Names:

  • General: Africa Never Die
  • Hausa: Masallachi or Shuka Hamlin Ka.
  • Igbo: Oda Opue
  • Yoruba: Ewe Abamoda

Description:

Fleshy herb that could grow up to 120cm and belongs to the family crassulaceae. The leaves are green with purple serrated margins which produce new plants when they fall to the soil. It is found all over Nigeria and sometimes planted for ornamental purposes.  

Cultivation/Utilization

  • It can be cultivated very easily as all parts of the fresh plant grow once on the soil.

Medicinal Benefits

  • It is used for the treatment disease conditions like rheumatism, cough, asthma, tonsillitis, diarrhoea, body pain, arthritis, heartburn, skin ulcers, peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus and microbial infections when the leaves are eaten raw. the plant can be boiled in water and extract taken for similar purposes.  
  • When placed over fire, the fluid extract is used for the treatment of wounds, boils, swellings, abscesses and insect bites. It also used for treating the umbilical cord before detachment in the infant. The warm juice is also used for treating ear aches.
  • The juice is used for the treatment of stomach aches and intestinal ulcers.
  • As a known blood purifier, it is famous for the management of kidney stones.
  • The root is used to treat high blood pressure and management of cardiac problem.
  • The leaves are used in combination of other herbs for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and hemorrhoids. 

Other Benefits:

  • The juice extract is wonderful for repairing damaged skin.
  • Extract of the plant is used for the nourishment of the hair and for treating gray hair.
  • It is used for managing convulsions in the young children.

How it is Used:

  • The leaves can be eaten raw or the fluid squeezed out of the succulent leaves and taken.
  • The juice can be mixed with coconut oil for healing skin disorders.
  • It can be consumed as tea or blended into juices and smoothies. 
  • It can be lightly roasted, heated, or made into infusion.
  • The roots and stem may also be used as infusions.

Reported Side Effects:

There are rare cases of reported side effects, however symptoms like Stomach pain, Heartburn, Nausea, and Diarrhoea have been reported in persons who used it with lime.

References: