Across the African continent, herbs/medicinal plants are used to treat the body and mind. Medicinal plants are both easily accessible and affordable health resources that are available to the different communities around Africa.
Multiple myeloma cancer is a rare blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow (the soft matter inside bones where blood cells are made) when plasma cells become cancerous (myeloma cells) and crowd out the healthy blood cells. So, rather than making helpful antibodies, the cancerous cells make proteins that don’t work properly. The cancerous cells can also clump together to form tumors.
Multiple myeloma cancer comes with multiple symptoms that affect the body in many different ways. I’d like to focus on loss of appetite, specifically. Loss of appetite is a key symptom of multiple myeloma cancer. Now, if you’ve ever experienced loss of appetite you know that it’s often associated with fatigue/lower energy levels, and sometimes even nausea. It’s not a good feeling. Healthy eating habits and a good appetite are vital for maintaining your overall health and well-being.
I took some time to discover ancient herbs that are used in African cultures to enhance appetite and improve digestion. Herbs contain different parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, roots, berries and their extracts as active ingredients that are beneficial to our therapeutic use. Herbs are rich in antioxidants. These natural herbs/ remedies will help you regain your hunger and enjoy meals again. So, let’s dive in!
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Herbs that will be sure to boost your appetite instantly and improve your digestion:
- African Wormwood, native to South Africa is a digestive aid/digestive wellness enhancer. African wormwood’s therapeutic substances fight off harmful bacteria within an individual’s digestive tract, which results in a healthier gut environment. African wormwood is also known to soothe stomach discomfort and stimulate an individual’s appetite.
- Mondia, also known as Mondia Whitei. Mondia is widely known and used in many parts of Africa because of its known healing properties. This traditional remedy improves appetite.
- Kanna is native to South Africa and has been used for centuries. It can be used in tea and some people chew it. It’s used to treat abdominal pain and tension. Some other benefits include riding headaches, respiratory conditions, elevating and/or regulating mood, and reducing stress, depression and anxiety.
- Cyclopia, the honeybush is an indigenous herb to South Africa that can be made into tea. Drinking this will help to balance gut bacteria and support healthy digestion.
- Rooibos, originating from South Africa. The leaves are often brewed into a warm tea to treat digestive problems.
- Griffonia Simplicifolia is native to Western and Central African countries. The seeds are beneficial and known to be a remedy for digestion, stomach aches and diarrhea.
- Climbing Oleander, also known as Strophanthus Gratus, is located in the tropical regions of Senegal. An infusion of the climbing oleander leaves is taken to treat constipation.
- Bitter Aloe, also known as Cape Aloe is used to support digestion and constipation.
- Acacia, also known as Gum Arabic not only prompts gut health but can be used as a flavor enhancer in foods or beverages.
- Centella Asiatica is native to South Africa and is used to treat diarrhea. It can be used as a spice or eaten as a vegetable.
- Rumex Hypogaeus, also known as Emex Australis, is a native of South Africa that stimulates appetite.
Studies show that African herbs are not only used within African communities, but also widely used outside of Africa as well. I hope these natural herbs/ remedies will help you regain your hunger and enjoy meals again.
