Medicinal & healing practices of the San

When a child is born, we chant softly in their ear and perform a small ritual to protect them from the evil eye. Because daily access to resources is limited, we often rely on indigenous knowledge as our primary way to treat most illnesses.

We use different parts of plants like Buffalo thorn, or Aroba (Ziziphus mucronata), a South African plant. It’s used to treat stomach aches. The roots are either chewed or cooked, and the resulting infusion is drunk.

Another plant vital to us is Hoodia, or Xhoba, a succulent native to the Kalahari Desert. It’s prized for its versatility, especially for suppressing hunger during long hunts.

The fine roots of Camelthorn (Acacia erioloba) are chewed to relieve discomfort in the chest, stomach, or head, and can also be used to treat more serious illnesses. They have a strong, pungent smell.

The plant Silver Terminalia, known as |haba, is valued for treating severe colds and chronic coughs. People chew its bark strips or leaves for relief. In more severe cases, a decoction made from the roots is used.

Traditional healing is complex, blending rituals and spiritual elements. Treatments vary widely, using a diverse range of plants, especially emphasising the importance of roots.