Thanks to its numerous therapeutic properties, it acts as a true biological bandage for the entire digestive system.
Well-known in Cameroonian markets for its purplish or black drupes, prized after simply softening in hot water, the Canarium schweinfurthii, colloquially called « black fruit, » abel in Beti, mbeu in Bangangté, héhé in Bassa, or sao eyidi in Douala, conceals an invaluable therapeutic treasure beneath its bark. This impressive forest tree, belonging to the Burseraceae family and capable of withstanding the test of time, is now recognized as a first-rate traditional remedy for digestive ailments.
The bark, a gastric dressing of rare effectiveness
At the heart of the medicinal properties of the African Canarium lies the bark of its trunk. Used for generations by herbalists and practitioners of traditional medicine, it is said to act as a true biological remedy for the entire digestive system. Atangana, a naturopath, explains: “Prepared as a decoction, this bark releases active ingredients capable of regulating and significantly reducing the stomach’s overall acidity. By coating the gastric mucosa, it forms a protective barrier against acid attacks and daily aggressions, offering rapid relief with an effect comparable to that of some synthetic anti-ulcer treatments.”
This restorative action is harmoniously complemented, according to the expert, by the pulp and oil extracted from the fruit. These stimulate the secretion of mucin, the protective gel naturally produced by the stomach lining, while reducing internal inflammation thanks to their richness in flavonoids and antioxidant compounds.
In traditional herbal medicine, the treatment of stomach ailments revolves around two distinct preparation methods, depending on the nature of the patient’s symptoms. To soothe heartburn and excess acidity, naturopaths recommend boiling a clean piece of bark, about the size of the palm of your hand, in a liter of water for fifteen to twenty minutes. After straining and allowing the preparation to cool slightly, the remedy is consumed at a rate of half a glass two to three times a day, ideally before meals to coat the stomach.
When it comes to eliminating bloating, intestinal gas, or toxins in cases of food poisoning, the hard pit of the fruit is used. Once cleaned and dried, these pits are carbonized over embers or in a cast-iron pan until they become activated charcoal. Ground into a fine black powder by grinding, this natural activated charcoal is used in case of an attack by dissolving a teaspoon of powder in a large glass of warm water to absorb gas and neutralize toxic substances.
Precautions for use
Although derived from a natural plant, the therapeutic use of African Canarium is not without risks and requires rigorous vigilance. According to the expert, the use of the bark and kernels is strongly discouraged for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children simply as a precaution, given the lack of scientific data confirming their complete safety.
Furthermore, its use should never replace treatment given in a hospital, and you should always consult a specialist before any therapeutic treatment
