African Potato Medicinal Uses

African Potato medicinal uses are well known and it is probably the best known muti plant in the country. It has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries.

Common names include: star flower, yellow star (Eng.); sterblom, geelsterretjie, gifbol (Afr.); moli kharatsa, lotsane (S Sotho); inkomfe, inkomfe enkulu (Zulu), inongwe, ilabatheka, ixhalanxa, ikhubalo lezithunzela (Xhosa), tshuka (Tsw).

African Potato Medicinal Uses Overview

• Used in the treatment of urinary tract disorders including bladder infections (cystitis)
• Used in the treatment of prostate problems including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, other cancers and lung disease such as tuberculosis.
• The plant is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
• It is used to build up the immune system of patients suffering from cancer and HIV.
• It is also used as a laxative and to expel intestinal worms.
• It is beneficial for treating fever, headache, migraines and dizziness.
• Some people apply African wild potato directly to the skin to promote wound healing.

African Potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) Herbal Preparations

Parts Used: The root or corm of the plant is used.

• Infusions
• Decoctions
• Juice
• Powder

African Potato Herbal Recipes

African Potato Tea

Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried African Potato in 500 ml of water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 – 15 min. Strain and drink 3 times per day