Pettiveria Alliceae Medicinal Uses

Pettiveria Alliceae is a perennial shrub native to tropical parts of South, Central and North America, although it now grows in other tropical areas. Pettiveria Alliceae is used to treat a wide variety of ailments traditionally in South America and other areas where it grows. It is known by many names but commonly as henweed. It is called oju saju in Yoruba.

Pettiveria alliceae contains active components like flavonois, steroids, coumarin, polyphenols, tannins, benzaldehyde, astilbin and a sulfur compound called dibenzyl trisulfide which has anti-cancer and anti-tumour properties. Coumarin and benzaldehyde also possess anti-cancer and anti-tumour properties. This is the reason it is being used traditionally to treat cancer in some countries. 

The many therapeutically active components of Pettiveria alliceae have given it the following

properties:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-spasmodic
• Anti-microbial against viruses, bacteria, yeast and fungi
• Diuretic
• Anti-tumour
• Analgesic
• Hypoglycemic
• Sedative
• Abortifacient
• Anti-sickling

Pettiveria Alliceae is used medicinally to:

1. Kill cancer cells
2. Reduce pain and aches topically
3. Treat malaria
4. Treat sickle cell anaemia
5. Lower blood sugar level
6. Treat arthritis and inflammation 
7. Boost the immune system
8. Treat malaria
9. Reduce spasms
10. Treat bacterial infections and kill bacteria
11. Reduce or shrink tumours
12. Reduce anxiety
13. Bring down fevers
14. Kill fungi 
15. Kill insects 
16. Kill leukemia cells
17. Kill viruses
18. Kill yeasts
19. Promote menstruation 
20. Sedate and calm
21. Increase perspiration  
22. Kill intestinal worms 
23. Increase urinary output 
24. Cure venereal diseases
25. Treat allergies
26. Resolve stomach ailments

The roots, leaves are the parts that are mostly used. They are made into tea or decoctions and taken. Pettiveria alliceae can also induce abortions by stimulating the uterus, so it is advisable for pregnant women to avoid using it. This same property is used to ease child delivery.

Pettiveria Alliceae is used for so much more than listed above. Share what you know about this plant below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

Nauclea Latifolia (Egbesi) Medicinal Uses

Nauclea latifolia is the botanical name of a small tree that is commonly known as African peach or pin cushion tree. It is native to Africa and Asia. It is called egbesi in Yoruba, tabasiya in Hausa and ubulu uno in Igbo. The roots, leaves and bark are commonly used in traditional medicine in Nigeria.

Nauclea latifolia contains active components tannins, alkaloids and saponins.

Therapeutic actions and properties

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-malarial
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-viral
• Hypotensive
• Anti-depressive
• Hypoglycemic
• Analgesic
• Antispasmodic
• Aphrodisiac
• Hepatoprotective

Nauclea Latifolia medicinal uses:

• To treat diabetes
• To treat pain
• To kill intestinal parasites
• To treat malaria
• To lower blood pressure
• To treat jaundice
• To reduce anxiety
• To treat depression
• To treat stomach issue
• To resolve menstrual issues
• To treat yellow fever
• To treat arthritis and rheumatism
• To boost male libido and potency
• To treat respiratory conditions like cough, bronchitis, etc.
• To treat fevers  
• To treat abdominal pains
• To treat diarrhea and dysentery
• To treat epilepsy

Other uses of Nauclea latifolia parts:

• The fruits are eaten as food and also used to treat coughs.
• The flower heads are cooked as vegetables.
• The tree gives shade and cover.
• The roots give a yellow dye.
• Twigs are used as chewing sticks.

Nauclea latifolia stem bark has been found to contain tramadol, a strong pain killer in its natural form. Nauclea latifolia  is used a lot in Nigeria especially in the South-West part due to its numerous therapeutic properties.

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Hunteria Umbellata (Abere) Medicinal Uses

Hunteria umbellata is the botanical name of a small tree with a dense crown which is native to West Africa. The yellow, smooth fruits carry seeds which are enclosed in pulp. The seeds are highly valued for their medicinal properties. It is called abere or arin in Yoruba, osu in Edo and nkpokiri in Igbo. It is popularly used to treat diabetes in Nigeria because of its ability to lower blood sugar levels. The roots, bark and leaves are also used in traditional healing.

Hunteria umbellata has phytochemicals like tannins, alkaloids, steroids, saponins and phenols which are responsible for therapeutic properties such as:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Hypoglycemic
• Anthelminthic
• Anti-microbial
• Aphrodisiac
• Analgesic

Hunteria umbellata plant parts are used in traditional medicine to:

1. Reduce blood sugar levels and treat diabetes
2. Reduce blood cholesterol levels
3. Reduce blood pressure levels
4. Lose weight
5. Treat pain and aches
6. Kill intestinal worms
7. Treat leprosy sores
8. Resolve liver issues
9. Treat stomach issues
10. Reduce fevers
11. Boost libido and male potency
12. Boost the immune system
13. Reduce heavy menstrual flow
14. Treat amenorrhea or the absence of menses
15. Boost female fertility
16. Prevent miscarriage
17. Heal peptic ulcers
18. Treat skin infections and issues
19. Manage arthritis and other inflammatory conditions of the joints
20. To hasten child delivery by inducing uterine contractions

Research is ongoing about the potential use of Hunteria umbellata for treating HIV virus. The seeds are usually sold dried.

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Ficus Exasperata (Sandpaper Tree) Medicinal Uses.

Ficus exasperata leaves and fruits

Ficus exasperata is the botanical name of a small to medium sized tree that grows widely in Africa and Asia which is commonly referred to as sandpaper leaf tree. The leaves are referred to as ewe epin in Yoruba. The leaves are also used like sandpaper to scrub pots and cooking utensils.

Different parts of Ficus exasperata are used in traditional medicine due to the fact that they have phytochemicals like saponins, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, coumarins and alkaloids which have therapeutic properties like:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Abortifacient
• Hypotensive
• Anti-microbial
• Astringent
• Diuretic
• Vermifuge
• Antipyretic

The stem sap is used to:

• Treat warts
• Stem bleeding of wounds

The leaves are used to:

• Reduce high blood pressure
• Reduce blood cholesterol levels
• Reduce blood sugar levels
• Treat urinary tract issues
• Boost female fertility
• Treat ringworms
• Treat arthritis, rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions of the joints
• Treat epilepsy
• Stop bleeding
• Treat wounds
• Kill intestinal parasites
• Treat ulcers
• Treat infections
• Treat malaria
• Treat typhoid fever

The bark is used to:

• Treat leprosy
• Shrink hemorrhoids
• Expel placenta after child birth
• Induce abortions

The roots are used to:

• Treat venereal diseases
• Treat respiratory issues like bronchitis, asthma, coughs, etc

Ficus asperifolia leaves look a little bit differently from Ficus exasperata leaves but are also called ewe epin in Yoruba. They are also used for the same traditional medicinal purposes. There are so many plants that are used for medicine effectively in Africa for healing.

Ficus exasperata leaves have more uses than those listed above. Share what you know about this plant below.

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Mondia Whitei Has More Than Aphrodisiac Properties

Mondia whitei is the botanical weight for a herbaceous climber plant that grows from a tuberous rootstock. Mondia whitei has a peculiar taste between ginger and liquorice. It grows widely in Africa. It is known commonly as white ginger or African ginger or mondia. It is called isirigun in Yoruba.

Though mondia is very popular due to its aphrodisiac properties, it is used traditionally to manage a lot of other conditions. The root is the most commonly used part followed by the leaves.

Mondia whitei root is used to treat male erectile dysfunction, impotence and sterility by doing the following:

• Enhancing sperm motility and function
• Increasing testosterone production
• Increasing potency and libido

Mondia whitei has the following properties:

• Antibacterial
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Aphrodisiac
• Purgative
• Anti-stress
• Tonic

The root is also used to treat:

1. Indigestion
2. Headache
3. Urinary tract infections
4. Epileptic fits
5. Jaundice
6. Paralysis
7. Food poisoning
8. Sleeplessness
9. Respiratory tract issues such as cough, bronchitis, asthma, etc.
10. Venereal diseases
11. Stress
12. Tension
13. Anaemia
14. High blood pressure
15. The leaves are used to treat:
16. Malaria
17. Post-partum bleeding
18. Nausea
19. Vomiting
20. Delayed labour

Mondia whitei is used for treating so many ailments in different parts of Africa. Share what you know about this plant below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.