Aloe is a remarkable plant that has been cherished for centuries for its medicinal properties. This succulent, with its thick, fleshy leaves filled with a soothing gel, is a natural healer found in many households. Aloe's versatility in treating various ailments has made it a staple in both traditional and modern medicine. From soothing sunburns to aiding digestion, aloe's benefits are vast and varied. Its gel is commonly used to treat skin conditions, providing relief from burns, cuts, and irritations due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. But aloe's magic doesn't stop at the skin's surface. It also supports internal health, helping with digestive issues and boosting the immune system. Aloe's popularity as a natural remedy continues to grow, as more people turn to this plant for its health-boosting benefits, referring to it as a modern-day miracle. Whether used in skincare products, dietary supplements, or as a fresh gel applied directly from the leaf, aloe vera proves to be an invaluable addition to any wellness routine.
Figure 1: Woman collecting umgxalaba (Aloe plant) for traditional medicine (Taken: July 2024, eMaxesibeni)
Recently, I had an interesting encounter with a woman while she was gathering aloe from a neighbour’s house. It all began when I approached her with a friendly greeting and introduced myself. I couldn't help but notice her collecting the dry, fleshy leaves of the aloe plant, so naturally, I struck up a conversation with her to learn more about what she was doing. As we began talking, I expressed genuine curiosity about her activity. I wanted to know why she was gathering aloe and what she intended to use it for. This simple act of curiosity led to a meaningful exchange between us where she shared with me the purpose behind her aloe gathering, as it was clear that the aloe held some significance for her, and I was eager to learn more about its role in her life.
The woman shared with me that she is a new Sangoma (someone who has embarked on the journey to become a Sangoma, a traditional healer or diviner) initiate. She had recently had her umgoduso (homecoming ceremony) which takes place when an initiate returns home after completing the rituals to become a sangoma or igqirha (traditional healer) this past December. She claimed that this ceremony is a big deal for every new initiate because it marks the completion of the first steps toward becoming a fully-fledged Sangoma. A few years ago, her journey to becoming a sangoma began with troubling signs. It all started with unsettling dreams and painful headaches that plagued her nights. At first, she turned to prayer, hoping to find relief from these distressing symptoms. However, as time passed, her situation only worsened. The nightmares persisted, growing more intense, and the headaches became increasingly unbearable. As if that wasn't enough, her life took another downward turn. Financial difficulties began to weigh heavily on her shoulders, adding to her already overwhelming burden. These challenges escalated to the point where she found herself unemployed where she lost her job, unable to sustain herself financially. The loss of her job compounded her stress and anxiety, leaving her feeling adrift and uncertain about the future.
After facing some challenges, she turned to her family for advice. They suggested she seek guidance from a traditional healer or sangoma who told her something surprising. According to the sangoma, her hardships were linked to a calling she had. This calling wasn't just any ordinary one; it was to become a sangoma herself. The sangoma warned her that if she rejected this calling, her life could take a turn for the worse. Accepting such a calling wasn't an easy decision for her. It meant embracing a whole new way of life, one deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality. However, she couldn't ignore the possibility that this path might hold the key to resolving her struggles and finding fulfillment. After much contemplation and soul-searching, she had to make a choice and she found the courage to accept and embrace her calling and embark on a path of spiritual awakening and healing.
Figure 2: Women with pile of umgxalaba in her garden (Taken July 2024, eMaxesibeni)
As part of her journey, she needs to regularly use snuff, also referred to as smokeless tobacco orally or by nasal application as an instruction from her ancestors. However, during our conversation she kept referring to the aloe as umgxalaba which is a Mpondo word for aloe. She then stated that she was collecting the dry aloe leaves to make home-made snuff for her own use, as well as for commercial purposes as she sells it. For her own personal use, she uses the snuff whenever her answers tell her to through a vision, and sometimes for relaxation and pleasure. While others may use the snuff for other medicinal and ceremonial uses. For her, at first it was difficult to use the snuff as she had regarded it as previously been used by aged people and was seen as disgraceful and a taboo thing for a young woman to use snuff.
When I asked her about the negative effects of snuff and whether it has any health hazards or can be addictive, she acknowledged that it does have negative effects. She mentioned that snuff can be addictive, and she has heard that it can cause cancer. She further explained that homemade snuff is less likely to cause these health hazards compared to the snuff sold in shops. According to her, the snuff available in stores is stronger and contains harmful chemicals, which makes it more dangerous. She believes that the homemade version is safer because it does not have these harmful additives.
In the snuff-selling world, there are two main types: commercial snuff commonly known as ntsu and homemade snuff. Despite the fact that commercial snuff costs only R7, it is less popular than the homemade snuff she sells for R10. The woman selling the homemade snuff explained that people prefer her product for several reasons. First, the homemade snuff is considered more suitable for performing rituals, which is an important factor for many of her customers. Additionally, the homemade snuff has a longer shelf life and does not expire as quickly as the commercial variety. Because of these qualities, even though it is more expensive, customers are willing to pay extra for the homemade snuff.
The woman then guided me step by step in creating homemade snuff using the dried aloe leaves. Firstly, she burns the aloe leaves until they turn into ashes. She stated that this process requires patience and careful attention to ensure the leaves are completely burnt. Once the ashes are ready, she moves on to the second step. Here, she allowed the ashes to cool down to a manageable temperature as this cooling process is important to prevent any accidents or mishaps. Next, she mixes the cooled ashes with inyoni, a substance she purchases for R25. Inyoni serves as a base or binding agent for the snuff, helping to give it the desired texture and consistency. She stated that mixing the ashes with inyoni requires careful measurement and blending to ensure the right balance of ingredients and this step is crucial in determining the final quality and potency of the homemade snuff. After blending the two ingredients together, the snuff is prepared for use. She then packages the mixture in a plastic and securely ties a knot to keep it contained. She mentioned that she measures out the snuff using a standard tablespoon, ensuring consistency in each portion. This carefully measured amount is then sold for R10 per tablespoon.
In conclusion, the encounter with the woman gathering aloe for her homemade snuff production sheds light on the intricate relationship between tradition, spirituality, and natural remedies in the post-pandemic era. Aloe, a plant celebrated for its healing properties for centuries, continues to play a vital role in both traditional and modern medicine. The woman's journey from adversity to embracing her calling as a Sangoma illustrates the profound impact of cultural practices on personal healing and empowerment. Her use of aloe in creating homemade snuff not only highlights the plant's versatility but also underscores the importance of sustainable, community-based approaches to wellness. As she navigates her spiritual path, the woman demonstrates a deep respect for tradition while adapting practices to suit contemporary needs. Moreover, her emphasis on the safety and efficacy of homemade remedies versus commercial alternatives speaks to a growing awareness of the importance of natural, chemical-free alternatives in promoting health and well-being. In the post-pandemic era, where people are increasingly seeking holistic solutions to health challenges, stories like hers serve as a reminder of the resilience of traditional knowledge systems and the enduring relevance of plants like aloe in promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
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