New African Ethnobotanicals

[Alfa]

I recieved this list with new African ethnobotanicals, which can be ordered in certain smartshops. I'll post sources in the sources forum. Seems like we have got enough to research.

African Snuffs :

Duimpie-snuif / S'Keng-Keng - Pleiospilos bolusii

The name `Duimpie-snuif' literally means finger-snuff; traditionally it is used as a snuff. The pulverised plant is also reported to be an hallucinogenic additive to tobacco to be smoked. Or else it can simply be dried and powdered and used as a snuff. The dosage is small with approximately 50 milligrams of plant chewed producing a feeling of euphoria, which lasts for about 20 minutes; this is followed by sedation.

Ishongwe - Xysmalobium undulatum

The powdered root is snuffed as a sedative.

Lesoko - Alepidea amatymbica

The dry rhizome and roots are smoked, or powdered and taken as snuff by diviners and healers to assist in divination and communication with the ancestors. Smoking the roots results in sedation and vivid dreams. The roots are also used as a smoking admixture, and the smoke disguises the smell of whatever it is that is being smoked in conjunction with this admixture. Elderly people powder the dry rhizome and take it as a snuff. The rhizome is carried as a lucky charm, and is also used to ritually wash divining bones. The rhizomes and roots contain high concentrations of several diterpenoids of the kaurene type. The major compounds are dehydrokaurenoic acids and kaurenoic acids, of which ent-16-kauren-19-oic acid is usually present

in the greatest quantity.

Muri wa ku bonisa - the herb that makes one see : Casearia gladiiformis

There is extensive use of plant medicines by the Tsonga tribe. One such shamanic ritual is called the rite of the Gobo basin, in which the initiate has their face submerged into a basin that is filled with water in which certain plants are mixed. The initiate is made to open their eyes which causes visualisation of a red space with black dots in the field of vision. This is done for a long time, and after this is done the initiate is said to have 'crossed the sea.' He has seen everything. It is the herb that makes one see (muri wa ku bonisa).
The visionary nature of the plants used in this rite are further explained as follows,`The baptism in the calabash has helped him to cross the sea and to reach the land beyond, the land of miracles and of magic powers!´
Casearia gladiiformis is one of the plants identified to be used in this plant infusion from the Gobo basin.
Of further ethno-botanical interest is the fact that this same plant is used by the Zulus. They call it `umjuluka' and prepare it by burning the bark to ash and then use this as a snuff.
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Trance inducing herbs :

Isidala - Dianthus crenatus

A cold water root infusion is used by diviners to ensure visions and sharpen their divining faculties.

Nyazangoma - Albizia suluensis

The Zulu diviners of South Africa use this botanical for trance induction.


Uqume - Hippobromus pauciflorus

Zulu diviners use `uqume' to induce a trance state. `Uqume' is also used in an Ubulawu mix. The ingestion of ubulawu plays a fundamental role in the relationship between the diviner and the ancestors and is made by twirling a mixture of ground roots of particular plants with water. Some types are reported to be psychoactive and their use, together with the ritual complex (song and dance), often results in altered states of consciousness with accompanying visionary phenomena such as visions or lucid dreams relating to the ancestors.


Uvuma-omhlope - Synaptolepis kirkii

Uvuma-omhlope is used to produce clear vision when entering into a trance. Root infusions are also used in rituals and assist diviners to `see’ in a metaphysical sense.

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Southern African Ethnobotanicals :

Ibhuma - Typha capensis
A decoction of the rhizomes is used for venereal diseases or during pregnancy to ensure an easy delivery, and for dysmennorhoea, diarrhoea, dysentery and to enhance male sexual potency and libido. It is also taken to treat unspecified problems related to the genitals, to promote fertility in women, and to improve circulation (it is said to open the veins and increase blood circulation). Decoctions are taken orally or applied externally to promote the expulsion of the placenta. It is said to strengthen uterine contractions. Infusions and decoctions of the rhizome are used as male sexual tonics and to improve the circulation.

Impendulo - Rubia petiolaris


Maranga - Albizia adianthifolia
The Chwabo tribe know it as `maranga'. They use the roots to induce dreams and to enhance memory. The bark is also snuffed.

Mlahleni - Curtisia dentata
This important botanical is also traditionally used by the Zulus as an aphrodisiac. The bark is also good for stomach ailments, diarrhoea, and purifying the blood.

Nyazangoma - Albizia suluensis

Also see this relating thread: Ubulawu

Reputation Comments on this post:

	Great info!
	Very good information I haven't seen anywhere else.
	great - always nice to know some new powerplants!