Warburgia salutaris is a tropical forest tree which extends southwards as far as KwaZulu-Natal, eastern and northern Gauteng and across Swaziland. It also occurs in Malawi. Its growth habitat is forests and kloofs. It is an evergreen, slender tree that grows from 5 to 10 m tall. The dark green, glossy leaves are paler green below. The midrib is slightly off-centre with the tapering apex and base. The leaves have a bitter, burning, aromatic taste. It has white to greenish flowers of up to 7 mm in diameter. These flowers develop into round, oval berries, narrowed towards the base, are dark green, turning purple when ripe. The stem is covered by a rich brown bark that is also bitter and peppery.

The specific epithet salutaris in Latin means healthful. The English common name pepper-bark is from the inner bark that is pungent. This tree is the most valuable of the natural African antimicrobials, and the bark and leaves have been used for centuries.

Traditional uses include the treatment of the following:

• Yeast (Candida albicans), fungal, bacterial and protozoal infections
• Escherichia coli, the bacteria responsible for causing cystitis or bladder infections
• Common colds - as an expectorant or smoked
• Clear the sinuses - as a snuff dried and ground
• Spots in the lungs - taken orally
• Malaria - both stems and root bark powdered and mixed with water
• Chest infections (especially bronchitis) - adjunct to allopathic antibiotic treatment
• Oral and oesophageal thrush
• Mouth Ulcers.

Contraindications:
Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Side-Effects:
None Known

Suggested Dosage:
1 tablet twice daily or as directed by a healthcare practioner

Store below 25OC in a dry place.Protect from light.
Keep out of reach of children