Although Northern Cape is a huge expanse of semi-desert, there are many small towns, which have their own attractions. The
place we had a particular interest in was Kuruman - a town nestled by low mountains and fed by a natural fresh water spring, the “third eye”. Our research on medicinal herbs of southern Africa brought us here to Credo Mutwa. This 85-year-old man, is a Zulu Sangoma and High Sanusi, a cultural historian and nature conservationist. We found him bathing in the mid-morning sun, in his herb garden called “Tshimo Yaditlhare” - Zulu for “The garden of
medicine”.
“History is repeating itself”, Credo says. “As before
people were dying with TB, and now they die of AIDS. We cannot sit and wait for a cure for AIDS when there are plants that work!”
One of the plants he told us about is the ‘African potato’ (Hypoxis hemerocallidae) It has been found fossilized in rock. “This finding means that 10 000 years ago it was used for medicine. Today we are realizing its powerful immune boosting properties.”
From where we stood we could clearly see two other herbs, the Leonotis leonorus and Sutherlandia frutescens of which Credo refers to as the ‘wine of birds’ when mixed together for HIV treatments. “Makukana” (Sutherlandia), means in Zulu, “one who picks me up from the sick bed”. “It is good for influenza and regenerates the life force within you.”
The Aloe vera “Ikena” in Tswana, means “gentle helper” and is used by crushing the leaf with the yolk of Guinea fowl, and with honey and smearing it on the face and through the hair. It is also a good medicine for stomach ulcers.
Behind where Credo was sitting, were tall, wondrous rocks displayed in a circle. He explained how they transported the rocks themselves, using ice to drag along the ground these huge, heavy boulders.
We learned of Africa’s mysterious healing energy, unleashed when the rocks are placed in a circle. Any herbs that are planted within the circle will flourish. Even plants that should not flower in winter and certainly not even grow in the shadow of the rock base, some how do!
Interestingly, Credo believes that herbs grow better if left to find root in the soil. “Never smother herbs inside pots either, they need to stretch their roots into the soil and get their nourishment.”
Another “mysterious herb” he spoke of is the “Isiphepheto” (Siphoniculus aethiopicus) - “one who blows away evil”. Its roots are used for medicinal healing and during rituals.
AIDS, Credo says, is a raging force of destruction destroying people. “Medicine is not enough in the battle against AIDS. It needs to be fought spiritually and historically. South Africa was born through healing. Have you forgotten? The land was created through love and forgiveness.”
An interesting observation from Credo, was of a study indicating that most of the criminals are HIV positive. According to Credo, Gonorrhea and TB were devouring criminals of the 1930’s. Today HIV torments them. “We must defend life in any way possible. We have become powerless because life has become regulated and dictated.” Credo says.
Credo advises not to mention death to a sick person or they will die through autosuggestion. “That”, he stresses, “is the problem with HIV.” The doctors are telling the people to “go home and die”.
“All humans have a right to fight for their own life…you are either working for the darkness or for the light. Never mention darkness when kneeling before the sun!”