I’ve had some really interesting one on one chats with a contact from a weekly network group who also has an interest in all things health related. Looking at their website has shown me some new products, so I’ll be sharing a few with you all over the coming weeks.
African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) is a bulbous plant native to southern Africa, long valued in traditional medicine for its health-promoting properties. Indigenous communities in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe have used its tubers for centuries to support immune function, reduce inflammation, and maintain general wellness.
The plant’s tubers contain sterols and sterolins, compounds studied for their immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Laboratory research, including studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Ojewole, 2004) and Phytotherapy Research (Setshaba et al., 2015), shows that African potato extracts can influence immune cell activity and reduce inflammatory responses. While human clinical studies are limited, these findings align with its long-standing traditional use.
In practice, African potato can be consumed in several forms. Traditional preparation involves boiling sliced tubers to make a tonic. Modern supplements provide powdered or encapsulated forms, often combined with herbs like sutherlandia or rooibos for daily immune support. Users report it as a gentle, natural way to maintain vitality, particularly during times of increased physical or immune stress.
Beyond health benefits, African potato supports sustainable local economies. Communities cultivate and harvest the plant, providing income while conserving wild populations, ensuring both ecological and socio-economic impact.
References:
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Ojewole, J.A.O. (2004). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Hypoxis hemerocallidea in laboratory studies. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 92(2-3), 301–306.
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Setshaba, T., et al. (2015). Sterols from Hypoxis hemerocallidea and immune modulation potential. Phytotherapy Research, 29(7), 1023–1030.
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Traditional uses: Boiled tuber infusions for wellness; powdered or encapsulated forms combined with rooibos or sutherlandia.
