Skip to main content

Asteraceae

Rhinocerotis
Image result for rhinocerotisDerivation of name and historical aspects: The species name rhinocerotis refers to the association with the rhinoceros (probably the black rhino). According to Smith 1966, the vernacular name is one of the oldest for a Cape plant. Skead in 1980 mentions both Valentyn who wrote in 1726 that it was named renosterbos because they commonly lodge in it, and also Kolbe who writing about the rhinoceros in 1731 stated, ‘he is not fond of feeding on grass, choosing rather shrubs, broom and thistles. But the delight of his tooth is a shrub, the rhinoceros bush’.

Plant parts used: Mainly, the young tips of the branches are used.
Medicinal uses and cultural aspects: Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk (1962) reported on the medicinal properties of renosterbos. Infusions of the young branches in alcohol are a traditional Cape remedy, thought to be beneficial in the treatment of stomach complaints including indigestion, dyspepsia, stomach cancer and a lack of appetite. The powdered twigs were used to treat children with diarrhoea. It was also formerly used to treat sheep suffering from krimpsiekte (a disease of cattle caused by poisoning with any of several plant species of the genus Cotyledon, which contain cotyledontoxin; symptoms include abdominal pain and convulsions that can be fatal).
The preparations are also said to induce sweating and the plant has been used in the treatment of influenza and fevers. It was most probably during the 1918 influenza epidemic that this plant gained its popularity within the Afrikaans community. Today, this plant still forms part of folk medicine within the Afrikaans community in the Cape Province.
Leaves are used in wound dressing and warmed leaves are applied topically to alleviate headaches and pains.
Renosterbos tea is an unpleasant medicine as the plant is bitter and strongly astringent as well as being resinous.

Observations: Often ignored, is the knowledge of the indigenous Cape healers, who today are better capable of communicating and passing on their herbal knowledge. According to these sources and previously unpublished, rhinos used to browse on this plant mainly prior to territorial contests. Rhinos are prone to kidney complications when stressed. Observations of animal use of this plant may indicate the plants activity.

 More: www.herbalafrica.co.za/elytropappus.html

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Uvuma-omhlope

Uvuma-omhlope; Synaptolepis Kirkii Uvuma-omhlope (Synaptolepis Kirkii) is a bluish-green shrub with striking porcelain white roots. Kirkii is traditionally used by the Zulu and Xhosa to induce spiritual visions, trances and dreams. The roots of the Uvuma-omhlope shrub contain a potent neurotrophic called kirkinine. Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that induce the development and function of neurons. UBULAWU DREAM HERBS Uvuma-omhlope is one of the so called ‘Ubulawu’ dream herbs. This is the name associated with a series of plants from Southern Africa that are used for visions and vivid dreams. It is believed one can communicate with the ancestral spirits and gain special insights and answers through use of the Ubulawu herbs. UVUMA-OMHLOPE EFFECTS There has not been extensive research into the workings of Uvuma-omhlope, but based on traditional use and user experiences, the effects are very similar to African Dream Root (Silene capensis). Uvuma-omhlope encoura...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ubhubhubhu

Ubhubhubhu; Helinus integrifolius Ubhubhubhu is the Xhosa name for a South African herb also known as Helinus integrifolius, though the common name is unknown. Little information can be found on either name, though a study into Xhosa plants and their western names by the South-African Rhodes University suggests the herb may be closely related to the Ilex mitis, a tall evergreen tree indigenous to South Africa. The Xhosa would use Ubhubhubhu in an ‘Ubulawu’ mix. An infusion was taken orally at the initiation of diviners to strengthen memory and give the initiate keen powers of observation. UBULAWU DREAM HERBS Helinus integrifolius is one of the so called ‘Ubulawu’ dream herbs. This is the name associated with a series of plants from Southern Africa that are used for visions and vivid dreams. It is believed one can communicate with the ancestral spirits and gain special insights and answers through use of the Ubulawu herbs. UBHUBHUBHU EFFECTS Helinis integrifolius ha...
Post a Comment
Read more

St John's wort

St John's wort : Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a history of use as a medicine dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used for a range of illnesses, including various nervous disorders. St. John's wort also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been applied to the skin to help heal wounds and burns. St. John's wort is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United States. [It] is a flowering plant of the genus Hypericum and has been used as a medicinal herb for its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties for over 2,000 years. The Greek physicians of the first century recommended the use of St. John’s wort for its medicinal value, and the ancients believed that the plant had mystical and protective qualities. 35 St. John’s wort uses, dating back to the ancient Greeks, included treatment for illnesses such as various nervous ...
Post a Comment
Read more