Sutherlandia Frutescens - Fabaceae 

Traditional names: Cancer Bush, Kankerbos, Belbos, Gansies.

Traditional uses: Sutherlandia frutescens is among the most multi-purpose and useful of the medicinal plants in Southern Africa.  Because of its efficacy and safely as a tonic for diverse health conditions, it has enjoyed a long history of use by all cultures in Southern Africa.  The plant helps the immune system to adapt to unfavourable circumstances and is therefore considered an excellent adaptogen. 

Been used for Fever, poor appetite, indigestion, heartburn, gastritis, oesophagitis, peptic ulcer, dysentery, cancer (prevention and treatment), diabetes (type 2), colds and flu, cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis, kidney and liver conditions, rheumatism, heart failure, urinary tract infections, arthritis, viral hepatitis, Chronic Fatigues Syndrome, stress, anxiety and depression. Tinctures, infusions and decoctions of the leaves and young stems have been used in the Cape from early times, the uses learned originally from the Khoi and San. The traditional Tswana name Phetola is “it changes”, meaning that the plant changes the course of many illnesses into a favourable outcome. The North Sotho name Lerumo-lamadi is “the spear for the blood” meaning that Sutherlandia is a powerful blood-purifier or all-purpose tonic.

General use: Helps improve quality of life in HIV/AIDS, TB and cancer patients.  Helps for mild asthma.  Promotes vitality, energy and well-being.  Shortens duration and severity of flu.  Reduces hot flushes and irritability during menopause.  Helps for heartburn, gastritis, reflux oesophagitis and peptic ulceration.  It can be used as an eyewash and for the treatment of haemorrhoids.

Main chemical components: L-Canavanine – a potent non-protein amino acid with documented anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. Pinitol – anti-diabetic agent that helps for treating the wasting syndrome in cancer and AIDS patients. GABA – is a natural neurotransmitter that promotes a sense of well-being.

Contra-Indications: Do not use during pregnancy.

Plant Description: Sutherlandia is an attractive shrub about a meter in height, with silvery leaves, red flowers and balloon like seed pods.  The leaves of the plant are used medicinally.