Dr Kara-Lee's Practice of Phytotherapy

13/04/2026

Ylang-ylang flower (Cananga odorata)
This specimen was collected in Malaysia.

Ylang-yland flower possesses a wide spectrum of medicinal and pharmacological properties, including: Antimicrobial
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Sedative
Aphrodisiac

Traditional and modern research highlight its use in treating:
Malaria
Asthma
Stomach ailments
Gout/rheumatism
Hypertension

The essential oil and plant extracts demonstrate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, with specific compounds like linalool, liriodenine, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid contributing to these benefits.
The oil is also noted for antibiofilm properties, insecticidal and insect-repellent capabilities against mosquitoes and termites, and potential antidiabetic and antifertility effects.
It is widely used in perfumery and offers an intoxicating floral scent.

Key traditional and therapeutic applications include:

Cardiovascular Health: Used to lower blood pressure, stabilize heart rhythm, and treat palpitations.

Mental Well-being: Acts as an antidepressant and nervine to relieve anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia.

Dermatological Uses: Applied to heal wounds, reduce inflammation, treat acne, and balance oil production in the skin and hair.

Respiratory & Infectious Diseases: Historically used to treat malaria, typhus, pneumonia, and asthma.

05/04/2026

Morning dew and a fresh new flower budding on a krantz aloe, Aloe Arborescens.
This plant was found on the renound Spookdraai hiking trail, Cape Aghulus.

Medicinal actions include:

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor properties.

The plant is used topically for wound healing, burn treatment, and skin regeneration.
Studies showing it accelerates cell repair and collagen production. It is effective against dermatological conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and insect bites, and has been historically used to treat radiation burns and eye infections.

Internally, when the bitter sap found under the peel of the leaf is consumed in controlled doses, it aids digestive health by acting as a laxative, protecting the gastric mucosa, and balancing gut flora, though it carries risks for long-term use. Use is limited to 8–10 days.

The jelly-like internal flesh is used for culinary purposes and is often eaten as steaks. All yellow sap is removed for culinary use.

The gel contains:

Vitamins:
A, C, E, and B-complex

Minerals:
Calcium, magnesium, zinc

Polysaccharides:
Acemannan (immunomodulatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer), arboran A, and arboran B

Anthraquinones:
Aloin, aloe-emodin (laxative)

Lectins:
Aloctin A and B (anti-cancer)

Organic Germanium (antioxidant, removes toxic metals from the body)

Acetylsalicylic acid (anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective)

Contraindications for international use of bitter sap:
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 12, and individuals with intestinal inflammation, hemorrhoids, or kidney disease.

30/03/2026

Lantana camara L.
This sample was sourced at the hot springs Simolap in Sumatra.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eLGBpo2y2bLWjDpJ6

Known in Indonesia as kembang telek, tembelekan (Javanese), or saliara (Sundanese).
While often considered an invasive w**d, its parts are utilized in traditional medicine for various ailments, including:
antibacterial effects against Streptococcus pyogenes
antifungal properties
rheumatism
fever
wounds

Key medicinal applications and properties include:

Antibacterial & Antifungal: Extracts from leaves and flowers show significant inhibition against Streptococcus pyogenes, with flowers demonstrating a larger inhibition zone than leaves; the plant contains flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins.

Traditional Uses: Fresh roots are decocted for toothaches and asthma, while leaves and flowers are applied to cuts, ulcers, and swellings or brewed as tea for fever, coughs, and bronchitis.

Toxicity Warning: The plant contains lantadenes (triterpenoids) which are toxic to livestock and humans if ingested in large quantities, causing liver damage; it is also a known invasive species that releases chemicals preventing native flora germination.

Chemical Constituents: The plant yields volatile oils (including caryophyllene), oleanolic acid (hepatoprotective), and alkaloids like lantanine, which has antipyretic and antispasmodic effects.

10/03/2026