Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Sheet

Hoodia gordonii

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Plant with traditional use poorly documented scientifically outside of San oral knowledge: caution is warranted regarding actual effects and dosage. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children, due to insufficient safety data. Possible interactions with ongoing treatments (particularly related to blood sugar or blood pressure): prior medical advice is recommended. Species protected by the CITES convention due to overexploitation; favor certified sources from sustainable cultivation.

Fresh Stem — Fleshy stem (aerial part)

Fresh chewed stem

According to San tradition, a piece of fresh stem was peeled and then chewed slowly, the sap being swallowed gradually. This raw use requires rigorous botanical identification, as confusion with other Apocynaceae species may present risks. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Powder — Dried and ground stem

Dry powder in capsules

The dried stem is reduced to fine powder, sometimes packaged in capsules in contemporary uses inspired by tradition. In the absence of reliable data on safe doses, the advice of a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist is essential before any use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Tincture — Whole stem

Hydro-alcoholic extract (tincture)

The stem is macerated in a hydro-alcoholic mixture for several weeks to extract the active principles. This concentrated form, not very traditional but sometimes offered today, requires strict professional supervision given the lack of hindsight on safety. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

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