Family: Hypoxidaceae
Scientific name: Hypoxis hemerocallidea
Authority: Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.
Common names: uvimba (Zulu), dried African potato (English), Afrika-patat (Afrikaans)
Trade name: Vimbela
What is it?
Vimbela is a manufactured traditional ointment resembling petroleum jelly that is intended for external use. It is either a clear or brightly coloured substance that is prepared from the leaves of a plant called Hypoxis rooperii.
Plant description
H. rooperii also known as Hypoxis hemerocallidea, is a short herb that is native to Southern Africa and grows to about half a meter tall. It has strap like long leaves and star-shaped bright yellow flowers.
Plant medicinal properties
The herb reportedly has analgesic, antioxidants, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Plant uses
The herb is used to treat a wide range of conditions such as skin and respiratory infections, wounds, stomach disorders, inflammations, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, haemorrhage, and prostate problems. It is used as an immune booster and a tonic for HIV patients. It is used for sorcery and to ward off evil spirits.
Plant preparations
The bulb of H. rooperii along with the bulb of ikhambi lezingane (Ledebouria revoluta) are used to treat ringworm.
The bulb of H. rooperii is mixed with those of inguduza (Merwilla plumbea), umgadankawu (Albizia adianthifolia), (Searsia species), and intolwane (Elephantorrhiza elephantina). The mixture is used for blood regeneration after one has lost blood or is in need of blood.
Vimbela colors and their meaning
Vimbela comes in a range of colors with each color having a unique purpose. The following outline the uses of each color:
- Black – It is used to ward off evil spirits, clear negative energies, and dispel the effects of dark magic.
- Blue – It is used to awaken your spiritual health and to promote holistic wellness.
- Green – It is used for cleansing and for getting rid of pungent and bad body odor. Can be used to treat the symptoms of isichitho sokunuka (isichitho for bad odour).
- Orange – It is used to help attract you good luck and to help you feel lucky in general.
- Pink – It is used to help you attract and project positive energy and raise your overall vibration.
- Red – It is used to help you battle toxic people and negative energy and grounds you.
- White – It is used to help you attract good opportunities and healthy and positive connections and circles.
- Yellow – It is used to help you connect with your ancestors and to recall your dreams.
You can learn about how vimbela is made and used, by accessing the article on Vimbela. You can also learn about isichitho, by accessing the article on isichitho.
Safety precaution
The use of traditional medicine in prescribed dosages will yield good results. Misuse and abuse may lead to complications. To learn about correct dosage, consult a traditional healer or a herbalist. You can also visit imithiyesintu.co.za or email: info@imithiyesintu.co.za to learn more about traditional medicine.