My mother believed so much in herbs, she had herb teas, herb juices, herb soaps,herb creams and even herb meals. With her there was always a herb or a combination of herbs for any ailment, situation and even for pleasure. This could be from a headache, to a tummy ache, a skin infection, a fever or a lack of appetite! And you know what? She was right! 

 

What is a herb?

 

The word herb brings the idea of a plant. Looking at a plant from its leaves to its stems and roots, what the part of a plant constitute a herb? A herb is that part of the plant used for  medicinal purposes, flavouring food, making teas, making juice, fragrances and also used as body creams or lotions. A herb is not a drug. In a drug, chemical or some part of the plant is processed. In herbs, the plant or part of the plant maybe the leaves, stem or roots is used. 

 

Types of African Herbs

Africans believe a lot in the healing power of herbs. These herbs come from the different parts of the plant. I mean the leaves, stems, tree barks and roots. Any of these plant parts could be chewed raw, made into teas, soups or stews. Herbs can be used when they are fresh, they are also used when they have been dried. In some cases the fluid squeezed from leaves is rubbed directly on the skin depending on the ailment. All over Africa it is  believed that  Herbs can heal all kind of ailments. Diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes,fever, Eczema, even AIDS and EBOLA were believed to have a particular herb that would heal that condition. Various types of herbs grow in different parts of Africa depending on the weather in that part of the continent. 

 

East Africa 

 This part of Africa is in the tropics. Being close to the equator, temperature here is high all year round and that says a lot on the vegetation found in this area. 

Kenya has the herb called African nightshade. It is recommended for people with conditions such as malaria, iron deficiency, pregnant and nursing mothers. African nightshade is generally cooked as a vegetable stew.

Tanzania has amaranth also known as pigweed or calaloo which has loads of calcium and zinc. It can be eaten cooked or eaten raw and it is used in salads.

 

West Africa 

 West Africa is also located close to the equator with temperatures above 20 degrees centigrade all year round. It has a lot of trees, shrubs and grass.

Gabon and Cameroon have the Iboga root. It known for its power to break the addiction to heroine. 

Cameroon and Madagascar have the Pygeum herb which is known to reduce cholesterol and inflammation in the body. 

Nigeria has these herbs – Ewedu or Jute leave – is a dark green leaf that goes slimy when cooked. It protects the body’s immunity. Has antioxidants that keep your skin looking firm.

– Ugwu  – is also a dark green leaf very rich in vitamin C. Very good in the healing of anaemia. Very good for pregnant women 

– Bitter leave is rich in quinine. This leave is best chewed raw. It treats malaria and other fevers. 

– Hibiscus Tea  is a  Red tea that has its home in the northern area of Nigeria and is popularliy called zobo. This herb tea is popular for managing high blood pressure. The hibiscus plant is also cooked in vegetable soups. 

– Lemon grass is another healing herb found in West Africa. 

 

North Africa 

 Most of North Africa has the Sahara desert. The vegetation is mostly sandy, there is very little plants growing there. But of course the inhabitants of this area still have some very healthy herbs. North Africans tend to combine their herbs with spices. 3 of their most popular combinations are: Ras el Hanout, Harissa and Berbere. 

Herbs known to North Africa are: Cinnamon, coriander, cumin 

 

South Africa 

Being far from the equator has temperate weather and some interesting herbs. 

 

 Buchu is known to the South Africans as a miracle herb. It is an excellent detox tea. It is also used in treating arthritis and infections in urine. The African Ginger is also in South Africa and is used on ailments such as colds, asthma and flu. 

 

The Violet tree is used all over Africa but particularly in Zimbabwe. It is used to treat coughs, fevers, snake bites, tooth aches and lots more. 

The Devi’s claw is found mostly in Botswana and Namibia. It is known to heal headaches, diabetes and menstrual pains.

Rooibos is reddish in colour hence it is called red bush. Rooibos is rich in antioxidants and can protect the body against stroke, heart problems and cancer. 

 

Conclusion

African herbs can be chewed raw, dried and made into teas or they could be cooked as vegetable stews and soups. Which ever way you choose to have them, the fact is they are healthy and they heal ailments in your body. Have some herbs everyday and let me know how you get on with them. Leave a comment or question and I will get back to you within 24 hours.