Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels
Family-Apocynaceae
Common names: Tonic root; òjidi m ogbu agu- Igbo; isirigun – Yoruba; sha-ruwa -Hausa.
A perennial woody climber reaching 3–6 m high with twining stems which exude white latex when cut, typical of most members of apocynaceae. It has characteristic large, oppositely positioned heart-shaped leaves with soft hairs on the surface, and distinctive star-shaped stipules. Flowers are reddish purple in colour and are borne in branched inflorescences. The roots are aromatic with a distinct smell of vanilla and taste like licorice.
Mondia whitei has become rare in the wild throughout its distribution range and is listed as an endangered species of conservation value.
The plant is used for medicine, fodder, food, and as a spice/flavoring agent.
Parts used: leaves, stems and roots.
Documentation or researches carried out on Mondia indicate the plant has great medicinal and nutritional value as it contains several phytochemical compounds, vitamins and minerals including resins, glycosides, volatile and fixed oils, glucose; Zn, Fe, Ca, Se and Mg; and vitamins A, D, E and K.
The plant is indeed a powerhouse of nutrients and has been reported to be traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, anti inflammatory, anti oxidant, analgesic, anti hypertensive, anti allergic, antibiotic, and a tonic as well as diuretic.
Traditional applications of the plant are as follows:
Mondia’s root and its leaves-this will benefit those with poor appetite, decreased strength, and gastrointestinal issues. The dried roots are chewed and the sap is swallowed as an antacid and for appetite stimulation as well as treatment for stomach pain and gastrointestinal disorders.
Erectile dysfunction: Mondia has been reported to be an aphrodisiac, stimulant, mood enhancer, and tonic. The alkaloids contained in this herb stimulate blood flow to the penile area, thereby increasing sensitivity. The herb helps to restore natural sexual desire, especially for the exhausted (or stressed) person. You can purchase it fresh or dry from local herb sellers. Powdered root barks can be used with pap or freshly boiled water as tea. The root barks can be eaten fresh or dry to promote fertility in men, alleviate stress, promote sperm quality and also increase normal energy levels, a common issue that plagues many sexually inactive men. You will definitely love the sweet after-taste, which keeps your mouth fresh all day!
The leaves can also be used. Dry a handful, powder it and mix with juices or your foods and say goodbye to ‘flagging’ erection!
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Its diuretic property helps relieve bloated feeling caused by premenstrual fluid build-up. Women bothered by PMS may want to try some white ginger during their premenstrual days. In addition, the leaves are squeezed in water and the extract is drunk to stop heavy postpartum bleeding.
Cold & Flu: White ginger reduces sneezing and itching in people with the flu. This may be due to its ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen. The herb also has been reported to exhibit expectorant properties. Take a hot preparation of Mondia immediately you notice you are coming down with a cold or cough.
Eczema: By simply drinking one cup of Mondia tea a day, eczema is relieved. Even other skin benefits have been discovered such as the treatment of ringworms, body odor and other skin diseases.
Stress and tension: In certain parts of the world, decoction of the herb has been used to relieve stress and tension in adults.
Good nutrition: In one of my ethnobotanical surveys, I gathered that a concoction made with Mondia is presented to hunters as soon as they return from hunting before any meal, hence the name òjidi m ogbu agu (kola nut for my hunter-husband) in Igbo land. Some of the parts of the plants have been used as food in different parts of Africa. In Nigeria and Ghana, a tonic is made from the roots together with ginger and this is often consumed during important functions like weddings. As noted above, Mondia leaves and roots contain vitamins A, D, K and E as well as magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium and protein. As a result, the plant may be a readily and affordable alternative source for the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies, especially among poor populations. The leaves were often eaten as a substitute for spinach.
And that’s not all
It has also been reported that Mondia whitei is traditionally used as an analgesic for body pains. It is used for the treatment of hypertension, stroke, anemia, depression, asthma, hangover, gonorrhea. It is also taken to improve sleep, enhance urination, as well as for the treatment of urinary tract infection, jaundice, headache, and many more.
For flavor: The root can be cooked with meat to enhance the flavour and also used with other teas for that zingy taste! If vanilla is your favorite flavor, you sure have found a new best friend in Mondia!