Afrocarpus falcatus, which belongs to the family of Podocarpaceae is a tree species found in the southern parts of Africa, ranging from Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa. Despite being common in where it originates, however they somehow have a protected status right there.
Otherwise, it is used as an ornamental tree. The wood of Afrocarpus falcatus sees some useful application, such as in shipbuilding, furniture, toy, music instrument making, and construction. However, not many of us are aware that Afrocarpus falcatus also has its own role in African traditional medicine. What are the health benefits of Afrocarpus falcatus?
What are its Health Benefits?
- Afrocarpus Falcatus as Medicine
The use of Afrocarpus falcatus’ barks in medicine is simply endless. They can be used to treat a relatively large range of ailments, from arthritis, high blood pressure, up to more serious ones such as cancer. In addition to that, Africans have also been using Afrocarpus falcatus as part of their traditional medicine culture.
- Afrocarpus Falcatus is Anti-Inflammatory
Afrocarpus falcatus barks contain an anti-inflammatory compound named phenolics. The phenolics in Afrocarpus falcatus are somewhat similar to that found in benefits of red wine, and they also provide antioxidants, healthy aging, as well as cancer prevention.
- Afrocarpus Falcatus is Used in Aspirin
Afrocarpus falcatus barks are also featured inside health benefits of aspirin for heart disease. Aspirin is a generic medicine used to reduce fever, and relieve mild to moderate pain caused by muscle aches, tooth aches, symptoms of flu, and headaches.
- Afrocarpus Falcatus Can Treat Skin Irritations
Everyday skin irritations such as rashes, benefits salt therapy eczema and psoriasis can be treated using Afrocarpus falcatus bark, normally in the form of mixing it with bath water or made into poultices.
- Afrocarpus Falcatus and Salves
Salves are topical herbal ointments used to treat further dermatological irritations like scrapes, rashes, dry skin, ingrown toenails, boils, and splinters. Other than that, salves that are made out of Afrocarpus falcatus nourishes the skin, and help the skin absorb valuable nutrients.
- Afrocarpus Falcatus and Tinctures
Tinctures are classical remedies used for treating damaged skin and can be easily made out of Afrocarpus falcatus’ buds, bark or roots. Tinctures also contain a relatively high solvent concentration, usually in the form of 25-60% ethanol.
- Afrocarpus Falcatus Tea
Finally, here is also another health benefits of Afrocarpus falcatus that one should not miss or underestimate; the tea. Afrocarpus falcatus tea can be brewed for a number of health purposes, such as for treating benefits massage tension headaches, nose congestion, sore throat, and lower down fever.
All in all, it is discovered that majority of the health benefits of Afrocarpus falcatus come from the bark itself. And of all health benefits, most of them are in the form of reliefs, anti-inflammation, and reducing the symptoms of several common diseases.
No wonder why they are so commonly used as medicine today. Other than that, it is fairly easy to make your own home remedy out of Afrocarpus falcatus’ tree bark. So, why don’t you try brew a tea out of it?