (Salvia officinalis) Amazing Health benefits The sage plant is a common name for Salvia officinalis, a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. It has grey-green leaves and blue-purple flowers that are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The sage plant is native to the Mediterranean region, but it has been naturalized…
Psyllium (Plantago ovata) is a plant species that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and naturalized in many parts of the world. It is also known by various common names, such as blond plantain, desert Indianwheat, blond psyllium, and ispaghol. It is mainly cultivated for its seeds and husks,…
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Coat Button Plant (Tridax procumbens) Coat Button Plant (Tridax procumbens) is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the tropical Americas but has been introduced to many other regions of the world. It is also known as coat buttons, tridax daisy, cadillo chisaca, and herbe caille The plant has white or…
Amazing Benefits of Bahama grass (Cynodon dactylon) Bahama grass is a common name for Cynodon dactylon, a grass that is native to Europe, Africa, Australia and much of Asia. It is also known by many other names, such as Bermuda grass, couch grass, devil’s grass, dog’s tooth grass, and wiregrass Bahama grass is widely used as…