Plant Medicine is All You Need to Heal

Do you know that....

• Plants provide us with phytochemicals which we require for good health.
• All parts of plants including leaves, stem, fruits, roots, seeds, flowers, stalk etc are filled with phytochemicals.
• Phytochemicals are medicine which the body uses to heal naturally

Making Wise Food Choices

A wise approach to eating the right food is to prepare from raw food ingredients.

Avoid processed foods because:

They contain additives and other ingredients which harm the body on the long run and;

A lot of the beneficial nutrients and other important components are removed during processing.

Cryptolepsis Sanguinolenta Root Uses

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is the botanical name given thin stemmed and scrambling shrub that is native to West Africa. It is known as paran pupa in Yoruba, gangamau in Hausa, quinine or yellow dye root in Ghana. 

The plant contains tannins, alkaloids and flavones with cryptolepine, quindoline and neocryptopine as the main alkaloids. The plant has the following pharmacological properties;

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Anti-plasmodial
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-viral
• Hypoglycemic
• Anticancer

The roots are widely used to treat;

• Bacterial respiratory infections
• Hypertension
• Diarrhea and dysentery
• Malaria
• Fever
• Upper respiratory
• Rheumatism
• urinary tract infections
• Jaundice
• Hepatitis
• Venereal diseases
• Diabetes 
• Hernia
• Snake bites
• Stomach issues

Apart from medicinal usage, the stem of the plant produces a yellow-orange juice that is used as dye. this juice becomes darker to red when the stem is drier. See the dried roots picture here.

The roots are used widely for the treatment of malaria and also takes care of the fever.

Share your experience with the usage of this plant. Follow on twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

 

    

10 Herbs You Can Use To Treat Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues and diseases are those of the airways and other lung structures. Some of the most common ones are listed below.

• Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes usually caused by long-term exposure to irritants
• Asthma causes inflammation in the airways.
• Pneumonia is infection of the air sacs of the lungs
• Emphysema is caused by caused by long-term exposure to irritants which damage the lungs and airways.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name given to a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
• Sinusitis is the inflammation of the air cavities within the passages of the nose. This can be caused by infection, allergies or substances that can irritate the sinuses, leading to inflammation.

Most chronic conditions are characterised by the inflammatory response of the body. Chronic inflammation damages cells unless the cause of the response is removed.

       

Some of the symptoms of these conditions are;

• Noisy breathing
• Stubborn or persistent cough
• Difficulty with breathing
• Chronic mucus 
• Coughing up blood
• Wheezing
• Chest pain

Below is a table of herbs which have different properties for helping to resolve respiratory issues symptoms.

Name	Some properties that are relevant to use for treating respiratory issues	Read more
Garlic	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anticoagulant	Here
Onion	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral	Onion benefits
Bitter kola	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral	Bitter kola
Ginger	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,  antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antihistamine	Ginger
Bitter leaf	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,  antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal	Bitter leaf
Cloves	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic,  antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal	Cloves
Violet tree roots	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-bacterial	Violet tree roots
African peach tree stem	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, analgesic and anti-bacterial, anagelsic	African peach tree stem
Asthma weed/plant	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic,  antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, analgelsic,	Asthma weed
Giant milkweed	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-bacterial, bronchiodilator	Giant milkweed

Lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, regular exercise, staying active, maintaining healthy weight and choosing healthier food ingredients are also important in reducing illnesses and issues.

         

Lemons and limes are also two easily available ingredients which are wonderful for respiratory issues.

      

Share your experience with using alternative or natural means of resolving respiratory issues. I have used garlic, cloves, turmeric, onions and ginger with effective results at different times for sinusitis, infections and coughs.

Follow on twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

 

Herbs You Can Use To Treat Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection, which is caused by bacteria called salmonella typhi. The infection is caused by contaminated food and water, resulting in high fever and gastrointestinal problems. 

Its symptoms include high fevers, stomach pain, weakness and headache. Other symptoms can occur and infection can sometimes result in fatality if not treated appropriately.

There are plants that have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which are used to treat typhoid fever effectively in Africa. 

Below are 15 herbs which can be used in combination or alone. Most are used in combination in Africa. 

Common   Name	Botanical Name	Local Names	Plant Part	More Information
Neem	Azadirachta indica	Dogonyaro	Leaves Stem bark	Read about neem
Pawpaw	Carica papaya	Ibepe	Leaves	Read about Pawpaw
Basil	Ocimum gratissimum	Effirin (Yoruba) Nchannwu (Igbo)	Whole plant	Read about Basil
Garlic	Allium sativum	Ayu (Yoruba)	Bulb	Read about Allium sativum
Sandpaper leaf    White fig tree	Ficus exasperata	Ewe-ipin (Yoruba), Anwerenwa (Igbo),   Ameme (Edo)	Leaves	Read about Ficus exasperata
Lemongrass	Cymbopogan citratus	koriko oba, koriko oyinbo (Yoruba)	Leaves
Guava	Psidium guajava	Guroba, gwabaa, gova	Leaves
Bitter leaf	Vernonia amygdalina	Ewuro (Yoruba),	Leaves	Read about bitter leaf uses
Brimstone tree	Morinda lucida	Oruwo (Yoruba), Ezeogwu (Igbo)
Bitter gourd	Momordica foetida	Ejinrin wewe (Yoruba), alu-osi, isugu	Leaves
African peach	Nauclea latifolia	Egbesi (Yoruba), Mbom-mbog,  Tabashiya (Hausa)	Leaves,  Bark	Read about Nauclea latifolia
Mango	Mangifera indica	Mongoro (Yoruba),	Leaves	Read about mango leaves uses
Moringa	Moringa oleifera	Ewe Igbale (Yoruba), Zogelle (Hausa)  Idagbomunonye (Igbo)	Leaves
Physic nut	Jatropha gossypifolia	Botuje pupa, botuje lapalapa (Yoruba)  oruruebo (Igbo)	Leaves
Fertility tree	Newbouldia laevis	Akoko, (Yoruba) Aduruku (Hausa),  Kontor (Tiv), Ikhimi (Bini), Ogirisi (Igbo), Ogiriki (Urhobo)	Leaves

Caution should be taken when using herbs not to overuse. It is always better to start with small doses and monitor effectiveness and any side effects.

If you have used any of the plants listed above or any other unlisted for treating typhoid fever, please share below.

Follow on twitter for updates on this blog @heal2bwell.

Calotropis Procera Medicinal Uses

Calotropis procera is the botanical name for a medium-sized flowering plant that is native to Africa and Asia. It also grows in Australia, Caribbean Islands, Central and South America. Its common names include giant milkweed, sodom apple, apple of sodom, dead sea apple, dumb cotton and swallow-wort

In Nigeria, it is called bomu bomu (Yoruba), tumfafia (Hausa), kayou (Kanuri) bambami, bembami (Fulani)

It is used as a medicinal or ornamental or garden plant or regarded as a weed.

It has leaves which are 10 to 20 cm long and 5 to 10 cm wide. The plant exudes a white milky sap from any cut on it hence the name milkweed.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Some of its properties are;

• Antiinflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antibacterial
• Analgesic
• Antifungal
• Anthelmintic
• Bronchiodilator

Parts of the giant milkweed has been used to treat;

• Toothache
• Snakebite
• Elephantiasis
• Leprosy
• Digestive disorders like diarrhea, dysentery, nausea, vomitting, flatulence
• Respiratory issues like cough, sinusitis, asthma etc
• Skin disorders like ringworm, sores, stings,eczema, warts, burns
• Fungal infections
• Fever
• Gout
• Arthritis and muscular pain
• Ulcers
• Parasitic infections
• Toothache
• Ear ache and infections
• Malaria
• Jaundice

This plant has been reported as poisonous but is widely use in Africa and Asia. In Nigeria, the plant leaves are used to coagulate milk when making cheese (wara). The leaves are smoked and inhaled to treat respiratory issues. The latex is used externally for skin infections

If you have used any part of giant milkweed to treat any ailment successfully. Please share in the comment section. Also any questions and feedback.

Follow on twitter for updates @heal2bwell for updates. Kindly share.

Neem Medicinal Properties

Neem tree is an evergreen fast-growing and long living tree that can reach a height of 20 metres or more. It is found in tropical areas of the world. It is called dogonyaro in Nigeria.

Neem is one of the most useful medicinal plant in the world and is widely used. 

The plant has over 130 pharmocologically active components which give it medicinal properties

 

Every part of the plant is used (leaves, seeds, flowers, stem bark, root, twigs) to treat infections, inflammations, fever, skin issues, dental disorders, body odours. 

Regular usage of neem promotes good health and boosts immunity.

Below are listed some of the properties of neem plant parts;

Antioxidant                                                          Anticarcinogenic

Antiinflammatory                                                Immunomodulatory

Antibacterial                                                        Antituberculosis

Antiparasitic                                                        Anti-tumour 

Antiseptic                                                            Anthelmintic

Antiviral                                                              Antiaging

Antimalarial                                                        Antiallergic

Antimicrobial                                                      Anti mosquito

Anticlotting                                                         Spermicidal                                                                                                     

Antifertility                                                         Diuretic                                                                                                         

Antiparasitic                                                       Anti-venom                                                     

Hypoglycemic                                                    Antifungal                                                       
Antimutagenic                                                    Antipyretic                                                      

Analgesic                                                            Pesticide                                                                                                             

Neuroprotective                                                  Insecticidal                                                     

Do you know more about the properties of neem and its medicinal uses? Please share with a comment below.

Follow on twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

How to Use Neem For Health

Neem tree is called Azadirachta indica botanically. It is an evergreen fast-growing and long living tree that can reach a height of 20 metres or more. It is called dogonyaro in Nigeria and is found in tropical areas.

Neem is a potent medicinal plant that is used as a remedy to treat many diseases and ailments. There are over 200 pharmacologically active components in all parts of neem plant. In India, it is called the Village Pharmacy as it is used for almost all ailments.

Malaria, Typhoid, Diarrhea, Infections, Flu, Viral Infections, Fevers

• Boil 50 leaves or 2 tablespoonful of neem powder in 2 liters of water and boil for 20 minutes. Drink 100ml three times daily for 5 days.

Malaria and Typhoid Fever Prevention, Blood Purification, Boosting Immunity, Colon Cleansing 

• Boil 5 leaves or 1/2 teaspoonful of powder in 300ml water for 10 mins. Drink once a week.

Skin and Scalp infections, Acne, Boils, Itching, Pimples, Cuts, Burns, Foot Infections, Atheletes Foot, Psoriasis, Body Odour (External Usage)

• Make a paste with neem leaf powder with water and put on the affected areas.
• Make a decoction by boiling 2 handfuls of neem leaves in 5 liters of water. Boil for 20 mins. Mix with your bath water or soak in cotton wool and dab.
• Make a decoction by boiling 200g of stem bark or 100g bark powder in 5 liters of water. Boil for 30 mins.
• Mix 20 ml neem oil with 80ml of shea butter or coconut oil, palm kernel oil, olive oil or any other natural oil and apply on the affected areas.
• For foot infections, mix 500ml of the decoction in 1.5 litre of water and soak feet in the mixture

Repelling Mosquitoes from Skin

• Mix 20 ml neem oil with 80ml of shea butter or coconut oil, palm kernel oil, olive oil or any other natural oil and apply on exposed parts of the skin

Conjunctivitis, eye infections, eye discharges

• Boil 5 leaves or 1/2 teaspoonful of powder in 1litre of water for 10 mins. Use to rinse face or soak in cotton wool and clean the eye area.

Sore Throat, Mouth and Gum Infections, 

• Boil 5 leaves or 1/2 teaspoonful of powder in 1litre of water for 10 mins. Gargle with 30-40ml of mixture at least 3 times a day. Also drink the decoction for infection.

STDs, Gonorrhea, Vaginal Infections and Nether Region Infections

• Boil 50 leaves or 2 tablespoonful of neem powder in 2 liters of water and boil for 20 minutes. Drink 100ml three times daily for 5 days.
• Make a decoction by boiling 2 handfuls of neem leaves in 5 liters of water. Boil for 20 mins. Mix with water to wash affected area or soak in cotton wool and dab the affected area.
• Make a decoction by boiling 200g of stem bark or 100g bark powder in 5 liters of water. Boil for 30 mins. Use to wash or clean affected areas.

Preventing Mosquito Breeding

• Make a decoction by boiling 2 handfuls of neem leaves in 5 liters of water. Boil for 20 mins. Pour in stagnant water or use to clean breeding areas once a week to inhibit egg growth and kill larvae. 

Internal Parasites, Worms

Read more about neem here. Read here for more on herbs for treating malaria. Also read this post about the medicinal properties of neem.

Myself, family members and friends have used neem to successfully treat different ailments and also prevent disorders successfully over time. It is important not to use too much of neem as it is very potent.

If you have used parts of neem plant for treating any disease or disorder, please share your experience and recipe below.

Follow on twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

  

Voacanga Africana Medicinal Uses

Botanical Name: Voacanga africana
Common Names:
Local Names: Akododo, igi dodo, jiwinni (Yoruba), kokiyar birii (Hausa), pete pete (Igbo)

Voacanga africana is a small tree native to Africa that can grow up to a height of 6m .

Voacanga africana bark, roots and seeds possess pharmacological properties due to the alkaloids and tanninspresent. Some of the alkaloids are listed below;

• Voacamine
• Voacangine
• Voacorine
• Voacangarin
• Vobtusine

The following are some of its medicinal properties;

• Antioxidant
• Anti inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Aphrodisiac
• Stimulant
• Hypotensive
• Astrigent
• Antimicrobial

Locally Voacanga africana bark, roots and seeds are used medicanally to;

• Treat heart issues
• Stimulate memory
• Treat pain
• Relieve fatigue
• Increase sexual performance
• Treat menstrual pain
• Treat convulsion
• Treat leprosy
• Treat mental disorders
• Stimulate the brain and reduce memory loss
• Reduce shortness of breath
• Promote healing of wound, boils and sores (milky latex)
• Treat dental cavities
• Relieve pain from hernias
• Reduce blood pressure
• Treat gout
• Treat gonorrhea
• Treat paralysis
• Treat epilepsy
• Treat infections
• Treat oedema and reduce swelling
• Treat skin and scalp infections like eczema, scabies and head lice

If you have a comment, question, know more or have used this plant for healing, please share below.

Follow on twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

Delonix Regia Medicinal Uses

Delonix regia is the botanical name given to an evergreen tree that grows in tropical and subtropical areas. It is called flame tree, Royal Poinciana, fire tree or flamboyant tree in English. It is called sekeseke or igi olododo pupa in Yoruba.

It produces large, bright red, orange or yellow flowers. It is one of the mostly grown ornamental plants in the world and used to be quite common in Nigeria.

All parts of the plant contain active compounds like;

• Phenols

• Carotenoids

• Saponins

• Flavanoids

• Sterols

• Triterpenes

• Tannins

The presence of these compounds has given the plant the following properties;

• Antioxidant

• Anti inflammatory

• Antimicrobial

• Antibacterial

• Antidiabetic

• Antidiarrhoeal, 

• Antifungal

• Hepato-protective

• Antimalarial

• Emetic

• Cardio-protective

• Gastro-protective

• Analge

• Carminative

The leaves, stem bark and flowers can be prepared as infusions and decoctions and have been used traditionally to;

• Treat malaria

• Promote wound healing

• Treat arthritis and pains

• Treat diabetes

• Treat respiratory issues and pneumonia

• Treat diabetes

• Treat infections

• Treat skin issues

• Kill roundworms and intestinal parasites

• Improve liver and kidney functions

• Treat diarrhea

• Cause vomitting after poisoning

• Promote the release of gas or prevent its formation in the gastrointestinal tract

Apart from medicinal and ornamental uses, the tree is used for shade, timber and fuel. The seeds are used to make beads though they are highly nutritious.

If you have a feedback or comment or will like to share your experience with the usage of this plant, please leave a comment below.Follow on twitter @heal2bwell for updates.