South Africa's Super Herb: Sutherlandia

Sutherlandia frutescens (also known as cancer bush, kankerbos, Insiswa or balloon-pea) is a shrub that is indigenous to South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. The bright red-orange flowers and aromatic leaves make Sutherlandia valued as an ornamental plant in the house and garden, but this plant is much more than just a "pretty face".

First records about Sutherlandia came from Dutch colonists in the Cape, who came to know the plant and its uses through interaction with the indigenous people they encountered. These local people used (and still use) Sutherlandia as a traditional medicine, and according to clinical trials and pharmacological studies, it seems that the traditional healers were definitely on to something! 

Did you know? Sutherlandia is still one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the Western Cape!

The health benefits of Sutherlandia

Sutherlandia was/is used as a cure-all immunity booster by the local indigenous people. Here is what Sutherlandia is used to treat:

• Cancer and the wasting away from cancer - its traditional use as a cancer cure has earned it the nickname "the cancer bush"
• HIV/Aids patients and the wasting away from the illness
• Diabetes
• Tuberculosis (patients taking isoniazid to prevent tuberculosis should avoid taking Sutherlandia, as it may interfere with the effectiveness of that drug)
• Arthritis and other pain or inflammation
• Viral infections, colds, flu and other illnesses
• Weak immune system (perfect for during a pandemic and flu season)
• Chronic fatigue
• Stress and anxiety
• Mild hypertension
• Chicken pox
• External wounds
• Nervous system issues (GABA found in the dry leaves of this herb can slow down nerve cell activity)

More recently, scientific research has validated the knowledge of the traditional healers, confirming the benefits of Sutherlandia for anti-proliferative, anti-viral, anti-stress, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-thrombotic uses. Sutherlandia is especially useful during the pandemic – supporting a stronger immune system and providing anti-viral protection during times when we all need it!

*This article is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

How to use Sutherlandia

Sutherlandia can be taken in various forms such as in capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas, gels, creams and ointments, and can often be found in pharmacies and herbal shops.

This Sutherlandia Herbal Tincture is a 100% pure concentrated Sutherlandia (Kankerbos) herbal tincture that can be diluted in a bit of water, and is very easy to administer. These Sutherlandia Herbal Capsules also contain 100% pure Sutherlandia, and are better suited for those who are more comfortable swallowing capsules.

No serious adverse effects have been reported, but symptoms such as dry mouth, loose stools, mild diuresis and slight dizziness have been noted in weak patients when the herb is administered on an empty stomach.

If you have any queries, contact our team for FREE advice. We're always happy to hear from you!