Regions: West Africa

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  • Alchornea cordifolia

    Botanical Overview Alchornea cordifolia (family Euphorbiaceae) is a widely distributed medicinal plant native to West and Central Tropical Africa. Commonly known as Christmas bush or Heart-leaf tree, its leaves, stem bark, and roots are traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. Energetics The plant is generally considered neutral in temperature with moistening properties. It carries bitter…


  • Parkia biglobosa

    Botanical Overview Parkia biglobosa, commonly known as African locust bean or Néré, belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to West and Central Africa. The bark, leaves, seeds, and fruit pulp are used medicinally. Energetics Parkia biglobosa is considered neutral in temperature and moisture, with bitter, astringent, and sweet tastes. Its energetics are…


  • Detarium microcarpum

    Botanical Overview Detarium microcarpum (family Fabaceae) is a woody plant native to West Africa and parts of the Sahel region, commonly known as Sweet detar or Tallow tree. The fruit pulp, seeds, bark, and leaves are traditionally used in various medicinal and nutritional applications. Energetics This plant is considered neutral in temperature and moisture, with…


  • Nauclea latifolia

    Botanical Overview Nauclea latifolia is a member of the Rubiaceae family, commonly known as African peach or pin cushion tree. Native to West and Central Africa, various parts of the plant including the bark, leaves, roots, stem bark, and fruit are traditionally used medicinally. Energetics The plant exhibits a neutral temperature and moisture energetic profile,…


  • Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides

    Botanical Overview Latin name: Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloidesFamily: RutaceaeParts used: Bark, Root, LeafCommon names: African Prickly Ash, Fagara, Prevost’s Pepper, West African Prickly Ash Energetics Temperature: warmingMoisture: dryingTastes: bitter, pungentTonicity: tonifying Primary Actions Analgesic Antibacterial Anti-inflammatory Antimalarial Antioxidant Antiviral Diaphoretic Local anesthetic Stimulant Tonifying Indications Western Toothache Malaria Rheumatic pain Cough Skin infections Fever Gastrointestinal disorders Syndromes…


  • Annona senegalensis

    Botanical Overview Annona senegalensis, commonly known as African custard-apple or wild soursop, belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is native to various regions of Africa, including West, Central, and East Africa. The plant’s parts used medicinally include the fruit, leaves, root, stem bark, and seeds. Energetics The plant is considered cooling and moistening in energetic…


  • Ocimum gratissimum

    Botanical Overview Ocimum gratissimum belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is commonly known as African basil, clove basil, or scent leaf. Native to West Africa and tropical regions of Africa and Southeast Asia, this aromatic herbaceous plant has leaves, stems, and flowers that are traditionally used medicinally. Energetics This plant is generally considered warming and…


  • Petiveria alliacea

    Botanical Overview Petiveria alliacea, commonly known as Anamu, Guinea henweed, Mouse weed, or Wild garlic, belongs to the Phytolaccaceae family. It is native to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and West Africa. The medicinal parts commonly used include the leaf, root, and whole plant. Energetics This plant has a warming temperature and drying moisture…


  • Combretum micranthum

    Botanical Overview Combretum micranthum is a shrub of the Combretaceae family native to West Africa, particularly common in the Sahel and Sudanian savanna regions. It is commonly known as Kinkeliba or Green Tea Bush. The leaf and stem are the primary parts used medicinally. Energetics Traditionally, combretum micranthum is considered cooling in temperature with neutral…


  • Garcinia kola

    Botanical Overview Garcinia kola (family Clusiaceae) is a West and Central African tree known primarily for its seeds, commonly called bitter kola or male kola. The seeds, bark, and leaves of the plant are used medicinally. Bitter kola seeds are traditionally chewed or used in preparations for their therapeutic effects. Energetics Garcinia kola is considered…