Mbor Mbor


In the Wolof tribal language, this wild shrub is called Mbor Mbor.

The Mandinkas call it Sisiling-nyamo. It is comparable to the European verbena.


Origin

This shrub (Latin name "Lippia Chevalieri Moldenke") belongs to the Verbenaceae family and grows as a wild shrub in the typical savannah landscape of West Africa. It grows up to 1.5 m high. The elliptical leaves are up to 11 cm long, gray below, with a serrated edge and arranged in whorls. Morphologically, however, it is very close to the Lippia multiflora family, commonly known as "Gambian tea".


Health

In folk medicine of West African countries, Mbor Mbor is mainly used to treat malaria, mental disorders, liver diseases, hepatitis, anemia and respiratory diseases. The very fragrant flowers can be placed in pillows to prevent headaches. A refreshing herbal tea is made from dried leaves to help relieve chest pain and add more blood to the body.

 

Dried leaves between clothes even repel insects.

 

The tea has a pleasantly mild taste and is very similar to sage and verbena, because verbena officinalis comes from the same family as Mbor Mbor. Also in terms of healing properties, it is very similar to verbena, as it has a calming effect, makes breathing easier, relieves headaches. Mbor Mbor accelerates sweating, relieves spasms in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, and relieves menopausal disorders. It is also recommended for headaches and migraines, menstrual cramps, gallstones and metabolic disorders. It is said to help with pessimism, depression, and irritability. Externally, Mbor Mbor is used to treat wounds (for rinsing and compressing).