Mahoguèn: antiviral, anti-infectious and antibiotic

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Extract from the article: Still called ‘Mahoguèn’ by the Ewé of Togo and Ghana, ‘Zounza’ in Fon in Benin, caïlcédrat by the French, African mahogany by the English, mahogany from Sudan or Senegal, ‘Khaya senegalensis’ is a plant species that reproduces naturally in forests, b

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Still called ‘Mahoguèn’ by the Ewé of Togo and Ghana, ‘Zounza’ in Fon in Benin, caïlcédrat by the French, African mahogany by the English, mahogany from Sudan or Senegal, ‘Khaya senegalensis’ is a plant species that reproduces naturally in forests, but it is most often found as a shade tree in the streets of certain African towns. In Lomé, these trees are planted in rows along the roadside for their great shade and their supposed ability to collect clouds because of their height. They are quickly recognised by their trunks, which are stripped bare by local people and pharmacists who scrape the highly medicinal bark. Unfortunately, many people no longer know about this tree, whose medicinal virtues need no further demonstration. Once used as a carpentry and reforestation product, cauliflower has proved to be incredibly effective in preventing and treating ailments and health problems.

A large tree, 25 to 30 metres tall, with a generally short, stocky bole that can be up to 2 metres in diameter at the base and with a shallow base, the ‘khaya senegalensis’ is known as a powerful, multivalent and multifunctional medicinal tree that can,

on its own, treat and cure many ailments, thanks to the many active ingredients (astringent tannins, antibiotics and antivirals, anti-inflammatory heterosides) disseminated in its leaves, trunk bark and roots, as opposed to potions and mixtures.

The young leaves contain a high protein content and are used as fodder for cattle and camels.‘Mahoguèn’ is used as a bark powder, leaf infusion, decoction, alcohol macerate and honey.It is also used as a macerated or decocted bark, to which leaves are sometimes added.

This plant species is known to be very useful in pharmacopoeia. The active ingredients and bitter effect of cauliflower support the functions of the liver and other emunctory organs to eliminate symptoms, eliminate risk factors and revitalise the human body, quite naturally.

Febrifuge

The leaves and bark of ‘Mahoguèn’ are an effective treatment for malaria. Ground into a powder, the bark is a remedy for lips and migraines.

Antibiotic

Caycedar treats jaundice and allergies, gum inflammation, colds, sinusitis, flu and angina.The gum extracted from this tree soothes coughs.

Tonic

It relieves headaches and reduces fevers. It is also used to treat sickle cell anaemia, a hereditary disease affecting the haemoglobin of coloured people, and blood disorders. According to a specialist in plant health issues, macerating or decocting cailcedrat in water or brandy (sodabi) is an excellent blood regulator. By regularly washing children with a decoction of the bark, they regain their energy. The tree is often stripped of its bark because of its importance in traditional medicine. The powdered bark is eaten in a cereal porridge sweetened with honey or brown sugar. For children, the powder can be mixed with honey and swallowed or lapped up, given its bitter taste.

Menstruation

This plant is highly regarded for its role in gynaecology.It regulates menstruation in women and other acute forms of gynaecology, then treats various disorders associated with femininity.  These include menopausal disorders, hot flushes, dysmenorrhoea or painful periods, amenorrhoea or absence of periods or heavy periods. For painful periods, take the powder during the menstrual period.

Antidiarrhoeal and vermifuge

‘Khaya senegalensis is a remedy for stomach aches, diarrhoea, constipation, gastric ulcers, digestive disorders, colic, vomiting, intestinal worms, amoebic diseases and intestinal parasites. Infuse or boil a teaspoonful of the powder in half a bamboo glass (125 m l) of lukewarm water, leave for 05 minutes and drink morning and evening for at least a week.The powder can also be mixed with porridge because of its bitter taste.The use of caulcedron in veterinary medicine is extremely beneficial, as it eliminates intestinal parasites in cattle.

Anti-infective

In some African countries, it is used with other plants in medicinal treatments for leprosy and sexually transmitted diseases.A maceration of caul cedar bark is used to treat dermatitis, urticaria, haemorrhoids, candidiasis and syphilis. It is effective against external ailments such as scabies, external haemorrhoids, abscesses, boils and tartar.Make a homogeneous mixture of the powder and the shea butter, then apply the resulting ointment to the affected areas. For stubborn wounds, mix 2 tablespoons of bark powder with 3 tablespoons of ricinus communis oil (castor oil) and apply to the wounds with a bandage. Repeat for 48 hours until healed.For skin problems, mix the powder with native black soap for the shower.Makes the skin smooth and radiant.

Prevents metabolic syndromes

The therapeutic uses of Mahoguèn are effective in preventing metabolic disorders or syndromes: osteoarthritis, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, aches and pains, obesity, overweight, liver disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes and diabetic wounds. Diabetics can use the powder as a dietary supplement by taking a teaspoonful with a meal.A maceration of caul cedar bark is used to treat dermatitis, urticaria, haemorrhoids, candidiasis and syphilis.

Warning

It is essential to respect the dosage when taking Mahoguèn, as large quantities of its bark can be toxic.Pregnant women are strongly advised not to consume it.

Abel OZIH