The African Aphrodisiac Root: Exploring Mukombero (Mondia whitei) and Its Traditional Uses in Kenya

Perhaps you have seen hawkers peddling the roots in the busy suburbs and you are left wondering if at all the value of the roots are true as portrayed by many. In kenya, sexual life is shy and reversed and as a result many would rather buy drugs from pharmaceuticals rather than follow the traditional way of chewing roots as this act has been in our society for decades now. It’s a root that was chewed in the central highlands and was referred to “muhukura”.

Mondia whytei as scientifically known is a plant that is grown in western province in Kenya and highly consumed by locals but lately it has been a public issue as the government stepped in and enhanced the production of it’s juice which can be found in local retails and also exportation to European countries due to it’s huge demand.

Many a times news channels shock us from deaths recorded due to the use of pharmaceutical drugs used as performance enhances . The manufacturers of this drugs make great money due to people’s ignorance and eagerness to try out the drugs. What many people forget is that sexual enhancement drugs produce a lot of malefic heat in the body which in turn leads to abdominal pains and skin disorders and yet they are wondering how their ancestors were able to have extended families!

Mukombero is a traditional remedy which is used to improve appetite and libido. It is also used as an antidepressant, fertility medication, used to treat anorexia, stroke, anemia, hypertension, hangover, asthma, mastitis, they enhance sleep, ease birth pains and also it is given to men who are infertile or impotent as a remedy. This is a miraculous plant that has great advantage to the world considering no deaths have been recorded after it’s consumption. Also, it is used in flavoring tea, porridge and other drinks due to it’s vanilla- like taste.

Amazing facts there right!!!  You can go the natural way like our forefathers and cure a lot of diseases in the process or rather choose the “scientific” way and end up being pretty messed!!! All of this found in Africa!