Horsewood | Plant Catalogue - Matawi Plant Database

Horsewood

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A small, aromatic shrub or tree (3–10 m tall) with compound leaves and small white to yellowish flowers. Fruits are small, shiny, and purple-black when ripe.

swahili name

Mnyapala

More Local Names

borana:

Siska

DIGO:

Mnyapala

duruma:

giriama:

Kathimi kapala

kamba:

Muthungwa

kauma:

kikuyu:

Mutathi

kipsigis:

kisii:

kuria:

luhya:

Kisimbari

LUO:

Siunya

maasai:

Olmatasia

maragoli:

meru:

Mukithia

mijikenda:

nandi:

NUBI:

OGIEK:

pokomo:

pokot:

rabai:

sabaot:

samburu:

suba:

TURKANA:

Scientific Name

Clausena anisata

plant family

Plant Details and use

1. Respiratory Conditions

Use: Leaves are boiled and the steam inhaled or decoction drunk to treat colds, coughs, and asthma.
Example: Among the Luo, a decoction of leaves is used to treat persistent coughs.

2. Digestive Issues

Use: Roots or leaves are used to treat stomachaches, indigestion, and intestinal worms.
Example: The Kamba community uses crushed roots in water to relieve stomach cramps.

3. Oral Health

Use: Twigs are used as natural toothbrushes; believed to strengthen gums and freshen breath.
Example: Maasai morans use the twigs during initiation periods.

4. Malaria and Fever

Use: Decoctions of leaves or bark are taken to reduce fever and manage malaria symptoms.
Example: In Western Kenya, it is used alongside other herbs in malaria treatment blends.

5. Wound Healing and Skin Infections

Use: Crushed leaves are applied to wounds, boils, and skin infections.
Example: The Meru apply leaf paste to cuts and insect bites.

6. Reproductive Health

Use: Used to treat menstrual disorders and infertility in women.
Example: Among the Marakwet, root infusions are used to regulate menstruation.

7. Cancer Remedies

Use: Documented in ethnobotanical surveys as part of herbal blends for cancer treatment2.

Other Community Uses

Firewood & Charcoal: Wood is hard and burns well.
Tea Substitute: Leaves are aromatic and used to make herbal tea.
Mattress Stuffing: Maasai use the fragrant leaves in bedding for their scent and insect-repelling properties.
Bee Forage: Flowers attract honeybees, supporting local beekeeping.

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Warning message

1. Gastrointestinal Irritation Risk: Some formulations or high doses may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Cause: This is partly due to interference with prostaglandin synthesis, which protects the stomach lining1. 2. Unpleasant Odor Note: Crushed leaves emit a strong smell similar to horse urine (hence the Afrikaans name perdepis), which can be unpleasant or cause nausea in sensitive individuals2. 3. Potential Toxicity Observation: While crude extracts generally show low acute toxicity, some compounds in the plant (e.g., alkaloids, coumarins, limonoids) may be harmful in high concentrations or with prolonged use3. Advice: Use under guidance of a trained herbalist or healthcare provider. 4. Pregnancy and Reproductive Health Warning: Some traditional uses involve regulating menstruation or treating infertility. However, these uses may pose risks during pregnancy or for individuals with hormonal imbalances. Recommendation: Avoid use during pregnancy unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner. 5. Drug Interactions Potential: Due to its bioactive compounds (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive), it may interact with conventional medications. Advice: Consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription drugs.

treatable conditions

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