South Africa’s fynbos, grasslands and Karoo have shaped one of the richest herbal traditions in the world. For generations, indigenous and rural communities have turned to plants growing right on their doorstep to support everyday wellness — including heart health and healthy circulation. Here are six herbs with deep roots in South African tradition, and what’s known about why people still reach for them today.
1. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)
Grown almost exclusively in the Cederberg mountains of the Western Cape, rooibos has been brewed as a tea by the region’s people for generations. It’s naturally caffeine-free and rich in polyphenols — including the flavonoid aspalathin — giving it strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help the body manage everyday oxidative stress, one of the factors linked to long-term circulatory wellbeing. A warm cup of rooibos is one of the simplest, gentlest ways to build a heart-friendly habit.
2. Buchu (Agathosma betulina)
Buchu is a fragrant fynbos shrub used for generations by South Africa’s indigenous communities, and later adopted by Cape settlers who prepared it as a brandy tincture — a practice that continues today. Traditionally taken as a mild diuretic, buchu has also appeared in ethnobotanical reviews of southern African plants used for their hypotensive (blood-pressure-supporting) properties, making it a familiar name in South African herbal medicine.
3. Society Garlic / Wild Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)
Known locally as wild garlic or society garlic, this indigenous bulb is eaten by Zulu communities as a leafy vegetable and used as a traditional herbal remedy. Like culinary garlic, it contains sulphur compounds long associated with cardiovascular support, and it has featured in southern African folk medicine for generations. As with true garlic, it’s best enjoyed in food-level amounts, since concentrated extracts can be quite strong.
4. Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia frutescens / Lessertia frutescens)
Called insiswa (“the one that drives away the darkness”) in isiZulu and phetola (“it changes”) in Setswana, cancer bush is one of South Africa’s most iconic traditional tonics. It has long been taken as a general pick-me-up for fatigue, stress and depleted vitality, and is often described in traditional use as a tonic for overall resilience and stamina — qualities closely tied to feeling strong and energised day to day.
5. Wild Dagga / Lion’s Ear (Leonotis leonurus)
Not to be confused with cannabis, wild dagga is a striking orange-flowered shrub native to South Africa. Infusions made from its leaves and flowers have traditionally been used for high blood pressure. Modern phytochemical research has identified marrubiin, a compound found in the plant, as having antioxidant and cardioprotective properties in early studies — part of why this old remedy still draws attention today.
6. Hibiscus / Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Grown and enjoyed across southern Africa as a tart, ruby-red infusion, hibiscus (roselle) is prized for its anthocyanins and polyphenols. Several clinical studies have examined hibiscus tea’s effect on blood pressure, with some research pointing to modest reductions — though reviewers agree larger, higher-quality studies are still needed. Either way, it’s a naturally caffeine-free, antioxidant-rich addition to a wellness routine.
A note before you brew
This article is for general, informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Several of these herbs — including wild garlic, buchu, hibiscus and wild dagga — can interact with blood pressure medication, blood thinners or other prescriptions. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a heart condition, or taking medication, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist before adding any of these herbs to your routine.
At Seamoss Africa, we believe in honouring the herbal wisdom of this land while helping you make informed, safe choices on your wellness journey. 🌿
