Discovering African Herbs

When it comes to herbalism we've at least heard about Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda (India's traditional medicine practice), Western Herbalism, Native American approach, Rainforest Herbs; but more often than not one school of thought is missing from the conversation: African Herbalism. Well, it does exist although not heavily recorded; so in the process of my herbal studies I've decided to familiarize myself with some African herbs for a balanced point of view. Exciting, because I love learning new schools of thought! Here's a list of what I've gathered so far. Feel free to share info below about these and other African herbs. Enjoy!


Yohimbe: Lost your groove, and can't get "it" going again? Well, here's a herb that'll help you get your mojo back! Most often prescribed for erectile dysfunction, this natural remedy is cultivated from the bark of the evergreen tree throughout West Africa. In other words, it can serve as a natural replacement to drugs like Viagra and Levitra. Because Yohimbe helps increase circulation to the genitals; it's been known to also help stimulate women's libido, but it should be taken in small doses due to its side effects. Speaking of which, there's a bit of controversy about this alternative bark, due to its ability to raise blood pressure and increase heart rate... hmmm, what other commercial brand of medicine does that? I'll let you decide on your own. Because of this factor, again, it should be taken in small doses (especially if you're first starting to use it), the stronger the potency the smaller your dosage should be. Visit Natural Fertility and Annie's Remedy to learn more.

Photo of moringa (Credit: Venkatx5)

Moringa: often called the "miracle tree" native to various countries throughout Africa, moringa helps to boost the immune system as it boasts seven times the vitamin C than oranges. The plant is nutrient dense, and serves as a complete protein source. Moringa also grows in other tropical regions throughout Asia, South America and the Caribbeans. In Ayurveda, this plant helps treat more than 300 diseases. It is a natural antibiotic, antiviral, anti-infammatory, antioxidant, and increases cell regeneration helping to keep skin looking firm and youthful. It's a pretty rich source of iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A, B, and C. Complete moringa benefits can go on and on and on and on (ok, you get the idea), but if you want more info about this herbal powerhouse check out Dobby's Signature blog, a Nigerian food blog, but this particular post delves deep into moringa's many benefits.


Gotu Kola: this plant grows naturally in South Africa and also grows in the tropics and sub-tropic regions of India, China and South America. Gotu Kola is one of the prized herbs in the Ayurvedic medicine because of its many health benefits. Hmmm, those benefits include: boosting the immune system, reducing fevers, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-allergenic, improves memory, antioxidant, helps alleviate skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, cuts, burns, ulcers, etc.), it helps to naturally increase collagen production when used on the skin. But, it's most known for being a nervine, helping to regulate the nervous system. It's caffeine free and is not a stimulant. The herb helps to purify the blood, improves circulation, balances sugar and helps with liver and kidney issues. This herb has a bounty of health and beauty benefits, and although I've listed a lot here, this is just scratching the surface of this plant. Gotu Kola is a powerful herb and should be used under the guidance of a qualified health professional (Ayurvedic practitioner, naturopathic doctor, etc). Learn more about Gotu Kola's healing benefits and visit the Indian Mirror and National Center for Biotechnology Information. 

Rooibos Tea (photo credit: Kenpei)

Rooibos: Rooibos also called Red Bush Tea is surprisingly caffeine free making it safe for women who are preggers and children. It's loaded with antioxidants and minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese and zinc. It helps calm an upset stomach, (I'm talking nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps etc.). Rooibos has low tannins, therefore it helps the body absorb iron, unlike black teas which blocks iron absorption due to its high tannin amounts. This herb is native to South Africa, it has gained popularity for its ability to fight against disease, including cancer. For more information about Rooibos check out the Turtle Woman Blog.


Hoodia: Harvested in South Africa, this herb is most noted as a natural appetite suppressant. Its scientific name is hoodia gordonii which consists of compound molecules (nucleotides) which send signals to the brain that you're full, which in turn helps to reduce calorie intake. Because of its unfavorable taste, this plant naturally repels insects. One of the leading drug companies isolated its weight loss component, P57 and used in its diet pills, but has since discontinued use. There are no known side effects, however getting your hands on this concentrated plant would be either pricey or difficult as hoodia is threatened with extinction for over harvesting. As a result, many companies claim to contain hoodia in its ingredients list, but offer knock off versions. Hoodia also has been used for indigestion and minor infections.



There're much more info from where this came, check out: African-American Slave Medicine. This book shares the traditional herbal practices African-Americans used during slavery. In addition to reveling the holistic approaches of that time, it also includes research further explaining the reasons why the practices were being used.