It is known by many names, but Cotyledon orbiculata, also called pig’s ear or iphewula, is not just a beautiful succulent. For generations, it has been harnessed to address an array of ailments, from alleviating earaches to combating intestinal worms.
In a recent Health For Mzansi article, experts delve into the cultural significance and medicinal properties of the pig’s ear plant, also known as iphewula in some Xhosa regions.
The story highlights the intergenerational knowledge surrounding iphewula, with traditional enthusiasts like Mawethu Noholoza from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape affirming its use in treating various ailments in both humans and livestock.
“It’s simple,” Noholoza explains, “you grind iphewula and extract the liquid. Mix it with cold water and give it to cattle for various health conditions, including trouble conceiving.”
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Health benefits and growing your own
Meanwhile, Nomfusi Ntsobi, a Cape Town-based horticulturalist, sheds light on the broader role of traditional medicine in South Africa’s healthcare landscape, emphasising its importance in diagnosing, preventing, and treating illnesses.
Ntsobi tells Health For Mzansi that the succulent has been used in the treatment of painful health conditions, including toothaches, earaches, boils, warts, corns, and epilepsy, among other ailments.
“In addition, Cotyledon orbiculata has been reported to treat intestinal worms and helminths in humans.”
She explains that in other areas of the country, pig’s ear has been reported to aid in the primary healthcare requirements for various sexually transmitted infections such as sores in the genital area, herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and chlamydia, among others.
Additionally, Azile Dumani, a crop scientist, provides insights into cultivating pig’s ears, preferred growing conditions, susceptibility to pests, and minimal water requirements.
This article was first published on Health For Mzansi and written by Vateka Halile
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