African Wildlife & Environment Issue 78

FAUNA, FLORA & WILDLIFE

Wilde Als in brandy has been known in many local families to be a 'cure-all tonic' if a tot is taken before bed. To make this tonic, use: 1 bottle of brandy to which you will add 1 cup of Wilde Als leaves, ¼ cup thyme leaves, ¼ cup rosemary , ½ cup mint leaves, 1 cup of good honey, 1 thumb length fresh peeled and sliced ginger. Place all ingredients into the bottle and leave for a month before using. The herb blend gets stronger in time. Add a

To make the tea, use five leaves per cup, steep for five minutes and then strain before sipping. Do not drink more than twice a day for a maximum of five days, then stop for a week. It has a potent fragrance and bitter flavour. You can sweeten this tea with a little honey. Drinking the tea is enormously powerful. It breaks down the flu symptoms and it boosts the immune system. It is also an excellent inhalant for bronchitis, blocked nose, tight chest, asthma, and a sinus headache. Use a handful of leaves in a basin with a few drops of Eucalyptus oil, add boiling water, and use a towel to cover your head as you lean over the steaming bowl inhaling the healing steam for a few minutes. This will help open lungs and clear air passages. If you do not have Eucalyptus oil one can pick a few handfuls of fresh Bluegum leaves to add to the Wilde Als in the boiling water. Do not consume or use plants without rinsing well, or using herbs that are grown on the roadsides as they will be contaminated by petrol fumes. To make a gargle for sore throats, make a strong tea, allow to cool, and rinse out the mouth. Use this remedy warm to draw out gum boils and ulcers. The Tswana and Venda people useWilde Als to make a wash for the elderly, for skin ailments and they use warm leaves to draw out pimples and boils by applying them as a poultice. The warmed leaf is also an excellent and soothing poultice used over painful neuralgia, mumps, swellings and other sprain or strains on the body and gently bound over the stomach for babies with colic.

little water to the tot before drinking.

Wild wormwood, 'Lengana', or 'Wilde Als'

24 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 78 (2021)