King Charles III on Wednesday planted a famous medicinal ‘Muthiga tree’ also known as East African Green Heart, during his visit to the United Nations offices in Gigiri, Nairobi.
Before the exercise, his Majesty was briefed on the importance of the medicinal tree, how tall it can grow and where it is popularly found.
He was also briefed on the meaning of the tree.
The Muthiga tree is commonly used by traditional healers to treat different kinds of diseases.
The bark of the tree is most commonly used for medicinal purposes.
The dried bark is prescribed by herbalists as a remedy for constipation, stomach ache, toothache, cough, fever, muscle pains, weak joints, and general body pains among others.
Maroon in colour, the inner bark, which is described as a bitter herb is also prescribed by herbalists to treat common colds and sinuses. Usually snuffed after it has dried up and grounded.
It is reported that the inner bark can also be chewed, interestingly the smoke from the barks can be inhaled when burned.
For the roots, herbalists boil them with water and it allegedly prevents diarrhoea in both infants and adults, and skin diseases.
Additionally, the leaves and roots are also considered highly medicinal.
In other local names, the Muthiga tree is known as: Moissot, Sogoet in Kipsisgis. Omenyakige(Kisii), Apacha, Kumusikhu(Luhya) Abaki, Soko(Dholuo), Osokonoi)(Maasai), Sekwan(Marakwet), Musunui(Meru) Soget(Nandi), Marut(Ogiek) and Sorget, Soke in Tugen.