Name
KANKERBOS Botanical Names:
Sutherlandia ellE11>FructescensFamily:
Fabaceae. (pea family)
Other Names
Cancer Bush, Gansies, Gansbossie, Keurtjie
Parts Used
Usually the dried leaves and also all above ground
parts.
Description
Cancer bush is a low, silvery leafed shrub native to South Africa. A
red flower appears close to summer and develops into a translucent papery
balloon type pod between 4 and 6 cm) , which
contains the small black seeds. The pods are usually goose beak shaped and
size hence the name gansbos. The bush seldom grows more than a
meter high
Overview and Mythology.
Native to South Africa, Cancer bush likes the drier
areas of the small Karroo and west coast of South Africa.
There
are at least 6 varieties and they may be difficult to tell apart.
The Khoi and Nama people used the herbs traditionally to clean wounds and internally for
colds, flu, fevers and pains.
The
North Sotho call it “the spear for the blood”
meaning it is a powerful blood purifier.
Sutherlandia is regarded as one of the most multi purpose plants in Southern Africa.
Constituents.
Canavanine---a non-protein alpha amino
acid. This ingredient is said to have anti cancer effects by acting on the
immune system
Amino Acids----- GABA (protein Inhibitory
Neurotransmitter),
Asparagine (stimulates the Central
Nervous System)
Vitamins---
Pinitol, (a form
of the vitamin B group) is known to lower blood sugar level
Saponins
Triterpenoid Glucoside called SU1—being investigated
Dosage Recommendations
Tinctures or infusions are used. A cup of boiling
water is poured on 1 g of the herb and allowed to stand for 10 minutes
before straining. The infusion is taken three times a day.
It is also available in capsule
and ointment form.
Medicinal Actions
Adaptogenic Tonic (a substance that works on a cellular level to relieve stress on it), Anti Bacterial, Anti
Diabetic, Anti Fungal, Anti HIV, Anti-inflammatory (has H2O2 type
scavenging properties),, Anti Oxidant, Anti Stress
(decreases level of corticosterone), Anti Tumourigenic properties, Anti Viral, Autoimmune Properties
Applications.
Cold, Infusion, Tea, Tincture, Capsules. Ointment.
As a tea, I teaspoon to 1 cup boiling water at least twice daily. Used
in the following internal illnesses
Aches And Pains, Anti Tumourigenic properties, Arthritic, Autoimmune Properties, Backache, Blood purifier, Colds And Flu, Detox, Diabetes, Inflammation, Liver
Problems, Rheumatism. Varicose Veins
Health Benefits of Cancer Bush.
Immune System
Many herbalists use it in
the treatment of Cancers. The anti Tumourigenic and auto Immune stimulatory effects of Cancer bush are claimed to help. Metabolism
Cancer bush reputedly helps to normalize Blood Sugar levels, Liver
problems.
Respiratory system
Reputedly helps Influenza and Colds.
Musculoskeletal System
Cancer bush reputedly alleviates Rheumatism and Back ache
External Medicinal Use
Used as an ointment for skin lesions and varicose veins.
It is also used as a poultice for skin lesions.
Applications.
Topical Applications: Ointment or Poultice for bruises and skin
lesions.
Energetics.
Bitter, Pungent, Warm, Dry
Contra indications and
side effects
Avoid during mal
nourishment. Crohns disease and Lupus Erythamatosis
Canavanine may affect the
liver in some cases so when taking cancer bush, it is necessary to eat a
healthy diet and supplement with a Detox—veg such as celery, parsley and fruit such as apple and
watermelon are helpful.
Use During
Pregnancy And Lactation.
Avoid.
Interactions with Other Drugs.
None known.
Doctrine of signatures
Red flowers indicate use in blood normalization.
Very bitter indicating use in liver healing
Hardy,
growing in harsh environment with minimal water indicating use for survival
and energy.
Seed pods look like polyps hence association with cancers.
Astrology
Herb of Leo.
Chakra
Affects
All.
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