The healing power of South African botanicals

Marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea)

In his engaging book, Bushveld Trees – Lifeblood of the Transvaal Lowveld (Fernwood Press, 1993), Malcolm Funston calls the Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) the “medicine tree of the Lowveld.” For the Venda people, the Marula tree is far more than a source of shade; it is a cherished remedy for ailments like dysentery and diarrhoea. This tree is woven into their culture and traditions (Funston, 1993).

The role of plants in traditional healing

Plants have always been at the heart of South African traditional healing. If you are curious to learn more, People’s Plants by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Nigel Gericke (Briza Publications, 2nd ed. 2022) is an excellent resource. It highlights the history of Aloe ferox, also called Cape Aloe or bitter aloe. This plant is noted for its presence in San rock art and accounts from early European travellers who witnessed the Khoi’s healing practices.

Honeybush tea, made from the leaves of Cyclopia intermedia, is another local favourite. This caffeine-free brew is rich in phenolic compounds and flavour. From the Khoisan of Namibia’s northwest to the Xhosa communities of the Eastern Cape, generations have trusted Marula oil, Aloe ferox, and Honeybush for their restorative powers.

Today, clinical research affirms what our elders have long known: these plants are rich in ingredients with nourishing and skin-supporting properties. This wisdom is well worth revisiting and respecting.

Marula oil: a skincare marvel

Studied benefits

●     Non-irritating and gentle on sensitive skin.

●     Significantly reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), supporting the skin barrier.

●     Deeply hydrating thanks to prominent levels of oleic (~69%), palmitic, and linoleic acids (Komane et al., 2015).

Why it works

Marula oil’s fatty acid profile closely mimics skin lipids. This allows it to absorb easily and help replenish barrier function.

Aloe ferox: nature’s soothing agent

Studied benefits

●     Helps reduce the look of redness: in a small human study, Aloe ferox gel eased induced redness over six days, with results comparable to 1% hydrocortisone gel (Fox et al., 2014).

●     Naturally rich in helpful plant compounds: the leaves contain flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, terpenoids, and more, compounds known for their soothing and antioxidant effects (Nalimu et al., 2021).

Why it works

The bioactive compounds found in Aloe ferox can help soothe the look of irritation, support skin cells, and aid recovery from environmental stress.

Honeybush: antioxidant powerhouse

Studied benefits

●     Rich in polyphenols that help protect against oxidative stress (Nalimu et al., 2021).

●     In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, oral supplementation with fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract significantly improved the appearance of skin wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration, and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (Choi et al., 2018).

Why it works

Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals originating from UV, pollution, and stress. Polyphenols play a role in reducing oxidative damage, helping skin stay healthier-looking and appear more youthful.

South African botanical heritage and modern skincare

These three South African botanicals bridge the gap between heritage and modern skincare. Curious how they fit into gentle, effective teen skincare? Visit our Science Hub or browse Skin Stories for more research-driven skincare insights.

Conclusion

The Marula tree and its associated botanicals offer a wealth of benefits for skincare. Their historical significance and modern scientific support make them invaluable in today’s beauty industry. Embracing these natural ingredients can lead to healthier-looking skin and a deeper appreciation for our cultural heritage.

References

Funston, M. (1993). Bushveld Trees – Lifeblood of the Transvaal Lowveld. Vlaeberg: Fernwood Press.

Van Wyk, B-E. & Gericke, N. (2022). People's Plants – A Guide to Useful Plants in Southern Africa. 2nd ed. Pretoria: Briza Publications.

Komane, B., Vermaak, I., Summers, B. & Viljoen, A.M. (2015). Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (Marula) oil: a clinical perspective. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 176, 327–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.10.037

Fox, L.T., du Plessis, J., Gerber, M., van Zyl, S., Boneschans, B. & Hamman, J.H. (2014). In vivo skin hydration and anti-erythema effects of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii gel materials after single and multiple applications. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 10(Suppl 2), S392–S403. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1296.133291

De Nysschen, A.M., Van Wyk, B-E., Van Heerden, F.R. & Schutte, A.L. (1996). The major phenolic compounds in the leaves of Cyclopia species (honeybush tea). Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 24(3), 243–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-1978(95)00100-X

Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. & Ogwang, P.E. (2021). Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, 145. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

Choi, S.Y., Hong, J.Y., Ko, E.J., Kim, B.J., Hong, S.W., Lim, M.H., Yeon, S.H. & Son, R.H. (2018). Protective effects of fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract (HU-018) against skin aging: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 20(5), 313–318. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764172.2017.1418512