To the Kung Bushmen of the Kalahari Hoodia Gordonii cactus is
also known as "Xhoba"
There are about 20 species in this family
but cactus gordonii is the one that contains the natural appetite
suppressant. The plant was first discovered in the semi-deserts
of Southern Africa namely Botswana, Namibia Angola and South Africa.
It produces odiferous flowers that attract flies, which pollinate
them.
Extracts from Hoodia Gordonii have shown
in clinical trials on obese subjects that it can reduce calorie
intake by +/- 35%. A significant weight loss resulted from such
a drop in calorie intake. These remarkable weight control results
are the reason why scientists see Hoodia weight loss pills as a
potential answer to obesity in the west. Cultivating these slow
growing plants can be difficult, they need fairly high temperatures
to flourish but the Kalahari desert is the ideal farming place,
that is if the pharmaceutical companies does not convert it into
a chemical
The San Bushmen of the Kalahari cut off a
stem of the Hoodia plant about the size of a medium cucumber and
nibble on it over a couple of days. Some tribes in Namibia boil
the Hoodia to treat various ailments with the brew. It can also
be used to maintain a high energy level.
Hoodia Gordonii (in habitat) (Masson) Sweet
ex Decne Asclepiadaceae
Location: Ceres Karoo Namibia and Northern
Cape South Africa. Winter rainfall area
Description: 18 inches tall with regular
brown spine stem angles. The stems are grayish-brown in color with
the new growth being a light green. The flowers +/- 3 1/2 inches
in diameter are pale purple with small dark papillae in the center.
Cultivation: Full sun or light shade, little
water.
Common name: Queen of the Namib, African
hats.
Propagation: Seeds and cuttings.
Grower: Grows naturally in the reddish
soil in the Kalahari and surrounding area.
Please note, pure Hoodia Gordonii grow in
the red sands of the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. So be aware
of the substitutes grown on farms in other parts of the world especially
those that make use of chemicals and fertilizers.
The San people of the Kalahari believes:
"the land, animals and plants are gifts from the creator and
mankind are the custodians, it is our duty to take care of these
wonderful gifts and preserve it for future generations".
|
