Out of Africa |
African Roots
For years people living in the bush of South Africa had nothing at their disposal other than what
they could grow to use as medicine for themselves and their livestock. Out of this came a rich tradition
of herbal remedies that have been well documented and proven to work. Like traditional medicine all
over the world, once neglected with the rise of pharmaceuticals, many of
these herbal cures are being explored again because they are natural and
effective. 4Legs Shampoo and Cream is produced in South Africa. Both contain a blend of locally grown, natural
herbs that will benefit your animal, leaving them with great skin and coats glowing with health.
Centella is a small herbaceous plant that grows wild in Africa, Asia and Australia where it thrives on the heat and heavy rains of tropical climates. Known for its healing properties, it is purported that wild animals actively seek this herb out to rub their wounds against when they are injured. Eastern folklore has it that elephants’ memories are so good because centella is part of their diet in the wild.
Wild Marigold (Khaki Bush) grows in wild abundance in South Africa. Its repellent properties were formally noted in 1966 when it was found to be effective in preventing sheep from becoming infected with blow-fly larvae. Sheep in camps with a high density of Khaki Bush remained disease free, while sheep in other camps with less or no Khaki Bush were easily infected. During the Boer War it is reported that Australian soldiers used the plant to keep disease carrying insects away from their camps. This strongly aromatic annual is common along the roadsides and waste places of the country. The Twsana "African tribe" place branches of midsummer 'Khakibos' in amongst their blankets and winter clothing to repel moths and other insects.
The Tea Tree bush, although indigenous to Australia grows in highlands of the African continent namely in Zaire, East Africa and South Africa.
Lavender, is a fragrant antiseptic, a member of the mint family and widely grown around the world, thrives in the sub tropical and tropical areas of Southern Africa and in the Mediterranean style climate of The Cape.
Eucalyptus green leaves are burnt by Zulus to repel insects and a sprig put onto the fire during a braaivleis "BBQ" clears the air and hastily puts mosquitoes and flies to flight. Chopped leaves spread near ants' nests will help combat their tenacity.
With special thanks and acknowledgements to Margaret Rober's 'The Book of Herbs'.