In West Africa, people have often used medicinal roots and bark for their primary care but also to overcome the most serious diseases. Coming from plants very popular in terms of pharmacopoeia, these barks have powerful therapeutic virtues. Discover here, a list of  the most used African roots in traditional medicine and their different virtues.

1- The Caïlcédrat

The Caïlcédrat

The caïlcédrat (khaya senegalensis, from its scientific name) or African mahogany is a widespread tree species in West Africa. The caïlcédrat tree has several therapeutic virtues. Its bark is used in the recipes of several medicinal decoctions. Indeed, the roots of caïlcédrat are effective in the treatment of malaria, sinusitis, painful periods, cysts and digestive disorders and even diabetes. Thanks to its antibiotic properties, the decoction of caïlcédrat cures sexually transmitted infections and gastrointestinal disorders.

2- The roots of shea

Shea roots

Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) also called "the butter tree" is very well known in Africa. Shea butter made from shea extracts has been one of Africa's most precious treasures for millennia. Its virtues are legion, especially in the fields of health, cosmetics, facial and skin care, etc. Shea resins are used to relievestomach pain. Thanks to the antibiotic properties they hold, they also help in the healing of wounds. The roots, powdered and mixed with shea butter, are used to accelerate wound healing in traditional African medicine. The bark is also endowed with antitussive properties. A decoction of the bark is effective against colds and coughs. 

3- Moringa

Moringa

 

Commonly called "tree of life", "miracle tree" or "tree with 300 benefits", moringa is a plant with countless virtues. The roots and bark of this plant have been used for ages. A decoction of moringa roots helps to treat rheumatism, constipation and inflammation. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, they relieve dental, joint, back and kidney pain. Moringa roots are also used against seizures. Just reduce it to powder, add it to honey and take a teaspoon of it every day.

4- The African baobab

African Baobab

African Baobab is endowed with exceptional therapeutic virtues.  The bark and roots of this tree have been used in the African pharmacopoeia since the dawn of time. Indeed, the roots of African baobab have purifying, tonic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  In some parts of Africa, they are used to treat malaria and hypertension. They are also very effective against sexual weakness and ulcer.  Infusion of the roots or bark cures fever and digestive disorders. The bark, once cut, produces a fluid white glue that is applied to a wound to promote its rapid healing. The roots of the baobab are also used in cosmetics. The infusion of these African roots makes babies' skin smoother and more supple.

5- The cashew tree

The cashew tree

The cashew tree is a tree with multiple virtues. An infusion of its roots helps regulate the level of bad cholesterol in the body and fight cardiovascular diseases. They act as a digestive and laxative agent, which makes them effective against digestive disorders.  Decoction of the roots of the cashew tree is used to cure infections. These also have restorative, regenerative, and antioxidant properties that help heal wounds. The infusion of the bark is also used in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes in traditional medicine.

 

6- The Néré

The néré

Nere (parkia biglobosa from its scientific name) is an African medicinal plant with amazing therapeutic virtues. Its roots are endowed with anti-gonorrhea, antineuralgic, diuretic and tonic properties... Decoction of the roots or bark of the nere is used to cure a form of sterility in women. Herbal tea is also effective against bronchitis and venereal diseases. Infusion of bark relieves  dental pain and soothes stomach aches. It is also used against hypertension and diabetes.

7- Papaya

Papaya

Highly appreciated for its delicious and nutritious fruit, we generally forget that its roots also have benefits. The roots of papaya are revitalizing and immunostimulating. Indeed, a decoction of the roots is similar to a hypertonic energy drink.

The roots of the papaya are also used for the treatment of several diseases such as malaria, jaundice, sexual weakness, etc. They also help to activate and strengthen immunity.

8- Kinkeliba

Kinkeliba

Kinkeliba is an African plant that has always been used in herbal medicine. The roots of kinkeliba have very powerful medicinal and cosmetic virtues. They are used in the treatment of urinary disorders and to improvebiliary function. An infusion of the roots of kinkeliba is effective against palu and digestive disorders.  The roots of the quinquéliba would be a slimming ally. Decoction of the roots could help you achieve your ideal weight goals. 

9- The palm tree

Palm tree

The roots of the palm tree also have unsuspected therapeutic virtues. These are used in African pharmacopoeia to treat bronchitis, sexual infections and asthma. Also, they have antioxidant  properties and are effective against urinary disorders.

 

10- The mango tree

Mango tree

 

The mango tree is widely distributed on the African continent. It is best known for its very delicious fruits. As for its roots, they are endowed with several therapeutic virtues still ignored. Indeed, they are extremely rich ine nzymes, minerals, antioxidants and help fight against diseases such as diabetes, bronchitis, insomnia, asthma and hemorrhoid. The roots of the mango tree are used in the treatment of urinary tract infections.  A decoction of the roots of the mango tree is effective against bleeding and digestive disorders.

The bark of the mango tree is also an excellent natural remedy for diarrhea...

 

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