Night Skies Over the Great Rift Valley - June

From Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort - three planets were in splendid view - Saturn, Mars and Jupiter. Mars and Saturn sandwich the head of the constellation, Scorpius.

Trees/shrub

Common Name:  Red Currant, Rhus Bush

Swahili Name:   Mkono-chuma

Usage and treatment

·  Part used-Leaves, branches and roots

·    Leaves for treating heartburn and stomachache

·    Leaves as a water inhalant for coughs and colds

·   The branches are used to treat stomach complaints

·    Root decoctions are taken for gastro-intestinal ailments, influenza, headaches, constipation, neck pains, diarrhea, and as anthelmintic against hookworm

·   The fresh stems are used for treating toothache

·   The twigs are used as chewing sticks

·   Both the unripe green fruits, and the ripe red fruits are gathered and eaten in handfuls as a snack, they taste acid but are refreshing

·   An infusion of the bark is drunk as a tea

·   Tender young leaves and shoots are chewed as food

·   The decoction is also given to a woman suffering from repeated abortions or still-births, and to children with fits

·   The leaves are crushed and put in a bath for women with a prolapsed uterus