Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is truly an unsung hero when it comes to supporting the body during infection. Keep reading to find out it’s medicinal benefits.
Cryptolepis Benefits
In Africa another name for Cryptolepis is Ghanaian quinine. It is commonly used there to treat Malaria, sepsis, fever, snakebite, respiratory, intestinal and urinary infections. It contains powerful anti-parastic action which is why it works so well against Malaria. Similar to another anti-parasitic ,Ivermectin, Cryptolepis has been used successfully in treating Covid-19. It was even the first herbal medicine approved by the FDA for clinical trials.
The overall reason why Cryptolepis is so effective is because it is a systematic herb. This means that the herb doesn’t just treat a localized area but the whole body. It goes on a search and destroy mission against harmful bacteria and parasites.
In Stephen Buhner’s book Herbal Antibiotics he lists Cryptolepis as the number one recommendation to treat antibiotic resistant infections. The runners up were Sida, Alchornea, Bidens and Artemisia, respectfully.
Studies have found Cryptolepis effective against resistant staphylococcus, E. coli and Salmonella. It is indicated for MRSA, Candida, streptococcus and wound sepsis. As I shared in this post it is also highly effective against Lyme causing bacteria and co-infections.
In addition to this Cryptolepis contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This makes it a good herb to choose for pain and inflammation.
How To Take Cryptolepis
The root of the plant is what is medicinally used. It can be made into either a tincture which is an alcohol based extract or a glycerite which is a glycerine based extract. When using herbs with kids a glycerite is typically the best option because it has a naturally sweet taste. You can find either one available here or from Woodland Essence.
Cryptolepis Side Effects
Cryptolepis possesses antihyperglycemic properties making it a potential antidiabetic herb. There are no known drug interactions but it can be used for insomnia so caution should be taken if you are on a hypnosedative or central nervous system depressant. No adverse effects have been reported though.
Some researchers have noted an elevated level of alkaline phosphate and uric acid in people taking Cryptolepis which returns to normal after use is discontinued. However, no side effects have been reported from this.
Overall Cryptolepis is a very safe and important herb to have in your home apothecary to use for the whole family.
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