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.
Uses include the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, anaemia, eczema and other skin irritations. It is also utilised as a purgative and emmenagogue.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Warm aqueous leaf infusions may be applied as a lotion to sores, ulcers, bruises, swellings or wounds that are slow to heal, including venereal sores; a leaf paste may be applied as a local dressing to the affected area.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Preparations of this herb, either alone or in combination with Melianthus major, M. comosus and Galenia africana, are commonly applied externally to treat wounds, sores, ringworm, erysipelas, eczema or other dermatological disorders. Aqueous infusions are recorded as being taken orally to treat gynaecological
complaints.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Medicinal uses include the treatment of colic, menstrual disorders, indigestion, flatulence, pulmonary infection and congestion, headache, fever, cough, colds and urinary tract infections.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Warm aqueous leaf infusions may be applied as a lotion to sores, ulcers or wounds that are slow to heal, including venereal sores; similar infusions may be used as a gargle or mouthwash for oral ulcers, disease of the gums or sore throat.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
This species is highly regarded as a specific for headache. Mixed with other herbs, it has been used to treat infections of the male urinary tract.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
This herb is currently used as a remedy for stomach ache, acidity and flatulence in children. It is regarded as having narcotic properties and being of value in the treatment of sleeplessness and nervousdisorders. The root is used by the Tswana people as a malaria remedy and is reputed to promote sweating GR1. It was formerly used as a treatment for phthisis.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Originally a Khoi-khoi and San remedy, this species, said to be both diuretic and diaphoretic, is today used as a tonic, antispasmodic and anthelmintic and to treat flatulence, gout, amenorrhoea, fever, asthma, diabetes and convulsions. A leaf poultice is said to reduce inflammation.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
Used as an infusion in the Montagu district, taken orally for sore throat, kidney problems and backache. Leaf infusions are used elsewhere as a lotion to treat eye infections or a gargle to relieve sore throat; also taken internally as a remedy for colic or urinary tract infections; powdered leaf is used as styptic.
by Scott G., Springfield E.P.
As the vernacular name suggests, infusions of this herb are used to treat colic and gastric disorders; inhalation of the vapours obtained from steaming the leaf is considered beneficial for cough and bronchial congestion.
