Botanical atlas
Paperbark Thorn
Vachellia sieberiana
Across much of southern and eastern Africa, the paperbark thorn has long stood as a landmark tree, its glowing, flaking bark visible for miles across open grassland. Communities in the region have traditionally turned to decoctions of its bark for upset stomachs and looseness of the bowels, and to washes made from the bark or roots for wounds and skin complaints. The gum that seeps from wounds in its trunk, much like the gum arabic of its relatives, was traditionally chewed or dissolved in water to soothe a sore throat. Beyond its medicinal reputation, the tree has fed livestock, shaded homesteads, and supplied wood and fiber to generations of families who settled near it.
In tradition.
Across much of southern and eastern Africa, the paperbark thorn has long stood as a landmark tree, its glowing, flaking bark visible for miles across open grassland. Communities in the region have traditionally turned to decoctions of its bark for upset stomachs and looseness of the bowels, and to washes made from the bark or roots for wounds and skin complaints. The gum that seeps from wounds in its trunk, much like the gum arabic of its relatives, was traditionally chewed or dissolved in water to soothe a sore throat. Beyond its medicinal reputation, the tree has fed livestock, shaded homesteads, and supplied wood and fiber to generations of families who settled near it.
Traditional preparations.
A simple, astringent decoction traditionally used in southern Africa to settle an upset stomach and ease looseness of the bowels.
Traditionally, about 1 tablespoon of dried, chopped bark is simmered gently in 2 cups of water for 15 to 20 minutes, then strained. It is sipped in small amounts rather than taken all at once.
The tree's trunk gum, similar in character to gum arabic, was traditionally chewed slowly or dissolved in warm water to soothe a scratchy throat.
A small, pea sized piece of the dried gum is dissolved in a cup of warm water and sipped slowly, or the gum is chewed gently on its own.
Safety.
The tannin-rich bark can cause digestive upset if used in excess and isn't well studied, so it's best avoided in pregnancy and in young children. The tree's thorns are sizable enough to cause puncture wounds, which should be cleaned promptly.
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Ask about Paperbark ThornHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.