Healing from the Woods: Kumulaa Kumukalukha

 

In the days before the arrival of the pink man, the bush provided all we could need.

 

One of the indigenous trees with amazing properties is Combretum collinum (the variable bushwillow). Its distinctive features include 4-winged fruits that are rusty red when young and turn a metallic, dark brown color as they mature.

·       Kumulaa kumukalukha in Bukusu dialect

·       Murithi  (in Aembu), Adugo (in Luo), Itithi (in Kamba), Asenuet (in Sabaot), iNkukutwane (in Siswati) and Jar taramniya (in Hausa). 

The bark of Kumulaa is preboiled, rinsed and drank as herbal remedy to calm the stomach pain, including diarrhea and vomiting. Kumukalukha kung'ona kamasuswa ke enda, chindukhu nende kumukongo.

It is also a local antidote and remedy for snakebites, that neutralizes deadly venom.

 

The tree also makes excellent and durable timber. The wood from kumulaa is  extremely hard and strong and was traditionally preferred for crafting heavy-duty tools like mortars, pestles, and walking sticks.

 

It is also a source of fuel with the dense woody parts known to produce quality firewood and charcoal that burns incredibly well. The flowers produce good nectar for honey but one should beware that the tree is occasionally attacked by caterpillars with irritating hairs.

 

 Make an effort to seek this tree and learn much more about its use.