Plant description: E. cucullata is an orchid that grows up to 1 m in height. It has simple and narrow leaves, seeds stored in pods, and deep pink flowers that have a prominent yellow base to the sac-like spur. It flowers mostly after a fire. The plant can be found growing in moist coastal grassland in the tropical regions of Africa

Uses:

• The roots are used to make a decoction that is taken orally to treat reproductive disorders in men such as impotence. 
• The roots are mixed with those of Eulophia ovalis to make an infusion that is taken orally to treat reproductive disorders in women such as infertility.
• The root infusion is typically taken by a married couple if the wife is barren.  
• The roots are used to make a decoction that is applied as poultice to treat skin infections.
• The roots are used to treat epilepsy. 
• The roots are used to relieve pain.
• The roots are used to make an emetic love charm.
• The roots are used to make an infusion that is administered as an emetic, for inducing emesis.

Safety precaution:

Using traditional medicine responsibly can enhance your overall health and well-being. Misuse and abuse can lead to complications. You can inquire about the correct use of traditional medicine from a knowledgeable herbalist and practitioner. You can also visit imithiyesintu.co.za or email: info@imithiyesintu.co.za to learn more about traditional medicine

References and further reading: 

• Bryant, A.T., 1966. Zulu medicine and medicine-men. Struik, Cape Town.
• Chinsamy, M., Finnie, J.F. and Van Staden, J., 2014. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cholinesterase activity and mutagenicity of South African medicinal orchids. South African Journal of Botany, 91, pp.88-98.
• Foden, W. and Potter, L. 2005. Eulophia cucullata (Afzel. ex Sw.) Steud. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/05/05
• Gerstner, J., 1941. A preliminary check list of Zulu names of plants: With short notes. Bantu studies..
• Hulme, M.M., 1954. Wild flowers of Natal. Shuter & Shooter. Pietermaritzburg.
• McAlister, B.G. and Van Staden, J., 1998. In vitro culture of Eulophia species. South African journal of botany, 64(4), pp.264-266.
• Pant, B., 2013. Medicinal orchids and their uses: Tissue culture a potential alternative for conservation. African Journal of plant science, 7(10), pp.448-467.
• Raimondo, D., Staden, L.V., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A., 2009. Red list of South African plants 2009. South African National Biodiversity Institute.
• Watt, J.M., and Breyer-Brandwijk, M.G., 1962. Medicinal and poisonous plants of southern and eastern Africa, second edition. Livingstone, London.

You Can Order Your Copy Of The Book By Emailing: info@imithiyesintu.co.za

Feel Free To Add Other Uses Of This Plant In The Comment Section Below: