african history

Essential Oil	Latin Name	Traditional African Uses
African Verbena	Lippia Javanica	Found throughout Central and Eastern Africa, the smoke from burning the plant was inhaled for respiratory conditions. The Zulu used the leaves as a poultice to treat fever rashes and chest ailments. The Hobedu stuffed the nose with a crumpled leaf to fight colds. The Xhosa used a weak infusion of the leaf and stem with milk or water to fight off colds and bronchial troubles.
African Wormwood	Artemisia Afra	Also known as Lanyana and Wilde-als, one of the most popular medicinal plants in Eastern and Southern Africa. The infusion was used as a lotion to bathe hemorrhoids, and with a hot bath to bring out measles. In Tanzania a weak infusion of the leaf was used to treat colic. The Tawana used warmed leaves as a poultice for pimples, boils, mumps and sprains.
Aniseed	Pimpinella Anisum	Also known as sweet Cumin, cultivated in Egypt for 4000 years. Egyptian medical text indicates the seeds were used as a diuretic to treat digestive problems and to relieve toothaches. Also used to stimulate a mother's breast milk flow and known for its calming effects to enhance relaxation.
Angelica Root	Angelica Archangelica	Once used in the treatment of bronchial ailments, colds, coughs, and to stimulate circulation. Tea infusion was used to warm the hands and feet. Grown in Eastern and Southern Africa it was also used to promote fertility and relieve depression.
Atlas Cedarwood	Cedrus Atlantica	Egyptians used the oil from the wood for cosmetic perfumery and embalming. Also used to treat bronchial and urinary tract infections. Burned as incense and the powdered bark was applied to wounds for its astringent properties. Native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria.
Basil	Ociumum Basilicum	Referred to as the Royal Herb by Egyptians. The oil was rubbed on the temples to ease headaches. In Ghana the stems were used as a cancer treatment. In Angolia it was used for caring for the hair. Varieties of Basil prepared as tea were used to treat migraine and fever. Dried powdered leaf was taken as snuff by the Egyptians.
Bay Laurel	Laurus Nobilis	In North Africa the leaves were used as a stimulant to aid digestion, stomach spasms and diuretic. An extraction from the berries was used externally to treat rheumatism. Grows from Libya to Morocco, also used to treat skin rashes and earaches.
Bergamot	Citrus Bergamia	The leaves of the fruit were used to fight skin infections including cold sores, and eczema. Also used to treat symptoms of chicken pox. Combined with other oils to treat cellulite. Grows in many parts of Africa including, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast and South Africa.
Bitter Orange	Citrus Aurantium	The infusion of the dried flowers were used as a nerve sedative, to treat spasms, and hiccups. For infants it was used in calming. In Ghana the fruit was roasted and the juice is applied as dressing to treat skin ulcers. This fruit is also used to make other essential oils, (petitigrain and neroli) Grows in Ivory Coast and other parts of Africa.
Black Cumin	Nigella Sativa	Found in the Egyptian tomb of Tutankhamum. Mixed with honey then used in the morning to stimulate appetite. In Egypt it was used to fight parasites, sinusitis, asthma, and hemorrhoids. The seed oil is a popular remedy to delay menstruation.
Black Pepper	Piper Nigrum	Scientists found it used in the mummification process in Egypt, stuffed inside the body of Mummy of Ramesses II. Peppercorn was found in his nostrils and abdomen. Used in North Africa as an aphrodisiac. It is produced in Madagascar and it is used to induce abortions.
Blue Mountain Sage	Buddleia Salviifolia	The Hottentots used a decoction of the root as a cough remedy and infusion of the leaf as an eye lotion. The Sotho used it to treat nervous disorders. The Zulu used a root decoction as a gargle and would also make tea. The Bambata used a fresh flower infusion as a body wash for skin sores. Grows in South Africa.
Blue Tansy	Tanacetum Annuum	Used in the Western parts of North Africa for many of the same remedies as Blue Chamomile, to which it is similar in color and scent. It is commonly used to soothe skin irritations and treat burns. Most Commonly found in Morocco.
Buchu	Agathosma Betulina	Known for treatment of the kidneys and urinary tract. Used to relieve body aches when added to the bath. Buchu Vinegar is used as a rubbing liniment on the body. Infusions can be used as a douche to combat yeast infections and to stimulate menstrual flow. Buchu is native to The Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
Calendula	Calendula Officinalis	Infused flowers were used to stimulate menstrual flow, to produce sweating, stimulate bile production in the liver, treat skin wounds, and irregular contractions of the muscles. Its also known for its anti fungal powers, its antiseptic strength for healing skin wounds and rashes.
Camphor	Cinnamomum Camphora	The Zulu used the bark in love charms. The leaves are used to fight fever and malaria. In Morocco the extract was used as an antiseptic to combat skin disease. The Swahili wash the dead with camphor water and inserted parts of the plant inside the body. The body was then dusted with camphor powder. The tree is common to Eastern Africa and Madagascar.
Cape May Bush	Coleonema Album	Native to South Africa and used by the Hottentots of South Africa. The medicinal uses included body aches and rheumatism. The Sotho used this in some of the same way they used Buchu thus referring to it as wild buchu.
Cape Snowbush	Eriocephalus Africanus	The leaves are used for bathing and relaxation. Also used as a foot bath to stimulate the start of the menstrual period and to relieve the swelling of the legs. The twigs are boiled in water and the liquid was used to treat dandruff. Native to The Cape of Good Hope.
Caraway Seed	Carum Carvi	Found in Northern Africa, when extracted from the ripe seeds it was used as an aphrodisiac, to promote breast milk flow, to calm nerves and stimulate menstruation
Cardamon	Eletteria Cardomomum	Info coming soon!!!
Carrot Seed	Daucus Carota	Grown In Egypt the oil was best known to improve skin elasticity, deter wrinkles, dermatitis, eczema, rashes and skin discolorations. Used to treat urinary tract infections.
Celery Seed	Apium Graveolens	The Sotho Tribe in South Africa used a decoction of the seeds to relieve headache and rheumatism. Widely cultivated in North Africa and used to relieve stomachache and in digestion. Egyptian text mentioned it being used as a bandage for burns.
Chamomile Blue	Matricaria Reticulata	Tea made from made from the stem was used to treat sore throats. A hot compress of the flower and plant was applied on the chest for coughs. Several South African tribes used a paste from the flower to aid in healing skin conditions. Egyptians mixed Chamomile and olive oil and used it for massage. Scientists also found it was used as an anointing oil on King Ramessess II in the mummification process.
Chamomile, Cape	Eriocephalus Punctulatus	In Southern Africa the leaves are used in baths for their relaxing scent. Smoke from burning the plant was used to disinfect the house to clear evil spirits after death by Sotho. It was known to treat and reduce inflammation of the skin.
Chamomile, Maroc	Ormenis Multicaulis	Extremely prevalent in Morocco and adjacent countries where it is known and used in calming, soothing and relaxation effects. Egyptians used the oil for massaging the skin.
Cinnamon	Cinnamonium Zeylanicum	In Morocco the bark was used as a stimulant and for memory loss. In Tanzania and Zanzibar the bark was used to fight tuberculosis. It was also found in tombs and used for embalming. It was used as a sex stimulant in Egypt and was combined with Moringa oil and used as a poultice to deter infection in wounds. In Queen Nefertari's Tomb Scientists found it being used as an incense.
Citronella	Cymbopogon Nardus	In Mozambique it was used to prevent fevers. It was also used to reduce appetite and revitalize nerves. The decoction mixed with milk was used to strengthen the blood and the nervous system when taken twice a day.
Clary Sage	Salvia Sclarea	In Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco the leaves were used as a stimulant and as an antiseptic to treat eye disease. The leaves are boiled in coconut oil and applied to cure a scorpion's sting. It was used as a hair rinse to soften the hair and soothe the scalp.
Clove	Eugenia Caryophyllata	Clove and clove oil were used for toothache and mouth infections. The Swahili used a bark decoction as a remedy for diarrhea, While Egyptians used clove to strengthen the respiratory system. Well known for use in cooking today.
Combava	Citrus Hystrix	The most common remedies are for stimulating and promoting skin healing. The peel or the juice is combined with other plants to reduce infection.
Corriander	Coriandrum Sativum	The juice of the fresh leaf was used as an eye lotion to fight infections. Mixed with honey its antiseptic qualities treated spreading sores, boils, and burns. Seeds were found in the tombs of Tutankhamun and other Pharaohs. Grows in Northern and Eastern Africa.
Cumin	Cuminum Cyminum	When pounded and mixed with water the Egyptians drank it to fight headaches. In Northern regions of Africa it relieves the symptoms.
Cypress	Cupressus Lusitanicus	Found in Southern and Northern Africa, the cones were used as an astringent to release excess fluid in the body. Smoke from the burning gum relieved sinus congestion. It also improves blood circulation when massaged on the skin or poured in baths.
Dill	Anethum Graveolens	The Egyptians used Dill in a variety of remedies. It was a key ingredient in a pain killing mixture that included dates and honey, which was boiled and strained and taken for 4 consecutive days to relieve pain. Dill Seeds were also mixed in a poultice to treat headache and a decoction of Dill was used as a mouth rinse. Other remedies included being used as a stimulant and to soften the skin.
Eucalyptus	Eucalyptus Citriodora Eucalyptus Dives Eucalyptus Globulus Eucalyptus Smithii Eucalyptus Radiata	African remedies typically used Eucalyptus as an antibiotic or to relieve respiratory conditions. A lightly boiled decoction or an infusion of the bruised leaf was taken for treatment of the flu and colds. The bark was ground and used as a dusting powder to prevent the spread of disease. In Central Africa the leaf was used to prevent fever and the juice is taken as a tonic. The leaf was also smoked to relieve throat irritation. The Sotho would make a lotion for washing the body. In North Africa dried leaves are mixed with Henna leaves, crushed and used as a shampoo or as a hair tonic.
Fennel	Feoniculum Vulgare	The Zulu would take a decoction from the leaves three times a day to treat influenza. A poultice made from the leaves was used to treat jaundice. In North Africa an infusion of the entire plant was used to treat abdominal pains. The juice of the fresh plant was used in preparation of an eye lotion to treat cataracts.
Frankincense	Boswellia Carteri	Also known as Olibanum the earliest recorded use of it was found in an inscription on the tomb of a 15th century BC Egyptian named Queen Hathsepsut. Egyptians burned frankincense as an incense and ground the charred resin into a powder called Kohl. Kohl was used to make the black eyeliner seen on many figures in Egyptian art. Because of its ability to slow and deepen the breath, it was used to enhance spirituality, meditation and prayer. It was also used in facial masks to heal skin blemishes. Several remedies relied on frankincense to treat acne, boils, hard to heal wounds, and varicose veins.
Geranium	Pelargonium Graveolens	Native to South Africa, the Sotho used a paste made from the leaves to treat wounds and abscesses. A decoction from the root is used by the Sotho to wash feverish patients. Several remedies emphasize the use of the extracts from the plant to treat skin problems, to reduce inflammation, eczema, burns, scarring and other skin related problems.
Ginger	Zingiber Officinale	In North Africa it was used as an aphrodisiac when mixed with honey and taken in small doses each day. Another remedy uses powdered ginger and olive oil which is rubbed on the body after a hot bath to treat back pains, and stiffness.
Ginger Lily	Hedychium Coronarium	coming soon
Grapefruit	Citrus Paradici	The juice is sipped to relieve cough and also used as a tonic. The juice is also rubbed on the skin to relieve rheumatism. Extracts from the leaf and fruit are also used to wash and protect against bacteria and infection.
Helichrysum	Helichrysum Angustifolium Helichrysum Gymnocephalum	The Southern Sotho smoke the leaf to relieve the symptoms of a head cold. The Karanga smoke the dried flower and seed in a pipe as a remedy for pulmonary tuberculosis. The root is used in parts of East Africa for coughs. In the Cape area the plant is used as a remedy for whooping cough and bronchitis. A decoction of the leaf was used as a wash for keloid scars. The Zulu burn the leaves and stems as incense to invoke the goodwill of their ancestors.
Jasmine (absolute)	Jasminum Officinale	In Malawi the roots were boiled as a remedy for heartburn. A decoction of the leaf and root is drank to enhance the skin. The Zulu used the plant as a love charm. In North Africa it was used as an aphrodisiac or to stimulate romance. Also used to reduce tension and nerves.
Katrafay	Cedrelopsis Grevei	coming soon
Lantana	Lantana Camara	In West Africa the plant was used as an herb bath and as a charm. The leaf is boiled with banana leaf and other herbs, and the vapors were used to treat jaundice. A leaf decoction is also used as antiseptic lotion.
Lavender	Lavendula Angustifoli	Egyptians used lavender for its relaxation effects and as a rinse to cleanse the skin pores. Other North African remedies included lavender to treat exhaustion and depression. A decoction of the leaves relieves nausea and the distillation from the flowers treats migraine headaches and dizziness.
Lavender Tree	Heteropyxis Natalensis	Native to Central and Southern Africa, the oil has antibiotic qualities and was used to prevent infections and kill germs. Nose bleeds are treated by inhaling steam from a decoction of the root. The Zulu would make a tea by pouring boiling water over the leaves and stems. Next they let it sit till it was luke warm and strained it . They drank it to relieve heartburn and colic. The Venda and Shangaan drank the tea to fight colds and they used the tea as a body wash. The Zulu made a lotion from the leaves and twigs to wash their bodies. Crushed leaves mixed with oil was rubbed on cracked dry skin, and calluses to soften the skin.
Lemon	Citrus Limon	It was combined with salt to fight skin infections and ringworms. The Swahili applied the juice to induce contractions at childbirth. The rind and the juice was used to help the complexion and to boost the immune system.
Lemongrass	Cymbopogon Citratus	In Tanzania and Kenya an infusion of lemongrass was taken as tea for fevers and jaundice. It was also used as a body wash and to perfume the body. Other remedies used lemongrass to treat acne, skin infections and ringworms. The Zulu used the plant juice for ritual cleansing washes. They also used the sap from the cooked roots to settle the stomach.
Lime	Citrus Aurantifolia	A gargle of the lime juice was used to treat sore throats in Ghana. The juice from the roasted fruit, combined with lemon and bitter orange was used as a dressing to treat ulcers and other skin wounds. The juice was also applied to the temples to relieve migraine headaches. The leaves were mixed with other plants to treat pneumonia.
Lovage	Levisticum Officinale	The most common remedies used a decoction from the roots to improve circulation and to relieve indigestion and muscle spasms. It was also used as a diuretic.
Mandarin	Citrus Noblis	coming soon
Marjoram, Sweet	Origanium Majorana	The Plant is soaked in hot oil and cooled , and the oil was used as an eardrop for infections and other ear ailments. Infused leaves and flowers were taken as a general tonic. The oil was used to induce menstruation and to relieve pains and cramping. A tea made from the plant was used to treat colds and to relax the nerves.
Mastic	Pistacia Lentiscus	Common throughout North Africa, the resinous extract from the tree was used as an analgesic and as a sedative for chest pains. An infusion in the form of a tea stimulates menstrual flow and the resin from the tree is chewed to purify the breath. The resin was also boiled with milk and taken to soothe and treat a sore throat and for ulcers. A teaspoonful of the pounded resin was mixed with an equal amount of honey every morning for 3 weeks.
Melissa	Melissa Officinalis	An infusion from the leaves was used in remedies for indigestion, muscle spasms and menstrual problems. Other remedies emphasized the relaxing and sedative effects of Melissa, especially to relieve depression and insomnia. Found in Northern and Southern Africa.
Mugwort	Artemisia Vulgaris	coming soon
Muhuhu	Brachyleana Hutchinsii	Powdered leaves and leaf infusions were used to treat diabetes. The infusion was also taken as a tonic. A decoction of the root was used for chest pains. It has a scent similar to Sandalwood.
Myrrh	Commiphora Myrrha	In Egypt it was popular for treating sore throats, canker sores and gum infections. Remedies also emphasized its healing powers for skin conditions, where it is applied to acne, boils and skin inflammation. In East Africa it is used as an incense and the Egyptians incorporated it into their worship ceremonies. It was burned as an aromatic in the Temple of Isis (Goddess of Love). It was an important ingredient in the embalming process, sometimes placing pieces of the resin in the body cavities of the mummy
Myrtle	Myrtus Communis	An infusion from the whole plant was taken as a stimulant. An infusion from only the root was used as an astringent. An infusion from the leaves and young branches was considered a health remedy for asthma and other respiratory ailments. A decoction from the leaves was used to blacken the hair. The dry leaves and flowers were mixed with other aromatic herbs to prepare hair lotions. Egyptians incorporated it into several formulas for cosmetics and for a number of skin ailments and to cleanse the skin.
Naartjie	Citrus Reticulata	Indigenous to South Africa the extracts of the leaf and fruit have strong antibiotic effects. The typical remedy uses the extract to prevent infection and to wash and cleanse skin wounds to promote healing and good health.
Neroli	Citrus Aurantium	Coming soon
Niaouli	Melaleuca Viridiflora	Was used to prevent and fight viral infections and fevers. It was also used in washes to cleanse the skin and aid in the healing of wounds.
Opopanax	Commiphora Erythraea	In East Africa the gum resin with butter was used as a perfumed application to the body. The washed bark resin mixed with salt was used as a plaster for fever in tropical Africa. A decoction from the bark was used to treat sterility in men.
Orange, Sweet	Citrus Sinesis	The leaves were used to fight fever. Steam vapor from boiling the plant was also used as a treatment for malaria. A poultice made from the rind was used to treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis. The extract from the seed also treats an enlarged spleen by causing it to contract in size. It also helps to fight colds and flu.
Palmarosa	Cymbopogon Martinii	A diffusion from the leaves is used as a body wash and to cleanse the skin. It lemon scent was also appreciated as a room freshener and to add a fresher fragrant to the hair and body.
Parsley	Petroselinum Sativum	Egyptian text refer to parsley as "Mountain Celery" and used it in medical remedies to relieve stomach pains. In parts of North Africa the roots were used as a diuretic. A decoction of the seeds were taken the first thing each morning to combat intestinal parasites. It was also taken to increase sweating.
Pennyroyal	Mentha Pulegium	An infusion from the leaves and branches were taken to reduce muscle spasms. Several remedies use pennyroyal to reduce nervousness and tension. A mild diffusion of the leaves was also taken as a tea to start the menstrual period.
Peppermint	Mentha Piperita	In Egypt, evidence of peppermint was found in tombs dating from 1000 BC. Egyptians used peppermint to invigorate the mind. It was known to stimulate the skin's oil production and was often used in liniments for massaging the muscles and skin. It was also used for the respiratory system by cleaning the sinus and helping with breathing, as well antiseptic uses to destroy bacteria and viruses.
Pepper Tree	Schinus Molle	Widely grown in Eastern and Southern Africa, the leaf, bark and gum resin were used as an infusion for applications to wounds and sores. The fruit and gum resin were used to relieve stomachache. The leaf and fruit were also used as a body lotion to bath and fight infections.
Petitigrain	Citrus Aurantium	coming soon
Pine Patula	Pinus Patula	The resin of the tree was infused in water and the infusion was then drank as a cure for head ailments. The resin was also burned as incense and the aroma was believed to bring good fortune. It also was used in cough remedies as an inhalant and for massaging stiff muscles and rheumatism.
Psidia Altissima	Psidia Altissima	coming soon
Ravensara Aromatica	Ravensara Agatophyllum	Native to Madagascar it was used in remedies to treat shingles, viral infections, flu and bronchitis. A decoction from the bark was used to tighten and firm the skin while toning the muscles. Because of its similar scent to eucalyptus, it was used to clear breathing passages.
Rhus Tarantana	Rhus Tarantana	coming soon
Rosemary	Rosmarinus Officinalis	In North Africa the young shoots of the plant are used to prepare aromatic baths. The oil was used in preparation of ointments to soothe sprains, bruises, wounds and eczema. It was also used in lotions and penetrating liniments as a stimulant to improve the circulation for the scalp and also to fight dandruff and hair loss.
Rose Maroc	Rosa Centifolia	Best known for its general reputation as an aphrodisiac. The petals are powdered and mixed with oil to treat nasal conditions. The dried flower buds were mixed with henna leaves and myrtle leaves to make a hair tonic. Egyptians had remedies to use rose oil as a lotion to treat headaches and the beginning of toothaches.
Rosewood, African	Ptorocarpus Erinaceus	In Ghana an infusion from the leaves was used to prevent fevers. A decoction of the bark was used to treat tumors of the glands. The dried and pulverized bark was mixed with cola nut was taken as a general tonic. It was also used in creams and lotion to heal the skin. A decoction of the leaves and stems were mixed in the bath to reduce fever.
Spearmint	Mentha Spicata	The vapors from boiling the fresh leaves was used to cleanse the face and pores. An infusion of the leaves was used to relieve toothaches in North Africa. The aroma from the freshly crushed leaves were used for respiratory ailments.
Tagetes	Tagetes Minuta	Native to Africa its best known for its skin care remedies. Ailments such as calluses, bunions, and fungal infections were treated with a diffusion from the leaves and flowers made into a wash or cream applied to the area. An Infusion of the leaves was also used as a body wash to treat an illness of the spirit.
Tangerine	Citrus Reticulata	Extracts of the leaf and fruit have strong antibiotic effects and were used to treat tuberculosis and to fight fevers.
Tarragon	Artemisia Dracunculus	coming soon
Tea Tree	Melaleuca Alternifolia	Best known for its ability to strengthen the immune system, the remedies that incorporate tea tree were used to fight infections, such as lung, sinus, mouth and skin conditions. It was also used in remedies to treat chicken pox and the flu.
Thyme Red	Thymus Vulgaris	A cold infusion from the branches was taken as a general health tonic. A hot infusion was taken to combat skin diseases. The vapors were inhaled to settle the nerves and a lotion made from the plant was used as an antiseptic to combat skin parasites. The Egyptians used it in the embalming process, and also burned the plant to fumigate a room to prevent disease and infection.
Violet Flower	Viola Odorata	In South Africa a tea made from the leaf was taken to treat indigestion and other gastric upsets. It has also been used as a cancer remedy by chewing the leaves. It was believed it would comfort and strengthen the heart. The leaves dipped in water were applied as dressing for burns.
Vetiver	Vetiveria Zizanoides	A root decoction was used to treat asthma and flu. Steam from the root decoction was inhaled to treat malaria. It also was drank as a medicinal tea. The root decoction was applied to the skin to treat acne, wounds, calluses, and to ease muscular pains. Because of its pleasant scent the grass like leaves and thin roots are used when making fans, baskets, sachets, bags and pillows. It was also added to soap.
Ylang Ylang	Cananga Odorata	Because of the rejuvenating effects it has on the hair and skin, it was frequently used in lotions and oil mixtures that are applied to the hair and skin. It was also considered an aphrodisiac.

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