According to the book, Medicinal Plants in the South Pacific by the World Health Organization, a special small tree found in the South Pacific known as the Thespesia although it is known by other names in the South Pacific Islands.
Thespesia is widespread from East Africa to Eastern Polynesia, and all over the South Pacific Islands; they are generally commonly found along the beaches, and near water sources like lowlands at the river banks.
The Thespesia is a small tree that grows up to around 12 meters high with dark green, glossy leaves that grows to around 8 to 16 centimeters long. The Thespesia also blooms yellow flowers with 5 petals, and 4 - 8 centimeters long all year long. The flowers have a maroon or purple center; also, they bear fruit that is brown and slightly flattened containing sticky yellow sap, and hairy seeds. Fruits are available all year long as well.
Thespesia has been known for its many biological purposes which have been made into medical purposes. On different islands, they have been used for different purposes, and have different areas of specialties. Known biological properties are antibacterial properties, antifungal properties, and others.
For example, a decoction of the leaves is used to treat coughs, headaches and also relapses of illnesses in Fiji. Other traditional uses include treating ulcers, appetite loss, and indigestion with the bark. The bark can also be used to treat gonorrhea, and also thrush. Breast cancer is said to be treatable with the stem of the Thespesia; lastly, bark and fruit mixed with oil is said to be able to treat scabies.
Samoa also has their own traditional uses from those in Fiji; they use the Thespesia for different purposes, and in different methods to cure illnesses and diseases. Intestinal diseases can be treated by an infusion of the bark, and eye injuries can also be treated with bark infusion as well. Constipation is said to be treatable by the inner bark, and crushed fruit is said to be able to treat urinary tract problems.
Thespesia is widespread from East Africa to Eastern Polynesia, and all over the South Pacific Islands; they are generally commonly found along the beaches, and near water sources like lowlands at the river banks.
The Thespesia is a small tree that grows up to around 12 meters high with dark green, glossy leaves that grows to around 8 to 16 centimeters long. The Thespesia also blooms yellow flowers with 5 petals, and 4 - 8 centimeters long all year long. The flowers have a maroon or purple center; also, they bear fruit that is brown and slightly flattened containing sticky yellow sap, and hairy seeds. Fruits are available all year long as well.
Thespesia has been known for its many biological purposes which have been made into medical purposes. On different islands, they have been used for different purposes, and have different areas of specialties. Known biological properties are antibacterial properties, antifungal properties, and others.
For example, a decoction of the leaves is used to treat coughs, headaches and also relapses of illnesses in Fiji. Other traditional uses include treating ulcers, appetite loss, and indigestion with the bark. The bark can also be used to treat gonorrhea, and also thrush. Breast cancer is said to be treatable with the stem of the Thespesia; lastly, bark and fruit mixed with oil is said to be able to treat scabies.
Samoa also has their own traditional uses from those in Fiji; they use the Thespesia for different purposes, and in different methods to cure illnesses and diseases. Intestinal diseases can be treated by an infusion of the bark, and eye injuries can also be treated with bark infusion as well. Constipation is said to be treatable by the inner bark, and crushed fruit is said to be able to treat urinary tract problems.
|
|