Find out about African Plants and Seeds
Africa has a vast diversity of plant and seed-based nutraceuticals and functional foods that have been staples since time immemorial. With ancient knowledge that has been passed on from generation to generation through oral traditions.
Use the menu to explore some of the wonderful and valuable stars from our natural habitat, our organic pharmacy that the world is only waking up to, our ubundant food supply source.
Baobab
Adansonia Digitata. Muuyu (Shona) Umkhomo (Ndebele)

Contains
Vitamins A, B & C. Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron. Omega 3, 6, 9. Citric and tartaric acids. Linoleic and ⋉-linolenic acids. 20% crude protein
Uses
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Cleanses
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Nourishes dry skin
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Firms skin
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Moisturises
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Reduces hyperpigmentation
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Restores collagen
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Fades stretch marks
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Strengthens brittle hair
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Prevents flaky scalp, soothes
inflamed scalp
This iconic tree, synonymous with the bounty and beauty of Africa, provides nourishment to wild animals and humans alike. The baobab fruit has a variety of uses in personal care and nutrition, providing oils for skin and hair, a powder/pulp that has higher Vitamin C than citrus, coffee, fibre, seed cakes for animal feed etc.
Personal care:
Baobab is an antioxidant and anti- inflammatory. It is an excellent moisturiser that also rejuvenates skin cells. The oil evens skin tone and helps reduce hyperpigmentation, and fades stretch marks. It nourishes dry skin, firms and softens all skin. The oil also restores collagen in the skin. It can be used for cleansing and massages. Baobab oil strengthens brittle hair.
Nutraceutical:
Baobab is a superfruit and a natural multivitamin. It is fibre rich. It is excellent for building immunity. Baobab powder is good for the gut microbiome. It helps regulate blood sugar. It contains polyphenolic compounds with many micronutrients.
Medicinal:
Treat fevers, diarrhoea. In West Africa the bark and leaves are claimed to have anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic properties. Once sold in Europe as “cortex cael cedra” to treat fevers.
Marula (Nut)
Sclerocarya Birrea
Mupfura (Shona) Umganu (Ndebele)

Contains
Essential fatty acids. Amino acids
Uses
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Super moisturiser
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Slows premature ageing
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Prevents stretch marks
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Fades scars
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Hydrating and nourishing
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Improves skin elasticity
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Smoothes cellulite
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Lip care
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Seals hair cuticles
The Marula tree, found only in Southern Africa and loved by many animals, is a prolific producer of fruit which are known worldwide as the Amarula liqueur. The fruit pulp is used for drinks and the hard kernel is pressed for oil.
Personal care:
Marula oil is an antioxidant as it prevents premature ageing. It is an excellent base for massage oils and moisturiser. The oil is great for smoothing cellulite, fading scars and preventing stretch marks (recommended for pregnant women).
Marula oil is perfect as a hair moisturiser. It shields the hair against sun damage. It seals hair cuticles. Not recommended for people with a tree nut allergy
Nutraceutical:
Fruit for drinks. The kernel is highly nutritious. Nut can be pounded into a flour consumed as relish to make butter (dovi / shomve / ndakataka). It can be used as a preservative for meat (prevents oxidation)
Medicinal:
The Marula fruit is used in the treatment of diabetes. The bark is boiled and applied to sores. It is also used to treat flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery, and upset stomach. Marula is also used as a general tonic.
Ximenia Affra/Sour plum
Adansonia Digitata
Munhengeni (Shona), Umthunduluka (Ndebele)

Contains
Xymenynic, nervonic, oleic, linoleic, erucic, stearic, octocosenic acids. Essential fatty acids. Vitamin C
Uses
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Extra softening
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Moisturises & Nourishes skin
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Evens skin tone and can be used to treat hyperpigmentation or ageing spots.
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Hydrates skin & hair
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Improves appearance of dry,
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damaged and ageing skin
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Conditions hair
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Lip care
This shrubby thorny tree with sour red plums found in Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia contains the essence of youth. It has excellent properties for skincare and medicinal use. Ximenia oil is the latest ingredient of interest in skincare as it can address acne, dryness, eczema, psoriasis, skin fragility and dehydration. The seed is pressed for oil and the fruit is used for porridge and beverages. The Himba women use the oil as a moisturiser in the dry desert of Namibia.
Personal care:
The oil is anti-ageing and is an excellent moisturiser for skin and hair. It softens the skin, wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating micro circulation in the cells and by causing the blood to flow a little bit more freely. Ximenia oil hydrates and protects the skin from harsh environmental conditions. It improves the appearance of dry, damaged, and ageing skin The oil provides hydration and increases skin elasticity. It evens skin tone and can be used to treat hyperpigmentation or ageing spots. The oil makes a fabulous conditioner for hair and can help to keep the scalp healthy when used as a pre-shampoo oil treatment.
Nutraceutical:
Medicinal. Traditionally used, both topically and orally to treat a wide range of human diseases and ailments such as stomach ache, wounds, fever, eye problems, diarrhoea, bilharzia, menorrhagia, malaria, intestinal worms, impotence and coughs. The bark and fruits are used by small- scale farmers as ethnoveterinary medicine to treat dermatophilosis, foot rot, saddle sores and control ectoparasites.
Kalahari Melon
Citrulus Lanatus
Mashamba (Shona) Amajodo (Ndebele)

Contains
Fatty acids - palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic. Vitamins A, C & E. Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, Phosphorus. High protein content.
Uses
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Unclog pores
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Moisturiser
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Softens fine lines, wrinkles
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Cleanses
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Promotes hair growth
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Sun protection
The Kalahari Melon, the ancestor of the watermelon, grows in dry arid areas of southern Africa. The pulp is used in cooking and the seeds are dried for pressing oil for skincare and food.
Personal care:
The oil is antioxidant, restorative and noncomedogenic. It is pressed from the dried seeds of the Kalahari Melon and is excellent as an intense moisturiser for many skin types. The seed oil softens the skin and unclog pores. The rich linoleic acid and high protein content contribute to smoothening skin, fine lines and wrinkles. KMS reduces excess sebum making the oil suitable for blemish and acne prone skin. It can be used for facial cleansing and as a baby oil. As a moisturiser, the oil evens skin tone, and can protect the skin from the sun. The oil is rich but not greasy and remains dry on the skin after application.
Hair: KMS oil promotes hair growth. It is a perfect conditioner and light moisturiser for hair.
Nutraceutical:
Kalahari Melon Seed makes excellent cooking oil. The crushed seeds can be used for seed cake for stock feed. They can also be dry roasted, seasoned and eaten in the same way as roasted peanuts.
Mongongo/Manketti (Nut)
Schinziophyton rautanenii
Mongongoma (Shona), Umgoma (Ndebele)

Contains
Essential fatty acids: linoleic, alpha-linolenic, oleic, eleostearic; Vitamin E, Calcium, Copper, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Uses
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Rejuvenates epidermis,
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Nourishes and softens skin
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Aids cellular regeneration
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Protect against UV rays
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Restores and maintains a healthy skin barrier
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Spot treatment for acne, eczema & other skin conditions
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Shines hair
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• Perfect as baby oil
The Mongongo tree is distributed widely through subtropical southern Africa. The fruits are known as mongongo fruits, mongongo nuts, manketti nuts or mongongo. The egg-shaped, velvety fruits ripen and fall between March and May each year.
Personal care:
Mongongo oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing. It hydrates and softens the skin. The oil reduces inflammation and promotes cellular repair. It adds shine to hair. Emollient/skin softening properties, helps fight free radicals and help maintain skin elasticity to prevent signs of premature ageing and wrinkles. Protects from the sun. Can be used for shaving. Can be used with a shampoo.
Nutraceutical:
Eaten roasted or fresh, the nuts contain Omega 6, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. It also contains vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, linoleic acid, y-tocopherol, as well as high concentrations of vitamin E. It also possesses eleostearic acid that provides protection from environmental pollutants.
Mafura/Cape or Natal Mahogany
Trichilia Emetica
Muchichiri, Mutsikiri (Shona) Umkhuhlu (Ndebele/Zulu/Xhosa)

Contains
Palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, meristic acid, linolenic acid and lauric acid.
Uses
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Moisturises.
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Treats eczema.
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Hydrates dry, parched and mature skin.
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Reduces wrinkles and age spots.
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Softens and strengthens brittle, dry hair.
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Reduces hair loss.
Personal care:
From the kernels of this majestic tree, we make an emollient butter that is both anti- inflammatory and anti-bacterial. The butter is a superb moisturiser as it hydrates the skin. It is perfect for dry, parched and mature skin. Hair: softens and strengthens brittle, dry hair, conditioner. Mafura butter is good for treating skin conditions such as eczema. It promotes hair growth, reduces hair loss, and helps in reducing wrinkles and age spots. Substitute for palm oil in soap making.
Nutraceutical:
Food - Cooking oil. Medicinal- emetic, boil seeds. Remedy for stomach and intestinal complaints, dysentery, kidney problems, indigestion and parasites. Root used for fever. Leaf or fruit poultices applied to bruises and eczema. Oil used for rheumatism.
Chia Seeds
Salvia hispanica

Contains
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Fiber:
Chia seeds are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
They are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that is important for heart health.
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Protein:
Chia seeds contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source.
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Minerals:
Chia seeds are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for bone health.
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Antioxidants:
They contain antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, which can help protect the body against free radical damage.
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Other Nutrients:
Chia seeds also contain vitamins like thiamine (B1), as well as manganese, zinc, and iron.
Nutraceutical Benefits
Heart Health:
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Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly ALA, which can help lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Blood Sugar Regulation:
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The high fiber content in chia seeds can help slow down the absorption of sugar, potentially aiding in blood sugar management and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Weight Management:
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Chia seeds' fiber content promotes satiety, helping you feel full and potentially reducing overall calorie intake, which can be beneficial for weight loss and managing body fat.
Improved Digestion:
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The fiber in chia seeds can promote healthy digestion, alleviate constipation, and support a healthy gut.
Bone Health:
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Chia seeds are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all crucial for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
Antioxidant Properties:
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Chia seeds contain antioxidants that protect the body against damage from free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
The Mongongo tree is distributed widely through subtropical southern Africa. The fruits are known as mongongo fruits, mongongo nuts, manketti nuts or mongongo. The egg-shaped, velvety fruits ripen and fall between March and May each year.
Personal care
Deep Hydration for Supple Skin
Hydrated skin is the key to a youthful and healthy complexion. Chia seeds for skin are rich in mucilage, a gel-like substance that locks in moisture and prevents dehydration. When soaked in water, chia seeds expand and form a hydrating gel that can be used as a natural moisturizer. Simply mix chia seed gel with aloe vera and apply it as a face mask for deep hydration.
Fights Premature Aging with Antioxidants
Aging is inevitable, but the right skincare ingredients can slow down its effects. Chia seeds are packed with antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, which neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. This helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, making chia seeds for skin a natural anti-aging remedy.
Soothes Inflammation and Redness
Sensitive or acne-prone skin? Chia seeds have powerful anti-inflammatory properties due to their high omega-3 content. These fatty acids help reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation, making chia seeds an excellent remedy for conditions like eczema and rosacea. A chia seed mask can instantly calm your skin and restore balance.
Natural Exfoliation for a Radiant Glow
Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and revealing fresh, glowing skin. The tiny texture of chia seeds for skin makes them a natural exfoliant. Mix ground chia seeds with honey or yogurt and gently massage your face in circular motions. This helps unclog pores and brighten your skin without harsh chemicals.
Boosts Collagen Production Naturally
Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and preventing sagging. Chia seeds contain amino acids and essential nutrients that support collagen synthesis. While many people rely on supplements, consuming foods that contain collagen like chia seeds can provide a natural boost to your skin’s firmness and structure.
For those following a plant-based lifestyle, vegan collagen alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. While traditional collagen is derived from animal sources, plant-based options focus on boosting collagen naturally through nutrient-rich foods like chia seeds, seaweed, and berries.
Provides High-Quality Protein for Skin Health
Protein plays a critical role in skin regeneration and repair. Chia seeds contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source.If you’re already consuming protein powder, consider incorporating chia seeds into your shakes or smoothies to further support skin repair and elasticity. The combination of plant-based protein and chia’s omega-3s can help maintain a youthful complexion.
Since collagen production declines with age, many people turn to supplements for additional support. But when should you take collagen supplements? The best time varies depending on individual goals—some prefer taking them in the morning for all-day benefits, while others take them at night to support overnight skin repair.
Protects Against UV Damage
UV rays are one of the biggest culprits behind premature aging and skin damage. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and omega-3s, which help protect the skin from harmful UV exposure. While they are not a substitute for sunscreen, adding chia seeds for skin to your diet can strengthen your skin’s defense against sun damage.
Reduces Acne and Breakouts
Acne occurs when excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells clog the pores. Chia seeds for skin regulate sebum production and keep your skin’s oil balance in check. Thanks to their antibacterial properties, they help prevent acne-causing bacteria from thriving on your skin. A chia seed mask mixed with turmeric can be a powerful natural remedy for breakouts.
Enhances Skin Elasticity and Firmness
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, leading to sagging. Chia seeds for skin are loaded with minerals like zinc and magnesium, which help tighten the skin and improve its firmness. This is why many natural beauty products now include chia seed extracts to promote youthful skin.
Supports Skin Healing and Repair
Minor cuts, wounds, and scars can take time to heal, but chia seeds speed up the skin’s natural repair process. Their high content of essential fatty acids and proteins supports skin regeneration, making them beneficial for healing acne scars and blemishes. This makes chia seeds a valuable ingredient for post-acne skincare.
Provides Essential Nutrients for Skin Health
Good skin starts from within. Chia seeds are a powerhouse of essential nutrients like vitamin E, zinc, and magnesium, which nourish the skin from the inside out. Including them in your diet ensures your skin receives the nutrients it needs for a natural, healthy glow.
For instance, vitamin B12 rich foods like chia seeds are crucial for maintaining healthy skin cells and preventing dullness.
More about Chia
When it comes to natural skincare, chia seeds for skin are a must-have ingredient. Whether you consume them or apply them topically, their powerful skin-enhancing properties can help you achieve a radiant, youthful complexion—naturally. But why stop there? Take your skincare game to the next level by incorporating plant-based beauty essentials.
Ready to embrace a holistic and natural skincare routine? Start by adding chia seeds for skin to your regimen today—because healthy, glowing skin begins with the right ingredients!
Moringa Tea
Moringa oleifera
Mubvamaropa (Shona) , Umphafa (Ndebele)

Moringa Oleifera is a medium-sized evergreen tree that is native to Africa and Asia. Also known as The Moringa Tree, the Drumstick Tree or The Miracle Tree, it has been prized by traditional societies for centuries thanks to its exceptional medicinal properties.
Every part of the moringa tree is valuable: its seeds can be used to purify water; its bark, roots and flowers all have incredible medicinal properties and its leaves are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.
They are drought-resistant, have exceptionally deep roots and can grow in a wide variety of soils, meaning they thrive in even the most harsh conditions.
Moringa trees grow extremely fast: in fact once planted, they reach full maturity in just 9 months. Moringa leaves can be harvested just 6-8 weeks after planting and then once they are harvested, they immediately regrow so 6-8 weeks later they can be harvested again.
Moringa trees are also perennial, so a single plant can be harvested year after year. They provide a year round source of income for the communities that grow them and help reverse problems of deforestation.
Why is moringa called a miracle tree?
Moringa oleifera, also known as the “tree of life” or “miracle tree,” is classified as an important herbal plant due to its immense medicinal and non-medicinal benefits. Traditionally, the plant is used to cure wounds, pain, ulcers, liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and inflammation.
Potential Benefits
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Increased Energy and Focus:
Moringa is a good source of iron and magnesium, which are known to boost energy and improve mental clarity.
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Improved Digestion:
Moringa can promote healthy gut bacteria and regular bowel movements, potentially reducing bloating and digestive discomfort.
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Clearer Skin:
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Moringa can contribute to a clearer, more radiant complexion.
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Reduced Joint Pain and Muscle Fatigue:
Moringa's anti-inflammatory effects may help alleviate joint pain and muscle fatigue, especially for those with active lifestyles, notes Moringa Utopia.
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Stronger Immunity:
Moringa is rich in vitamins C and beta-carotene, which support the immune system and help the body fight off infections.
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Heart Health:
Some studies suggest Moringa can help lower cholesterol and reduce plaque formation in arteries.
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Blood Sugar Regulation:
Moringa may help regulate blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with prediabetes, according to Everyday Health.
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Potential Cancer Prevention:
Moringa contains compounds that may have anti-cancer properties, though more research is needed in humans.
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Brain Health:
Some studies suggest Moringa may have a positive impact on brain chemistry and could potentially be beneficial for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
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Liver Protection:
Moringa can help protect the liver against oxidative damage and improve its function.
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Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Moringa's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases.
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Weight Management:
Moringa may assist with weight loss by helping to regulate blood sugar and potentially reducing fat accumulation, according to Hindustan Times.
Potential Side Effects
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Digestive Issues:
Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, especially when starting to consume Moringa.
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Interactions with Medications:
Moringa can interact with certain medications, particularly those for blood sugar or blood pressure, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking any medications.
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Lowers Blood Sugar Levels:
Individuals with diabetes should be cautious when consuming Moringa, as it can lower blood sugar levels.
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Kidney Stones:
Some individuals may be susceptible to kidney stones with Moringa consumption.
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Skin Sensitivity:
Moringa can cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.
Roselle
Hibiscus sabdariffa

Uses:
Culinary:
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The leaves and calyces are edible and used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, jams, and chutneys. In some regions, the leaves are used as a spinach substitute.
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The leaves have a rhubarb-like flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked as a spicy version of spinach.
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It can be used in curry, steamed with lentils, fried with garlic, dried/fresh prawns and green chilli, made into a light soup or cooked with fish, chicken, crab, pork or any other meat.
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The fresh/dried calyces can be made into a refreshing drink by boiling it in water for 8 to 10 minutes (or until the water turns red), then adding sugar. Flavour can be added by brewing it with ginger, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves and adding rum.
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Alternatively the dried calyces can be soaked in cold water overnight in a refrigerator with sugar and lemon or lime juice.
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Hibiscus flowers (Roselle) are included in some commercial herbal teas giving it a red colour.
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In Egypt, a refreshing, sour drink made from hibiscus is called Karkade.
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Roselle buds can also be made into sauces, jams, jellies, chutneys and preserves.
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The seeds are eaten roasted, made into an oil sauce or fermented into Sudanese meat substitute 'furundu'.
Medicinal:
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Roselle has a history of medicinal use, with some studies suggesting potential benefits for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. It is used as a general health tonic to treat appetite loss, colds, coughs and circulatory ailments. Hibiscus is a gentle laxative, diuretic and expectorant.
Beverages:
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Roselle calyces are commonly used to make a refreshing and tart drink that is rich in organic acids, often called "hibiscus tea" or "bissap".