Medicine Plants in Mozambique

At last, here is  a post on the medicinal plants that  we learned about at the Universidade Católica de Moçambique. Braund Mechendura took us on a tour of the medicinal plants garden and explained that up until recently, these plants were processed in the garden lab to make topical creams, teas and food supplements to treat conditions from malnutrition to anxiety in the local population. The garden was also used to teach medical and pharmacy students as well as build credibility for Western medicine in a population that traditionally entrusts its health to local curandeiros. For the past few years, the garden lost its funding, but Mr. Mechendura stays hopeful that the lab will resume its operation soon.

Following are some of the plants that we learned about from Mr. Mechendura. If you are planning to use the plants for yourself or your patients,  please consult an expert in this field as some plants can be harmful or even deadly.

Tomateiro salvage, or wild tomato plant, does not produce fruit. The leaves from this plant are used as suppository to treat fever in children. The leaves mixed with ashes, lemon juice and tincture of eucalyptus are also used to treat tuberculosis in conjunction with recommended TB treatment regimen.

Babosa, or aloe vera,  is used topically for burns, psoriasis and dandruff.

Iodine leaves mixed with vegetable oil produce an ointment used to disinfect cuts.

Chha balacate, or lemongrass, is used to decrease stress and anxiety. It is also known to raise blood pressure. 

 Erva cidreira also used to make tea to relieve stress and lower blood pressure. It is often  mixed with lemongrass.

Papaya plant root boiled with sugar yields a liquid  that aids with cough when ingested. Dry papaya leaves are burnt to produce smoke that when inhaled relieves nasal congestion and sinusitis. Papaya also has wound healing properties.

Moringeira (scientific name: moringa oleifera), or drumstick tree, was our favorite. Its dried leaves and fruit are added to stews as a dietary supplement to increase iron, protein, Vitamin A and C and calcium content. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory  properties. Its seeds are used to disinfect water and this method is supported by WHO and various scientific publications.

 So next time you are in Africa, do not forget to forage for these wonder plants. Just do not use them on yourself or others without consulting an expert first!