When it comes to ancient healing, Africa has known a great deal of traditional plants that offered effective treatments, ranging from urinary tract infection to constipation. In this article, you will learn the effects of senna, aloe vera, as well as the kola nut , all healing choices hailing from ancient African herbal remedies.
Kola Nut: This herb has found a place in both western medicine and in central Africa, as it works to alleviate headaches.
Grains of Paradise: This herbal treatment is not only used as a condiment in Africa, but is also taken on a medicinal basis as a way to combat nausea. The remedy is known to produce a warming effect.
Pellitory: This plant possesses a pungent, irritant root that works towards stimulating the circulation in an individual when it comes in contact with the skin.
Senna: The prime component in senna that produces contractions in the bowel system is anthraquinones, which gives the plant its laxative effect. The first time that this plant was recorded as being used in the past was during 9th century Arabia. Some of the ways to prepare senna includes decoctions made from the pods.
Aloe Vera: There are two different medicinal uses that one may find in the aloe vera plant. The first comes from the clear gel that emerges from the center of the leaf. The gel is responsible for quickening the healing process. The second helpful part of the aloe vera plant is the juice that comes from the base of the leaf (often referred to as ‘bitter aloes’), which produces a laxative effect in users.
Devil’s Claw: Today, the western world has found a use for Devil’s Claw, which works against inflammation.
Myrrh: This plant produces an astringent resin that is used to combat sore throats.
Visnaga: The Egyptian medicinal text mentioned in the previous article that dated back to 1500 BC includes visnaga as an entry. This herb has a reputation for relieving the symptoms of kidney stones. Another use of visagna is found in the fruit, which has been used to clean the teeth.
Coffee: There is a legend that states that it was an Islamic member of the clergy is responsible for discovering the stimulating effects associated with coffee. How did he manage this? He simply watched the changes in behavior that goats who grazed on the beans exhibited. Medicinally, coffee has found a use for treating people suffering from headaches.
Buchu: When looking for a treatment for problems concerning the urinary tract, Africans in the past turned towards the healing effects of buchu, which acted as a diuretic and tonic. Another use for the herb was to infuse it in oil to create a perfume.
Calumba: This bitter herb was used in the past as a remedy for the digestive system and as a way to improve the appetite of an individual.