When I started out in my first little herbal business in 1996, I focused on European medicinal plants. The written anecdotes of use were plentiful and the research behind them pretty solid. As a pharmacologist who had only recently moved to “the dark side”, I could understand them.
And then I got introduced to African herbal remedies.
They were in a class of their own. Anecdotes of use were scattered, not consolidated. Research was scanty, if any had been done at all. But I respected the people who believed in the power of these herbs, so I began using them in my patients. Carefully at first, just to be sure.
I found the raw power of the African herbs I was investigating to be streets ahead of any European herb used for the same indication. The latter were polite and quietly effective. African herbs were like a vuvuzela to the body’s healing abilities. You could almost see the moment the herbs kicked in, just by the changed expression on the patient’s face.
It’s a great pity that African herbs remain poorly researched. Much has changed in 20 years, and I’m grateful for the growing body of literature documenting the use and usefulness of African herbs. But we’re only scraping the surface.
Today, I’m putting not one, but TWO of my favourite African herbs on special.
The first one is Sutherlandia, commonly known as “cancer bush”. This was the name given to it by the Voortrekkers, the early European settlers of the interior of South Africa. It dramatically improves appetite in emaciated patients (cancer, tuberculosis, HIV, etc). Since about half of cancer patients die from the weight loss caused by cancer, this herb improves both quality and quantity of life for cancer patients.
The amount of cancer patients I’ve treated with Sutherlandia now number beyond a thousand. It has almost no side effects (only mild, if at all), and it works for everyone.
I’ve also found it useful in auto-immune diseases like arthritis, lupus (SLE) amd MS.
It enables the body to heal itself when doctors have given up hope, as in emphysema (COPD), kidney failure and ICU patients.
It was successfully used during the great “Spanish Flu” pandemic of 1918, and I’ve found it powerful against most viral illnesses. Viral diseases are very difficult to treat within the standard Western medical model. Africa had an answer long before Western medicine existed.
In holistic medical lingo, Sutherlandia is an adaptogen. It helps the body to adapt to stressful situations. As such, it is comparable in action to ginseng and Rhodiola, but I think it is far more powerful than either of these celebrated herbs. And cheaper, too.
Note: Like other adaptogens, Sutherlandia is not advised during pregnancy, where it may interfere with the hormonal balance.
My second special today is a little known plant called Sceletium, or, in common parlance, Kanna. It is a succulent naturally occurring in the Namaqualand and Little Karoo areas (hence the name “Kannaland” for Oudtshoorn).
When I first began using it as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant herb in my patients, I was hesitant. How would it compare to St John’s Wort? It turns out I needn’t have worried. Kanna kicks in within minutes of the first dose, producing a feeling of well-being that is impossible to describe to the uninitiated.
Not only is it fast, but it is safe (no overdose death has ever been reported) and long-acting (8 to 12 hours of action in most people). It is not habit-forming, which is also wonderful.
I’ve used it successfully as part of my protocols for the following conditions:
* Depression, including bipolar depression
* Anxiety
* Panic attacks
* PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
* Insomnia (it relaxes the mood, breaks circular thoughts)
* Nightmares
* ADD and ADHD
I had the privilege of working with Sceletium extracts (instead of the raw herb) about 10 years ago. The extracts worked faster than the raw herb, but had more side effects and lost “steam” after some months of use. I therefore only work with the raw herb in its dried form, which only rarely causes drowsiness and otherwise does not have side effects. What is more, the effect does not taper after some months of use, although I still advise against using it for more than six months in a row. Since it’s onset of action is so quick (10-15 minutes), it can be used as a “rescue remedy” instead of taking it daily.
The special:
* Buy 2 to 5 units of either Cancer Bush or Kanna and get R10 off per unit.
* Buy 6 or more units of either Cancer Bush or Kanna and get R20 off per unit.
You do not need a discount coupon code, the discounts for the above specials will be auto-applied when you select the quantity.
But here’s a small trick card you may wish to play on me…
Yesterday’s coupon code for spirulina, GW19SP15, is still valid till midnight tonight.
If you buy spirulina with the coupon code AND add 2 or more of Cancer Bush or Kanna to your basket, you will get a further 15% discount on the African herbs in your basket.
Now we’re cooking with gas. Or blowing with vuvuzelas.
Click here to place your order.
Terms and conditions
* Delivery within South Africa only
* Only one coupon code per order
* No limit to the number of units per order
* The coupon may be used by any number of people
* The coupon lapses at midnight on 25 November, SA Standard Time
* If stocks run out, you will be refunded quickly
To your health!
Doc Frank and the Team at Integrow Health
PS1: If you struggle placing your order, don’t panic. Just reply to this email, explain your problem, and a staff member will assist. We’re here to help you.
PS2: None of the above should be regarded as medical advice. Always consult a qualified health practitioner before making decisions potentially affecting your health.
PS3: Every day’s special is unique to that day. You cannot combine different orders from different days. If you wish to order multiple products on special, with one shipping cost, rather wait until Green Friday and hope our across-the-board offer beats any of the other offers… It’s about having fun and taking a chance!
