Cancer Bush Leaves Uses
The Cancer Bush leaves have been traditionally used to make tea in South Africa.
Cancer Bush is frequently harvested from the wild, making it a popular herb for teas in South African herbal medicine. Herbal medicine is the art and science of using herbs to stimulate health and prevent and treat sickness. Leaves have been traditionally used to treat poor appetite, indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcer, dysentery, diabetes, colds and flu, cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis, kidney and liver conditions, urinary tract infections, stress, and anxiety.
Cancer Bush Leaves
Sutherlandia Frutescens as a Medicinal Plant
The Cancer Bush, also known as Lessertia frutescens, has been used in South Africa for centuries for its medicinal properties. It grows widely in the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Western Cape. The species name frutescens means “bushy,” describing its growth habit.
The currently accepted botanical name, Sutherlandia frutescens, honors the Scottish botanist James Sutherland, first Superintendent of the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. The common name “Cancer Bush” reflects its traditional reputation for treating serious illness, though modern science emphasizes its antioxidant and immune-supporting properties.
Most Popular Use for Cancer Bush Leaves
In South African medicine, the leaves are valued for their immune-boosting compounds that help the body resist infection and manage stress. Research suggests the plant’s flavonoids may regulate immune response naturally.
Explore more African medicinal plants and herbal traditions in the African Tree & Plant Lore Hub .
How Cancer Bush Leaves are Prepared
The simplest way to extract the plant’s active compounds is by steeping the leaves in hot water to make tea — a traditional method passed down through generations.
Cancer Bush Leaf Tea
Stronger extracts or tinctures use alcohol to pull more potent compounds, allowing smaller doses with similar benefits.
Cancer Bush Leaf Tea Ingredients and Directions
- 1 gallon purified hot water
- 3 cups fresh Cancer Bush leaves
Bring water to a boil, rinse the leaves, and steep 5–15 minutes. Strain and enjoy hot or cool.
Common Names for Cancer Bush
Balloon Pea, Klappers, Kankerbos, Umnwele, Turkey Flower, Camphor Bush, and many others reflect its diverse regional heritage across Southern Africa.
Reference: Aboyade OM et al. “Sutherlandia frutescens: The Meeting of Science and Traditional Knowledge.” J Altern Complement Med. 2014.
