What is it used for?

The African cherry is a multi-use tree that has a very hard wood. It is used for tool handles, especially for hoe handles. One of its names (in the Oku language) is eblaa –the hoe-handle tree. It is commonly called by its herbal name “pygeum” – pronounced “pidge-um.” You can find a hoe handle in nearly every household made from the timber of this tree. It is also a preferred firewood species because it burns hot with little smoke. Since fires are built inside houses, this is an important attribute.

But by far, the most important use is for medicines. Traditional doctors told me that it has a long history of use for “men’s problems.” Herbal remedies are made from the bark, and sometimes the leaves. All traditional doctors, both male and female, touted its use for a wide number of ailments. One doctor said, “We have thousands of plants here, pygeum is number one.” Another claimed, “if not number one, it is number two.

Most remedies reflect its known anti-inflammatory and pain easing properties. Many healers use it to treat malaria and other fevers. Several use it for various stomach problems. Some include it in a popular aphrodisiac reflecting its long use for men’s problems. Women’s problems are also treated and it is often used in general tonics to promote good health. The African concept of illness and healing is closely tied with their cosmology so that the African cherry is often used to treat mental illness, for illnesses caused by witchcraft, and in protection ceremonies. also found that it is important in the treatment of animals and it is considered to be the most important plant in traditional veterinary practices.

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