Plants have always been necessary to our survival and existence of the planet Earth. Their essentialism ranges from the creation of oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, serving as food (for herbivores and omnivores and other animals that rely on them for survival), providing shade as they grow bigger into trees, facilitating the restoration of soil nutrients through the process of mulching, and also useful for compost and organic fertilizers. They go a long way into ensuring the successful cultivation of crops as well, but the one thing I can assure you that is not overlooked with the importance of plants is the medicinal purposes they come with. Among those that come with such benefits is the Africa Never Die plant.
The ‘Africa Never Die’ Plant
Bryophyllum pinnatum [from the Crassulaceae family (or the stonecrop family or the orpine family)] is the botanical name for the AFRICA NEVER DIE plant,; grown in Madagascar, Jamaica and in other tropical zones. Other names this plant is known as include the life plant, air plant, miracle leaf, resurrection plant, wonder of the world, live forever and cathedral leaf. It has all these names because of the wonders it does – with its leaves playing mono/polyherbal significance through aqueous extracts.
Here I would like to highlight some of the diseases and illnesses that this plant is known to treat and manage:
Health Benefits of the ‘Africa Never Die’ Plant
- For the treatment of stomach ulcers and constipation.
- For the treatment of kidney stones.
- Used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and flu.
- Used for the treatment of kidney stones. Reports from a study conducted in 2014 show that the miracle leaf reduced urine oxalates, after testing the remedy through a treatment used for rats.
- For the treatment of leukemia and other cancers as it has been found to improve sleep quality in cancer patients.
- Used for the treatment of hemorrhoids (piles).
- It improves scalp health and prevents early graying of hair.
- Used for the treatment of diarrhea (see here for remedy).
- Used for the treatment of leukorrhea (i.e. vaginal discharge)
- Improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which is helpful for diabetic patients.
Studies are still being conducted to find out more on what type of sicknesses the plant is capable of treating and managing, but with these and more we are certain that it would go a long way in doing good to mankind with regards to herbal medicines.
