Eriocephalus africanus
StarEriocephalus africanus
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In South African folk medicine the leaves and flowering tops of Eriocephalus africanus have long been taken as a tea by the Khoi and early Cape settlers for coughs, colds, flatulence and colic and as a diuretic and diaphoretic, the plant also being valued as an antispasmodic and for stomach ailments (Van Wyk, Van Oudtshoorn & Gericke, 1997).
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Botanical Description
Eriocephalus africanus, the Cape snowbush or wild rosemary, is a much-branched, aromatic evergreen shrub of the daisy family (Asteraceae) growing to about 1 metre tall, native to the coastal and lowland fynbos of South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape. The slender greyish stems bear clusters of narrow, fleshy, needle-like leaves that are silvery-hairy and strongly aromatic, resembling rosemary in form. Small white ray florets surround purple disc florets in compact heads borne through the cooler months; after flowering the seed heads develop dense, woolly white hairs that cloak the bush in what looks like cotton or snow, giving rise to the common name kapokbossie. The whole plant is rich in volatile essential oil. It is drought-hardy and wind-tolerant, frequently grown as a garden and culinary herb and harvested commercially for its fragrant oil.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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