Plant Details

• Family: Rubiaceae.
• Growth: A shrub or small tree growing up to 8 meters tall, with glabrous young branches and older branches covered in thin, cracking bark.
• Leaves: Linear to elongate-oblong, clustered near the branch tips, and glabrous.
• Flowers: White and green, tubular, and pedicellate.
• Fruits: Black, shiny, and round, measuring about 6–8 mm in diameter.
• Habitat: Found across tropical Africa, including countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Nigeria, thriving in savannas and forested areas.

Preparation and Uses

1. Medicinal Uses:
   • Leaves:
     • Boiled and consumed to treat malaria, fever, and abdominal disorders.
     • Used as a remedy for schistosomiasis, conjunctivitis, and hypertension.
     • Pounded and mixed with porridge or fermented water for nutritional and therapeutic benefits.
   • Roots:
     • Decoctions are used as a laxative and to treat gonorrhea.
     • Applied to snake bites for their healing properties.
   • Stem Bark:
     • Used as a febrifuge and for treating thyroid-related issues.
   • Fruits:
     • Consumed fresh as a vermifuge to expel intestinal worms.
2. Preparation Methods:
   • Decoction: Boiling plant parts (leaves, roots, or bark) in water to extract medicinal compounds.
   • Infusion: Steeping leaves in hot water for a milder preparation.
   • Topical Application: Crushed leaves or bark are applied directly to affected areas.
   • Consumption: Leaves and fruits are eaten raw or cooked for their nutritional and medicinal benefits.
3. Other Uses:
   • Condiment: Leaves are used to enhance the flavor of dishes.
   • Cultural Practices: The plant is used in rituals and traditional healing ceremonies.

Health Conditions Tackled

• Respiratory Issues: Fever and respiratory infections.
• Digestive Problems: Abdominal disorders, schistosomiasis, and intestinal worms.
• Skin Conditions: Snake bites and conjunctivitis.
• Reproductive Health: Gonorrhea and related ailments.
• Cardiovascular Health: Hypertension and thyroid-related issues.

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