Sutherlandia

Sutherlandia is the common English name for the single stemmed plant with the botanical name Sutherlandia Frutescens (subs. microphylla), a flowering bush type plant that grows wild in Southern Africa.

It is known by many other names, a reflection of the many cultures that have discovered its remarkable properties. Among them are:

Locations

The plant grows most common in the arid regions of Southern Africa, especially in the Cape and Natal. It grows best in dry, stony grasslands.

Characteristics

Sutherlandia is a shrub that rarely exceeds 1 m in height, though in ideal instances it can grow up to 1.5 m in height. It produces bright red flowers and is in bloom from June to December, with the seeds being contained in a green/red semi translucent pod. It has grey green leaves.

History

Sutherlandia plant has been used for many hundreds of years by the tribes in Southern Africa and later by European settlers, who soon began to appreciate the wealth of knowledge in terms of medicinal botany that was possessed by the African tribes.

For many hundreds of years, the Zulu warriors returning from battle used the plant to relax themselves. Grieving widows used it as an anti-depressant to help them through their loss. The old Zulu word of “insiswa” means “that which takes away the dark”, referring to the ability of the plant to help with depression and sadness.

Now, the History of Sutherlandia is taking a dramatic new turn, with it being brought into the wider world.

Sutherlandia has documented effects in treating many very serious illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and CANCER as well as their associated side effects including:

• Anxiety
• Cancer
• Depression
• Eczema
• HIV / AIDS
• Tuberculosis

Sutherlandia can also benefit individuals who, whilst not suffering from any serious ailments, wish to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle. Athletes and bodybuilders can gain tremendous benefit from Sutherlandia as part of their dietary and training regimes.