Pigs EarsLatin name: Cotyledon orbiculataEuropean Counterpart: not known Details: This is a well-known medicinal plant. The fleshy part of the leaf is applied by many South Africans to soften and remove hard corns and warts. The Southern Sotho use a dried leaf as a protective charm for an orphan child and as a plaything. In the Willowmore District, the heated leaf is used as a poultice for boils and other accessible inflammations, in particular, earache. Van Wyk et al. (1997) report that a single leaf is eaten as a vermifuge and that the warmed juice can be used as drops for toothache or earache. They also report that the juice has been used to treat epilepsy. |  |
Gasteria ExcelsaLatin name: Gasteria ExcelsaEuropean Counterparts: Edelweiss, Glove Amaranth, Wolf's Bane, Details: This plant is used by traditionally in African protective magic. It can be used to protect the home against lightning strikes and can often be seen growning on roofs in homes of people living in the Eastern Cape. This plant can also be used in protective charms for personal use. Specifically, it is thought to make the wearer invisible to his enemies. |  |
CliviaLatin Name: Clivia Nobillis European Counterparts: Pomegranate Details: Used to ease childbirth and is also considered to be a bringer of good fortune in wealth in children. As such it is considered to be beneficial to both wealth and fertility spells. In African culture wealth is often based on the number of children one bears. |  |
Elephants FootLatin Name: Adenia pechuelii European Counterparts: Cumin, Details: Used by the Nguni people to ward off bad luck. |  |
