Natural Selections

Medicinal Uses and Information on Ginger Bush

Ginger Bush

Tetradenia Riparia

ALSO KNOWN AS

Misty Plume Bush, Musk Bush, Wild Ginger, Gemmerbos, Watersalie, Vleisalie (Afr.)

Description

• A large, robust, densely bushy and softly woody perennial shrub, rarely a tree, with slightly succulent stems and rounded, thick, velvety and brilliantly green leaves that emit a strong aromatic fragrance reminiscent of lavender or fresh ginger, even when dry.
• Even the smallest of plants will bear flowers. This species was first described in 1830 and has a wealth of medicinal uses.
• Ginger Bush is not only used as an ornamental plant, it is being used in traditional medicinal healing. It serves as a great container plant and attracts various desirable insects and birds to one’s garden.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE GINGER BUSH

Attracts useful insects

Insects such as moths (Trichoplusia molybdina), bees and butterflies.

Attracts birds

Attracts various insect-feeding birds.

Drought resistant

Moderately drought resistant once well-established.

Pot plant

Excellent container plant in cold areas, given enough drainage holes.

Hedge plant

Fast growing and will quickly grow into a hedge.

Wind break

Attractive flowers

White and lilac, sometimes pink.

OTHER USES OF GINGER BUSH

Has medicinal values in treating chest complaints, stomach aches, malaria and headaches. Flowers attract insects and other creatures.

Repels mosquitoes and Ginger Bush oil is used as an effective mosquito repellant in creams.

Medicinal

• The plant contains a number of medicinally active compounds, and leaves and young stems are commonly used in traditional medicine.
• An essential oil can be extracted from the plant, and has shown both insecticidal and insect repellent properties, as well as antimalarial (against two strains of Plasmodium falciparum) and antinociceptive actions.
• Leaf extracts also displayed antimicrobial and antiviral activity against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Bacillus subtilis.
• An infusion of the leaves and roots is used as an emetic, and simply inhaling the aroma of the crushed leaves is said to bring relief from headaches.
• In folk medicine, it is used to treat dental abscesses and toothaches, malaria, diseases induced by worms, bacteria, or fungi, and is also valued as an antiseptic.
• Leaf infusions are used to treat a variety of respiratory ailments including coughs and bronchitis, as well as colic, colds, fever, dropsy, diarrhea, stomach aches, a sore throat, gingivitis or mouth ulcers.