• Also known as vygie in Afrikaans or sour fig in English, this fleshy succulent is a member of the so called mesemb family.
• Grows as an easy growing, ground covering succulent in a large range of conditions including; hot and dry environments and poor soils.
• The fleshy leaves contain a juice that is astringent in quality and mildly anti septic making the sour fig a commonly used medicinal plant in South Africa.
• Medicinally the triangular leaves are crushed into a pulp and used internally, as a gargle for mouth and throat infections, and for stomach complaints such as dysentery. In the past the plant has also been used for the treatment of tuberculosis.
• Topically the succulent can be used for a range of complaints simply by breaking the leaf and applying to the affected area. Uses include treatment for mild burns such as sunburn, insect bites, dry lips, cuts and scrapes and oral and vaginal thrush.
• The ripe fruits of the plant which are found beneath the flower are sometimes made into jams and curries.

Sources:

• Van Wyk, B-E., Gericke, N.P.and van Oudtshoorn, B. (1997). Medicinal plants of South Africa. Briza Publications,  Pretoria.

• http://www.plantzafrica.com/frames/plantsfram.htm

• Roberts M. Indigenous Healing Plants. Southern Book Publishers. 1990

Comments (2)

Rose Geranium written by Jason @ fevertree on September 13, 2007 Rose Geranium or Pelargonium graveolens is commonly used for the production of calming and relaxing essential oils. The oil can be used for treating anxiety, balancing the skin and for menstrual problems. In the past it was used as a herbal tea for stomach problems, the plant is also said to have anti inflammatory and anti septic properties Mr written by JOHN KEARNS on September 13, 2007 Please advise me more on the medicinal value of the Rose Geranium and the usages in present times.

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