Research and Promoters of African Medicinal Plants
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…
Germs and Personal Hygiene and Traditional Preventive Medication Germs are tiny organisms that can cause diseases or benefit your health. Germs are microorganisms. This means that they can be seen only through a microscope. They can be found everywhere – in the air, soil, and water. There are also germs on your skin and in…
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Ethiopian Pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) Xylopia aethiopica, also known as Ethiopian Pepper, black pepper, or Grains of Selim among many other common names, is a species of flowering plant in the Annonaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist, lowland forests. This evergreen, aromatic tree can reach up to 5 meters in height. Its leaves are oblong-elliptic, and…
Skin Infections and Traditional Herbal Treatment A skin infection occurs when germs, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, penetrate the skin and spread. These infections can cause various symptoms, including pain, swelling, redness, inflammation, or the formation of abscesses. An example is Herpes simplex virus (HSV): Which causes cold sores or genital herpes. The transmission of skin infections can occur in several…
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…
Treating Menstrual Cramps with blue Vervain What is menstrual cramps Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen that can be intense or severe. They typically occur just before and during menstrual periods. Here are some key points about menstrual cramps: Symptoms: Throbbing or cramping pain in the lower…
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…
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) How to Handle With Herbs What are STIs STI typically stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection, which is an infection transmitted through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be passed through sexual activity and sometimes during childbirth. When STIs are treated early, you can…
Diabetes, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Herbal Treatment What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The body either does not make enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it makes. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body becoming unresponsive to the…
Asthma Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Herbal Treatment Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. It can be triggered by various factors, including allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, as well as environmental irritants like smoke and pollution….
Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis) Ogbono Irvingia gabonensis, commonly known as bush mango, is a species of African tree native to tropical West African forests. their local names namely, dikka, dika nut, dika bread tree, odika, ogbono, or iba-tree. The bush mango plant has been used for traditional medicine and as food. Indigenous Range: Irvingia gabonensis is…
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…
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 Plantain Blossom (Banana Flower) Plantain blossoms, also known as banana flowers, are a part of the banana plant that is often used in cooking, particularly in Southeast Asian, and Indian cuisines and some parts of Africa. They are known for their potential health benefits, which include: Nutrition: Plantain blossoms are a rich…
