About the South African
Hoodia Gordonii Cactus
The South African Hoodia
Gordonii Cactus is known by
many names. It is called
xshoba or xhooba by the San
Bushmen who have used it to
treat indigestion, minor skin
infections and as an appetite
and thirst suppressant during
long hunts. The scientific
name is Hoodia Gordonii. It
is actually a succulent so
the names Hoodia cactus and
South African desert cactus
are actually misnomers, but
they are commonly used. The
plant resembles a cactus when
seen growing wild in the
Kalahari Desert.
There are problems associated
with growing the South
African Hoodia cactus for
commercial purposes. First,
logically, is temperature. In
order to thrive the Hoodia
cactus requires desert like
temperatures. Second is time.
It takes four or five years
for the African Hoodia
Gordonii cactus to reach full
maturity. Quantities of the
wild plant are extremely
limited and are protected by
the governments of South
Africa from harvesting.
Phytopharm, the first company
to research the properties of
the African hoodia cactus,
has established plantations
in South Africa, but will not
begin to sell their patented
product for at least a couple
of years.
It is important to note that
there are more than twenty
different varieties of hoodia,
but only Hoodia Gordonii is
believed to contain the
natural appetite suppressant.
Some companies may be selling
products that are purported
to contain the African hoodia
cactus, but if it is not
Hoodia Gordonii, then it may
not work. As with all health
supplements, it is best to
buy hoodia products from a
reputable company that sells
a complete line of products.
In addition, dieters are
advised to remember to drink
plenty of water since hoodia
suppresses thirst, as well as
appetite.
By any name, the African
hoodia cactus is a beautiful
plant. Flowers are pale
purple and appear after the
plant reaches maturity. Even
though dieters would love to
have a large immediate
supply, it is important to
protect the wild African
hoodia cactus from
over-harvesting, so that it
can be enjoyed by future
generations.
