Kumuchanjasi is a shrub or small tree that grows in swampy areas or river banks or water ponds. It is a tree of immense cultural value to the people of mulembe.
Quick Facts on Kumuchanjasi
| Scientific name | Euclea divinorum Hiern |
| Local Names | Kumuchanjasi (Bukusu) |
| Common Name: | Magic Guarri |
| Key Charachteristics | It has a grey-black stem. Has shiny tiny to medium leaves. The root has this characteristic black color. The back of the root is succulent. Exudes a somewhat bitter sweet taste in your mouth as you chew away. It is also fragrant. |
Medicinal Value
Bukusu people believed Kumuchanjasi has medicinal values. But if you asked about, chances are that it would be hard to pinpoint clearly say what diseases Kumchanjasi cured. This is primarily because, across eastern and southern Africa, kumuchanjasi going by the various local names is a known cure for a host of diseases.
This magical tree is said to cure gastrointestinal disturbances as its root acts as a mild laxative but strong purgative. Moreover, kumuchanjasi is also thought to cure cancer, miscarriage and jaundice. External application of extracts from the roots of kumuchanjasi when mixed with animal fat are used to cure arthritis, ulcers, wounds, leprosy and even snake bites.
In short, kumuchanjasi is a tree whose root is good to chew on.
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Oral Hygiene
The best kept secret about Kumuchanjasi is its ability to whiten your teeth. Everyone can tell when you have used the Kumuchanjasi root to brush your teeth. Your teeth will not only be sparkling, but your mouth will also be glowing with an orange color. So intense is this orange-red tinge, that you’d be mistaken for having taken concentrated fruit juice. Moreover modern science has it that the roots of this tree not only clean the teeth, but inhibit the growth of tooth carries causing bacteria.
Milk Preservation
In similar fashion to how the Kumwimbwi tree is used to preserve milk, the roots of Kumuchanjasi have simillar use. However, with this magical tree the milk can be preserved for up to a year without going bad. In addition, it also helps improve the palatability and digestibility of milk. Moreover, some texts have this quality of the roots of this indigenous tree to having an impact on food security.
Gold Prospecting
This tree native to southern and eastern Africa is hardy in that it tolerates well soils laden with heavy metals. Therefore, it is a good indicator of gold deposits. Should we therefore expect plenty of Kumuchanjasi in Ikolomani Kakamega and parts of Vihiga? Possibly. Nonetheless, what’s for sure that the tree thrives along areas where gold is traditionally prospected for such as along riverbanks.
Other Cultural Uses Of Kumuchanjasi That Are Not Necessarily In Mulembe
- From the bark of the tree, a red-orange dye is extracted for use in the leather industry. Besides, this quality makes the Kumuchanjasi of value to traditional craft industries like basket weaving and pottery.
- Finally, the tree’s branches can be used to purify water by immersing the branches into guards.
