Article - Artemisia afra
Common Name: WORMWOOD - AFRICAN , WILDE ALS, UMHLONYANE (X/Z), LENGANA
(S/Ts)
Scientific Name: Artemisia afra
Artemisia Afra, commonly known as African Wormwood, in
English, Wilde Als in Afrikaans, Umhlonyane
in Zulu, and Lengana in Sotho and Tswana, is a highly aromatic perennial
herb that can grow up to 2 metres in height. The attractive, feathery
leaves are a grayish-green colour. The plant bears minute cream-coloured
flowers at the end of summer. In frost prone areas, it dies back in
winter and re-grows in spring. To prevent it from becoming untidy, it
needs to be pruned. Wilde Als is indigenous
to South Africa.
Parts used: The leaves
Medicinal:
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Wilde Als
is one of the most widely used traditional medicines in
South Africa.
Jan van Riebeeck
noted Wilde Als in his diary - and wrote that
they used it for a variety of complaints, from gout to jaundice.
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Wilde Als
is a tonic herb that is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and
antidepressant.
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Wilde Als can be used as a tea, body wash, poultice or vapour
to treat respiratory ailments like colds, headaches, earache, bronchial
complaints, croup, whooping cough, measles, fevers, malaria and
sore throat. It is a common practice by those who know, to insert
a rolled piece of fresh Wilde Als leaf into the nostrils to clear
blocked nasal passages.
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Wilde Als
relieves gastro and intestinal ailments like indigestion, dyspepsia,
colic, loss of appetite and is supportive for diabetes.
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Wilde Als is anthelmintic - it expels intestinal worms.
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Wilde Als
has pain relieving actions - a Wormwood dressing of warmed
leaves can be wrapped around sprains, arthritic and rheumatic swellings,
or layered and wrapped around the stomach to relieve a stomach ache.
Place the leaves in a plastic bag and cover with boiling water.
Once they have warmed up, remove and place between two pieces of
lint / gauze and tie in place with a bandage. Remove after a few
hours.
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Wilde Als
is a blood purifier - and it will clear acne and boils.
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Wilde Als
tea can be used as a wash to disinfect cuts and grazes.
Farmer's Weekly of
11 November 2005 wrote that Wilde Als is to
be investigated for its reputed benefits against TB, a serious respiratory
disease that takes a hold on weakened immune systems and is the leading
cause of death in people infected with HIV/AIDS. TB is believed to be
responsible for between 11% and 50% of all AIDS deaths, therefore the
United States has donated millions of Rand to investigate
Wilde Als or African wormwood for its reputed benefits
against Tuberculosis. The problem with TB is that the disease has now
become resistant to the conventional medicines that are available.
Other uses
of Wilde Als:
Use Wilde Als
in insect-repelling sprays and teas to repel fleas. Add
the tea to your dog's bath. Dried powdered Wilde Als
can be scattered around in cracks and crevices to deter ants and fleas.
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Attention
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The information contained within this website is
for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts
the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded
through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.
Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not
be held responsible for the improper use of any plants
or documentation provided. By use of this site and the
information contained herein you agree to hold harmless
Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff |
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