MEERLANDSVLEI | VALUE ADDITION
leaves, wild olive leaves and wild wormwood, so we are able to offer a variety of products. We manufacture capsules, powders, creams and skincare products for the local and export markets and use different combinations of these herbs. They are used for a variety of ailments, and the testimonials we have received from people who say they have used them with great success could fill volumes.”
Herman says cancer bush has traditionally been used as a treatment for AIDS.
“ Years ago there were radio interviews about it and, at the end of the discussions, people shouted‘ Zithande’. We discovered that it means‘ I care for you’, and that became our brand name.”
“ For many people, drinking cancer bush infusion has become a regular habit. It has a bitter taste, which is why some of our customers prefer taking the capsules. It is used by some people in the treatment of cancers such as prostate, lung and breast cancer, but it is not only used by people with cancer. People tell us it gives them vitality and energy and generally makes them feel better. It can also be consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle. Its bestknown characteristic is its association with supporting immunity.”
The processing of cancer bush and the other herbs is very similar to rooibos tea and follows a cycle of harvesting, cutting for tea, drying or milling into powders, and packaging.
Cancer bush products include pure cancer bush tea, blends of cancer bush with rooibos and honeybush, capsules and cancer bush-based skincare products.
Herma sells some of the products directly from the farm and online, together with some of the other herbs they produce.