Dr James Campbell from the School of Natural Medicine at the University of the Western Cape. Image: Shelley Christians/UWCAs the season changes in South Africa from winter to spring, it’s common for many people to battle with sinusitis and even a summer cold, but before you rush to the medicine cabinet, there might be something growing in the garden that can bring relief.
Dr James Campbell from the School of Natural Medicine (SONM) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) knows all too well that natural remedies are often overlooked, but must not be forgotten. He is a passionate phytotherapist – the practice of using medicines derived from plants or herbs to treat or prevent health conditions – whose journey into herbal medicine began not in a traditional classroom, but through lived experience and a deep connection to nature. Despite not excelling academically in high school, Dr Campbell found his calling in the world of plants.
“I wasn’t very good at school,” he admitted, “but I always had an interest in biology and science.”
His formal training began with a four-year diploma in herbal medicine through a UK-based program, College of Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine), England, which laid the foundation for his future academic pursuits. Dr Campbell’s master’s research focused on Lessertia frutescens, commonly known as cancer bush (kankerbos), exploring the impact of storage time and seasonal harvesting on biomarker levels of the plant. His PhD further delved into the impact of drought and salinity on the physiology and antioxidant activity of Leonotis leonurus, highlighting the complexity and potential of indigenous flora.
As the coordinator of the phytotherapy programme, Dr Campbell leads efforts to integrate indigenous plants into the curriculum. Furthermore, he coordinates community engagement for the school as part of the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (CHS) community outreach initiatives. Their most recent outreach took place in Klipheuwel, an informal settlement situated 10km north-east of Durbanville, involving 15 departments from the faculty. The outreach initiatives, besides providing much-needed healthcare services to the community, also provide the students with valuable, often first-hand experience of engaging community health issues in terms of the field of study they are pursuing. They also refer people to other departments that provide services on the same day.
With the community still gripped by the tail end of the flu season, herbal remedies are used to “fight” infections and control the course of a common cold were dispensed as herbal teas, throat sprays, and chest rubs. “We’re blessed in Cape Province when it comes to indigenous plants. There’s still so much to discover about their medicinal properties,” he said.
Believing that education plays a fundamental role in achieving a greater understanding of one's health, Dr Campbell said it’s crucial that individuals are committed and accountable for their own healthcare. He questioned how this is achieved, while communities throughout South Africa, living in rural areas, low-cost housing developments, and informal settlements on the outskirts of towns and cities, are being adversely affected by the increased number of illnesses presenting. “While the world today strives towards globalisation and becoming more similar through this process, simultaneously, it continues to increase in diversity. One would need to understand the complications of the illness, the environment, possible nutritional applications, and concepts related to food/medicinal gardens, while recognising that without the natural world, environment, and the plant world, it may be too late to know.”
Dr Campbell understands that his passion for plants extends beyond academia: “I love working with these beings. Plants have been here for millions of years before us. They prepared the world we live in. When I look at plants, I understand humans better,” he said. He added: “The ‘bigger picture’, the philosophy of the ‘whole is greater than the sum of its parts’ and wisdom from a diversity of ancestors - how does it all tie in to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being?”
While summer flu is often underestimated, it can be just as potent as the common cold typically associated with winter. Dr James Campbell from the School of Natural Medicine shared some of his go-to remedies.
Image: Shelley Christians, UWCImmune-Boosting Spice Tea
Ingredients:
Ginger, freshly chopped or grated (1-2 teaspoons)
Cinnamon (1 stick or ½ teaspoon powder)
Cloves (5 buds or ½ teaspoon powder)
Cardamom (¼ to ½ teaspoon powder)
Lemon (1 slice)-
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a cup.
Add 200–250ml boiling water.
Let it steep for 10–15 minutes, until it reaches a lukewarm temperature.
Strain and drink.
No milk or sugar; honey may be added.
Drink 3 cups daily.
Herbal Cold Relief Tea
Ingredients:
Yarrow (2 parts)
Elderflower (1 part)
Peppermint (¼ part)
Ginger (¼ part)
Instructions:
Mix the herbs in the given ratio.
Add 200–250ml boiling water.
Let it steep for 10–15 minutes, until it reaches a lukewarm temperature.
Strain and drink.
No milk or sugar; honey may be added.
Drink 3 cups daily.
Please note: Always seek professional help if symptoms persist or worsen suddenly.
@uwconline Dr James Campbell reminds us that natural remedies still have a place in modern healing #IAmUWC ? Sweet Tea - Neyaraf
