Helichrysum petiolare is an African herb native to Southern Africa. It is largely distributed in eastern parts of South Africa and the Cape Province into Zimbabwe. In South Africa it is commonly called Imphempo. Imphempo has caught the attention of South African Universities in the recent past attracting intense investigation that led to the discovery of its immense antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Medicinal Uses
Imphempo possesses strong antiviral properties, one of the strongest of all herbs, for this reason it is used chiefly for the treatment of Herpes. Its strong antibacterial activity makes it a strong agent against tuberculosis. Still it has potent activity against fungi. For reasons stated above, imphempo is strongly recommended for HIV/AIDS patients and other immuno-compromised persons because of their susceptibility to viral, bacterial and fungal infections all of which the herb is very effective against. It also has beneficial activity on the liver. The herb can also be applied topically for rashes and other skin infections.
Bioactivity
African Helichrysum species possess bioactive molecules such as acylated phloroglucinols, flavonoids and sesquiterpernoids. It is also rich in essential oils.
Pharmacology
Anectodal evidence, alongside in vitro and ethno-botanical studies conducted both in South Africa and subsequently in Europe confirms the potency of African Helichrysum species against Herpes Simplex Virus Type I (HSV-1). Its anti-viral potency against other viruses has also been demonstrated and has left the scientific universe in disbelief.
Effectiveness
Medical doctors who have prescribed African Helichrysum species for HSV-1 attests that it immediately clears the symptoms and the virus is undetectable in the patient’s blood after 3-6 months of treatment. Recurrence- a common tendency of viral infections- is not observed in the patients after 24 months of observation.
Medical practitioners testify to similar results when African Helichrysum species is administered for Herpes zoster -an immediate clearance of clinical symptoms and children born to women who were treated for Herpes zoster using African Helichrysum species do not develop the disease even after 24 months of observation.