IMPHEPHO (Helichrysum)

History and Name

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Asterales

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Helichrysum

Species: H. petiolare

Binomial name :Helichrysum petiolare

Biological

If you are thinking about using any herbal medicine, first get information on it from reliable sources. Make sure to tell your health care provider about any herbal medicines you are taking. Many people believe that products labeled "natural" are always safe and good for them. This is not necessarily true. Many herbal medicines do not have to go through the testing that drugs do. Some herbs can cause serious harm. And some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

The name imphepho used in southern Africa refers to around 250 species from the genus Helichrysum. The Helichrysum species used as imphepho grow abundantly in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho but especially around coastal areas and the largely arid Northern Cape province.

The plants grow abundantly in gardens and in the wild, for this reason most imphepho is harvested in the wild and commercial cultivation in South Africa is unknown. Helichrysum species used as imphepho are hardy and adaptable, growing in a wide variety of soil types, are drought resistant, wind resistant and can survive light frost. The seeds are wind-dispersed. Little preference is shown for specific types of imphepho. Amongst traditional healers, local availability is more important than a preference for a particular species. There is little evidence of medicinal properties being stronger in certain Helichrysum species and for ritual purposes they are all treated as exactly the same. For medicinal and ritual purposes, it is mainly the areal parts of the plant that are used (most often dried, but also fresh), less commonly the root.

It is said that Imphepho was the first medicine that was shown to the healers. When they started to use this medicine, it guided them to find and how to use other medicines and so they started to learn about herbs. Imphepho is valued by traditional medicine men in Africa who use it as a smudging herb to communicate with ancestors and calm evil spirits. Imphepho is believed to help repel negative energy, and it does the same for insects. Breathing the smoke over time can have a sedating effect, which might actually offer assistance when a shaman enters a trance like state to perform his work. This is much like the way frankincense is used in Christian practice. Many people do not realize that frankincense too, has sedative properties. Some theorize that the breathing of frankincense has contributed to some of the heightened religious experiences Christians have reported.

There are other historical cases of incense plants working this way as well, and in fact, these types of experiences also seem to explain why certain plants or their resins have been chosen to be paired with spiritual practice. it is a very powerful plant and its medicinal uses are the subject of scientific study. It is the most widely used medicinal plant in South Africa. The word Helichrysum is derived from the Greek “Helios” meaning Sun and “chrysos” meaning gold. Most of the flowers of this plant are a golden yellow colour.

The name Imphepho refers to a number of African species in the genus, helichrysum.

Use and Benefits

Imphepho plant is a multi-purpose herb that is used for internal and external cleansing.

The smoke of the herb is used as a sacred incense or smudge used to call the ancestors in and invoke trance states, cleanse energy and as an offering when praying. The smoke is also sedative. Sometimes the ashes of the burnt plant are used, which creates new chemicals that have additional benefits. Imphepho also has a lot of traditional medicinal uses, especially as a topical dressing to wounds.

Using Imphepho topically is beneficial since Imphepho has antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties (analgesic). It can also be used to make an anti-septic cream because of its natural insecticides. Imphepho is a good herb for those suffering from anxiety or who need help getting to bed. It also has a positive influence on the liver, bladder, heart and kidneys. It can also be used to clear the skin. A wash can be made for wounds, rashes, spots, skin ailments and fungal infections. It is also regenerative when used on scars. It is sometimes added to the steam bathes used by Herbal Doctors to cleanse away negative energies and to protect. Wounds are washed with infusions of Imphepho to clean and sterilize them and a dressing of leaves are placed on the wounds.

New born babies are washed in Imphepho to cleanse and protect them. The herb is stuffed in bedding for both humans and animals to repel insects. The smoke is inhaled for headache. Tea is made from the leaves for fever, headaches, coughs, colds and flu and also to cleanse the liver and kidneys. For HIV patients Imphepho tea is a must. In woman’s health it is used for menstrual pains. Imphepho also appears to have oneirogenic activity, meaning the herb assists with lucid dreaming, dream activity and dream recall. This is similar to other African herbs such as silene capensis (dream herb) and entada rheedii. An aromatherapy / medicinal oil extract is now becoming available.

Medical research has shown that this plant has huge potential for medicinal uses as a possible cure for Tuberculosis and herpes. The parts of the plant used are mainly the leaves, stems and flowers and sometimes the roots. Where western medicine is limited, Imphepho is also used for more serious diseases such as tuberculosis, herpes and HIV. Its anti-viral properties have yet to undergo any significant research, but Imphepho could also open up new avenues for Western medicine too as we begin to notice the natural value this region of the world has to offer.

Harvesting The plants are usually wild harvested and platted in garlands or tied in bundles before drying. There are about 245 species in Southern Africa. (600 worldwide) The most popular ones for medicines are ones growing near rivers, water or on mountains. The most common ones harvested for medicine (all referred to as Imphepho) are nudifolium (mostly used for medicinal purposes), petiolare, cymosum and odoratissimum (mostly used as incense).

When medicine plants are harvested it is very important that it is done in a respectful and sustainable way.

Specific Information Helichrysum petiolare is grown for its silvery, densely-felted, aromatic foliage and trailing habit. A soft, vigorous, woody-based sub-shrub, it grows to half a meter tall and spreads to a diameter of about a meter. It flowers in its second year. A slight licorice aroma may emanate from the foliage in the heat of the summer. It is short lived and needs replacing every 2 years. In cold climates it can be grown as an annual but it will not reach the size of plants that have grown for more than one season.

Healthy benefits of Helichrysum Herbal Tea

Imphepho (the flowers of the everlasting family Helichrysum) is used in South African traditional medicine to heal physical and spiritual ailments. This indigenous plant is a multi-purpose herb that is used for internal and external cleansing.

Plant part used: leaves. For coughs and cold

A strong infusion in tea.

For pain relief the smoke is inhaled. Open wounds are treated externaly by applied patches of Helichrysum to prevent infection.

Stimulates brain function – when consumed regularly, Helichrysum increases blood flow to the brain, providing it with nutrients and essential oxygen for a healthy mind.

Relaxation and peaceful sleep – aids in sleep disorders such as insomnia and restless sleep.

Boosts immune system – contains antibacterial properties that can help prevent illness.

Prevents chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes – high in antioxidants, which work to eliminate free radicals throughout the body and prevent oxidative stress.

Improves the digestive system -Helichrysum improves blood flow to the entire digestive tract and eliminates free radicals that can cause an upset stomach and indigestion. It also enable your digestive tract to absorb nutrients with more ease.

Citrus – adding a slice of citrus fruit (lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit) can sweeten your tea and serve as a great source for Vitamin C in your drink.

Ginger – adds a great taste to your Imphepho tea which can compliment its health benefits, as ginger contains several medicinal properties which can help cure and prevent illness.

Honey – a sweet and healthier alternative to sugar, which also contains antioxidants that can help ease flu symptoms such as a sore throat.

Mint – can help sooth an upset stomach and improve digestion.

There is no evidence that even prolonged heavy use of imphepho can lead to any sort of physical or psychological dependency and there is no evidence of any health problems arising from prolonged use (apart from those associated with smoke inhalation perhaps). Imphepho is an important part of African traditional medicine and rituals and the plant is revered,

Do you use Imphepho? How do you use it? How has it helped you? Do share your experience with us. And also if you have any other herbs you want to share with Triple Leaf Holistics please contact us.

PLEASE NOTE:

DISCLAIMER

Triple Leaf Holistics is an information website provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is always best practice to speak with your medical doctor and conduct your own research. General information purpose only and do not substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner , nor should they be construed as such.

If you are on any other medications or have preexisting health concerns, please always check with your health-care practitioner before starting any herbal medicines

Always talk to your doctor before using herbal products during pregnancy or when nursing.