American Botanical Council Welcomes Sebastian & Elizabeth Chuwa

After attending the NACC conference (see article, pg. 3) Sebastian and Elizabeth traveled to Austin, Texas to spend time with James and Bette Harris, US directors of the ABCP. During the visit they toured the grounds of the headquarters of the American Botanical Council (ABC), founded by Mark Blumenthal in 1988. As Sebastian is also an herbalist, skilled in the medicinal use of African plants, he and Mark had many stories to share. The mission of the ABC is to promote the responsible use of herbal medicine by providing traditional and scientifically verifiable information on their safe and effective use. To this end it has published 4 books, a quarterly in-print journal, Herbalgram, as well as an online journal and in-depth archive on botanical topics. In association with the University of Texas and Texas State University it offers internship programs for students of pharmacology and nutrition. And for the truly adventurous one can join an ABC international ethnobotanical tour to an exotic destination. Mark has established an international reputation for his tireless pioneering efforts in bringing this ancient art into the light of modern scientific knowledge and earlier this year was awarded the “Natural Legacy” award by Natural Foods Merchandiser.

The ABC journal, Herbalgram, in its Fall 2008 issue featured an in-depth 4-page article with color photos about the ABCP.

Mpingo is well known throughout Africa for the many medicinal remedies made from its bark, leaves, and roots. The roots are used to treat abdominal pain, hernia, intestinal parasites, gonorrhea, headache, rhinitis, and bronchitis. The bark is used as an antidiarrheic or antibacterial and chewed to treat toothache. The leaves may treat throat inflammations, heat problems, syphilis, gonorrhea, and dysentery, and boiled leaves are used topically to reduce swelling. The shavings of the heartwood mixed with lotions can also be used to create a topical cream to treat skin diseases and certain fungi. In Kenya, some of its ongoing over-exploitation can be attributed to its use in curing coughs and stomach pain. In addition to losses for musicians and woodworkers, these medicinal benefits would likewise be a great loss if the tree is not replanted.

P. O. Box 26 • Red Rock, TX 78662 • USA

So that

the song

of the

Tree of Music

will not go

silent...