Although science has proven that Africa is the cradle of society, we rarely look to this continent for guidance. It stands to reason that Africa would hold a wealth of knowledge with respect to medicinal plants as humans have existed there for 250,000 to 300,000 years.
The first humans were foragers and it has been proven that less time can be spent foraging vs. farming while still resulting in an adequate food supply. In this foraging, comprehension of the medicinal benefits of plants must have been developed.
With its tropical and subtropical climate, the biodiversity of the plant life in Africa has provided an abundance of medicinal plants to choose from. Approximately 5000 of the 45,000 species of plants with a potential for development are used medicinally.
As there are fewer options available for western style medicine, many traditional healers have continued to care for patients with the use of medicinal herbs.
Some of the plants in popular use are familiar to us, such as Aloe Vera. Another plant, the Madagascan Periwinkle which is a common landscaping plant in the West is used by Madagascar healers to treat rheumatism and to reduce blood sugar.
The Bitter Melon is a medicinal plant that is grown throughout Africa. It is used in Africa and Asia to lower blood sugar and is even referred to as “vegetable insulin” by some. It contains high amounts of Vitamin A and C and is also an antioxidant. Studies are ongoing.
The richness of the plant life in Africa is an amazing inexhaustible source of therapies.
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