De Rust Western Cape Herb walk
The journey of De Rust Western Cape Herb walk begins at the Treats Health Shop on the main street, winding past the historic church, and concluded at the Caravan Park, where several fascinating plants were discussed in depth. This blog accompanies the event’s video recordingof the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk available here: Watch the Walk on YouTube
Exploring Medicinal Plants in De Rust
Participants encountered several medicinal plants along the route on theDe Rust Western Cape Herb Walk, learning about their uses, history, and health benefits. Below are some of the highlighted plants:
Aloe Ferox
Known for its soothing gel and yellow sap, Aloe Ferox provides relief for burns, sunburn, and wounds. The plant has gentle laxative properties and assists with inflammation and detoxification. Its bitter sap contains compounds that promote digestive health, and Aloe Ferox gel can even relieve skin conditions. Participants on the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk also discussed how this aloe’s outer layer can be applied under a plaster to soften corns for easy removal. Historically, Aloe Ferox has been used to prevent scurvy due to its vitamin C content, which maintains gum health and prevents dental problems.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle stood out for its 10 times higher nutrient content than spinach, providing a rich source of iron and calcium without the risk of kidney stones. The leaves, which contain formic acid, cause a mild sting on contact but can be boiled to neutralize the effect. Nettle tea is praised for relieving arthritis, allergies, and urinary issues. This versatile herb discussed on the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk, can also be made into soups and cheeses, proving itself a nutrient powerhouse.
Rose Geranium (Pelargonium)
The Rose Geranium is well known for its calming properties and use in aromatherapy to alleviate anxiety and stress. During the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk, participants discussed how different varieties of Pelargoniums have been cultivated worldwide, originating from South Africa’s Pelargonium species. Rose Geranium’s essential oil is particularly effective in balancing hormones and treating skin conditions, while its leaves can also be used to chase away insects.
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria)
This plant, often found in homes and offices, serves as a natural air purifier by removing toxins. Participants on the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk learned that chewing its root alleviates heartburn and prevents muscle soreness by eliminating lactic acid. It is also effective in killing intestinal parasites and soothes digestive issues. Interestingly, rubbing its juice on corns or earaches can provide relief, making it a surprising multi-purpose remedy.
Willow Tree
The Willow tree that we discussed on the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk, contains a natural precursor to aspirin (salicylic acid), which provides pain relief and reduces inflammation. Unlike synthetic aspirin, Willow bark does not increase uric acid levels, offering a safer option for treating headaches, fevers, and joint pain. A small twig’s inner bark is equivalent to one aspirin, and willow extracts are frequently used in pain-relief creams.
Bulbinella
Known for its fast-healing properties, Bulbinella is used to treat burns, insect bites, and skin irritations. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it a valuable remedy for wounds and infections, and it is commonly applied as a gel for cuts and rashes. We saw several Bulbinella plants on the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk.
Carob Tree
The Carob Tree, as seen during the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk, produces pods rich in B vitamins, zinc, and selenium, making it a nutritious alternative to chocolate. Its probiotic properties support digestive health, and carob pods can be made into a sweet syrup. Historically, farmers fed carob pods to livestock to boost their weight, demonstrating the nutritional power of this versatile plant.
Wild Dagga (Leonotis leonurus)
Wild Dagga, also known as Lion’s Tail, is a powerful detoxifying herb with antiviral and antifungal properties. It promotes respiratory health, relieves coughs, and reduces water retention. Participants discussed how Wild Dagga also helps with lymphatic drainage and TB symptoms, highlighting its versatility in traditional medicine. We saw an abundance of Wild Dagga on the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk.
Spekboom (Portulacaria afra)
Spekboom, a succulent native to South Africa, as discussed during the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk, plays a vital role in carbon sequestration and is often referred to as a “miracle plant.” It is edible, offering a sour taste similar to a lemon, and is known to help with digestion. As seen on the Spekboom’s leaves can be eaten raw in salads or brewed into tea. It was once used by sailors to combat scurvy because of its vitamin C content.
Key Learnings and Survival Tips from the Walk
Throughout the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk, participants gained insights into plant identification and survival techniques:
- Applied the golden rules of plant edibility and identification, ensuring safe use in any environment.
- Discovered activated charcoal as a lifesaving remedy for plant poisoning and other toxins.
- During the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk, Marius explained briefly how to prepare herbal teas, tinctures, and creams, with more detailed guidance available in the Translife Herb Course.
- We also discussed Ivy during the De Rust Western Cape Herb Walk, for use in homemade cough syrup and carob for livestock health.
- Explored relationships between plant families, such as the mint family, which supports detoxification and digestion.
A New Herbal Garden at the Church
During the walk, participants visited the church’s newly established herbal garden, featuring Pelargoniums and Geraniums planted by Willie Immelman, a local plant expert. Willie provided insights into the history and properties of these plants, alongside Dr. Marius van der Vyver. The garden not only showcases local flora but serves as a living classroom, promoting the use of medicinal herbs for health and wellness.
Join Us in Spreading Herbal Wisdom
The De Rust herb walk was an enriching experience, connecting people with nature and the healing potential of plants. We invite practitioners, wellness coaches, and distributors to arrange similar workshops in their communities to spread herbal knowledge.
These workshops provide opportunities to:
- Educate communities on local medicinal plants.
- Host short talks on herbal remedies and Iridology workshops.
- Build connections through field trips and hands-on learning.
Translife offers resources and support to practitioners to ensure the knowledge of natural healing continues to grow.
Expand Your Herbal Knowledge with Translife Online Courses
For those seeking in-depth herbal education, Translife offers online courses in Herbalism and Iridology. Our comprehensive courses include:
- Classroom videos covering plant properties and their application to health.
- Formulation training for natural remedies.
- Extensive theoretical content, unmatched by most online programs.
Explore our offerings and products at www.translife.co.za.