Whether you add these plants to a salad, stew, or even steep them in hot water to brew a tea, your body will appreciate the medicinal qualities.
Centuries before contemporary culture collaborations and modern medicine, Africans swore by the healing properties of herbs found in the bush and their back yards. Though westernization has overtaken the use of homeopathic remedies, local herbs are still packed with restorative vitamins and minerals we can all use this winter season.
Be sure to stock up on these powerful plants (or cultivate your own potager)
African Blue Basil
This aromatic herb, which is part of the mint family, is a personal favorite. Growing all across East Africa, this delicious herb thrives in Uganda. Basil is known to be an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and an effective stress reliever and disease combater. Perfect for winter, add a few leaves to your favourite pasta dish for help fight flu and boost your immune system.
In studies, basil extract is even shown to be helpful in killing bacteria that don’t respond to antibiotic treatments.
Aloe Littoralis
This hardy succulent goes by many names (Mopane Aloe, Windhoek-Alwyn, Berg-Aloe Sekgopha and Mokgwapha) and has many uses. You could, quite literally, use every single part of this plant for your body's benefit.
Aloe's pure sap can be used for skin and eye problems, stomach ailments or to soothe venereal diseases. The merigold-coloured flowers can be cooked or eaten raw to cure constipation. Dry and crush the leave to make a tea that is an effective anti-inflammatory. The same powder, consumed daily, works as a malaria prophylaxis.
Garlic and Rosemary
Your dinner date won't appreciate this medicinal clove as much as your body does, but pay no mind to that. Garlic is a welcomed addition to so many dishes because it taste amazing and it's really good for you. Naturally growing in Ghana, this pungent plant is packed with Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Fiber. You'll also get a healthy dose of calcium, copper, potassium, iron and Vitamin B1 too. Garlic will combat the common cold, regulate your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
I often knock back a teaspoon of crushed garlic on its own, but your palate would appreciate it sprinkled across pizza or added to a stew.
South Africa is a botanical buffet. Some of the most healing herbs grow along the west coast of the country, and Rosemary is one of them. Once considered a sacred plant by Egyptians, this herb goes great with baby potatoes or a medium-rare rack of lamb. It's been used for thousands of years to improve memory, soothe digestive uses. relieve muscle aches and pain and detox your liver.
Balderjan
Grown in Lesotho, this spear looking herb has a strong mint taste and scent. It's fairly easy to grow as all it really needs is access to a generous water source and a healthy dose of sunlight. Belderjan, or Wild Horse Mint, leaves are used to make a tea that is drunk for coughs, colds, stomach cramps, asthma, flatulence, indigestion and headaches. You can also apply the plant to wounds and swollen glands.
Pelargonium
Used as a main ingredient in herbal cough and cold syrups, this South African herb can also be eaten raw for the same medicinal qualities. Pelargonium is believed to fight upper respiratory tract infections (including the common cold, bronchitis and strep throat). The healing herb also works to soothe dysentery-related diarrhea.
Don't be heavy-handing with this powerful plant, an excess of pelargonium can cause nausea, heartburn and liver damage. One bud, taken orally, is enough to tide you over for a few days.
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Our continent has an expansive pantry of herbs and spices that have healing properties. Spice up your life and stay healthy this winter with a few of my suggestions.
And if you don't want to waste time looking for them at your local supermarket, consider growing your own personal potager.
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