Medicinal Monographs
We are proud to be hosting the results of the Pharmacopoeia Monographs Project developed by the South African Traditional Medicines Research Group of the School of Pharmacy at the University of the Western Cape with support from the Medical Research Council and other participants. The monographs are presented as .pdf files.
Copyright in these monographs resides with the authors, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the South African Medical Research Council and the University of the Western Cape. They may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the copyright holders. These monographs were loaded in 2005.
These monographs may be cited in publications as follows:
Scott, G. and Springfield, E.P. (2004). Pharmaceutical monographs for 60 South African plant species used as traditional medicines. South African National Biodversity Institute (SANBI) Plant Information Website at http://www.plantzafrica.com
Plant profiles of many of these plants containing more information and images form part of the Plants of the Week section of this website.
All natural remedies should be used with caution and your doctor's consent.
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Medicinal Monographs 2004
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Leaf preparations are taken orally in the Western Cape to treat diarrhoea and disorders of the stomach, and as a gargle to relieve tonsillitis GR20. Elsewhere in the country root infusions are used as enemata or as an ingredient of inembe (medication taken regularly during pregnancy to ensure a trouble-free confinement).
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Root decoctions are used in traditional gynaecological practice as well as traditional veterinary practice to initiate labour, assist delivery or to expel the placenta. Decoctions are also taken orally to relieve dysuria, rheumatic pains and dyspepsia, as a stomachic, or for colds. Externally a decoction is used as a wound dressing. Infusions may be taken internally or applied externally to treat psoriasis.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
An infusion is taken orally to relieve diarrhoea and colic, to treat venereal diseases, as an anthelmintic, to relieve bladder infections in women and for gynaecological problems e.g. dysmenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Aqueous infusions of this and related species are taken orally to relieve coughs, colds, catarrh, headache, fever, menstrual problems, weak heart, angina pectoris, backache, urinary tract infections, nervous disorders and headache. Infusions may be applied externally as an antiseptic wash and whole leaf as a wound dressing.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
H. patulum is used to treat a variety of ailments including asthma, bladder infections, gynaecological disorders, backache, angina pectoris and other cardiac problems, fatigue, stress, hypertension and influenza.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Used mainly in the Montagu district for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and also for toothache.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
A decoction of the rootstock is taken to treat stomach or post-natal pains, fever, lack of appetite, indigestion and diabetes. An ointment is applied to ulcers, boils and external cancerous growths. In Botswana, a decoction is taken to cure infectious diseases, to treat female infertility and for pains in the limbs.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
For the treatment of cough, cold, influenza, chest infections, diabetes, hypertension, eczema, epilepsy, delayed menstruation, intestinal worms, constipation, spider bites and scorpion stings and as an antidote for snakebite. Externally it is used for the relief of haemorrhoids, eczema, skin rashes and boils.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
As traditional remedies, aqueous infusions are given to sickly children as a tonic, and to adults for dizziness and mental disorders, while fresh juice is applied to burn wounds.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
The use of this herb is directed almost exclusively to the treatment of respiratory problems e.g. asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis and influenza. In the Montagu district it is used also for stomach ailments.
