Sutherlandia frutescens (commonly known as Sutherlandia), a plant which originates in Southern Africa has traditionally been used as an indigenous medicine for a variety of ailments.
Research has shown that the plant has strong adaptogenic properties and works by assists the body to adapt and make use of its own resources to respond to various physical and mental stressful situations.
Due to its increasing popularity in Western countries as well, you may find the plant as a main or secondary ingredient in many herbal remedies that promote a general state of well-being. Among the benefits claimed by manufacturers we mention: relief in depression, anxiety and stress, immune system support, assists with gastritis, hypertension, diabetes (type 2), asthma and bronchitis, viral hepatitis. etc. Depending on other ingredients included in the many products available, Sutherlandia based medicinal products may be promoted differently. Caution is therefore advised.
1) What is Sutherlandia?
Sutherlandia is known as one of the most powerful multi-benefit medicinal plants, initially used in South Africa. Over the past few years however, it has gained increasing popularity in European and Western countries as well and is today used as an ingredient in many medicinal products.
The uses of Sutherlandia, both indigenous and contemporary include but are not limited to: enhancing well-being, immune support, stress, depression and anxiety remedy, wasting from cancer, TB, and AIDS, quality-of-life tonic for cancers, HIV/AIDS and TB, appetite stimulant in wasted patients, but not in healthy people, longevity, influenza, Chronic Fatigues Syndrome, ME Syndrome and Yuppie Flu, viral hepatitis, type 2 diabetes, asthma and bronchitis, mild to moderate hypertension, hot flashes and irritability in menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, peptic ulcer, gastritis.
2) Sutherlandia Ingredients
Not applicable.
3) Does Sutherlandia Work?
Sutherlandia has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for flu, fever, chicken pox, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, rheumatism and stomach and liver problems. This plant is also believed to be effective as a treatment for cancer and for treating the symptoms of HIV/AIDS. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.
The indigenous, folk and contemporary uses of Sutherlandia include use as a tonic for immune support, enhancing well-being, longevity, stress, depression, anxiety, viral hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, hot flashes and irritability in menopause, type 2 diabetes, mild to moderate hypertension and appetite stimulant in ill patients, but not in healthy people.
It is recommended to talk with your doctor before taking Sutherlandia. Those that are pregnant or nursing may not be a good candidate for it. Those that have serious health problems or that are taking prescription medications have to carefully evaluate the situation with a medical staff before starting a Sutherlandia-based treatment.
4) What Sutherlandia Does?
- Wide spectrum of benefits
- Research has shown its beneficial effects in various ailments and conditions
5) Precautions of Sutherlandia Use
- Mild side effects
- A wide variety of products available requires a doctor is consulted prior to starting treatment
6) Sutherlandia Cost
The cost of Sutherlandia supplement products is usually affordable. However, the final cost will depend on several factors, including the company’s name, the quality of ingredients, the concentration of these ingredients and the number of capsules/bottle.
7) How to Use Sutherlandia
Side effects include dry mouth, mild diuretic effect; loose stool or constipation (occasional reports). Slight dizziness has also been occasionally reported in very wasted and weak patients.
8) Our Final Take On Sutherlandia
Sutherlandia is without a doubt one of the key ingredients in herbal medicinal products and remedies available on the market today. It is often advertised as a “miraculous herb” due to its wide spectrum of benefits. Several research studies have been conducted to prove its effectiveness in several areas; however, their relevance is questionable.
Like always, we recommend extreme cautiousness and advise our readers to seek a healthcare practitioner’s advice prior to starting using products based on Sutherlandia.
