Uzara is native to South Africa, Swaziland and Kenya. In South Africa, the perennial is also partially cultivated. In herbal medicine, the dried underground parts of the plant (Uzarae radix) are used. The harvest of the root usually takes place in the second or third year of growth.
Uzara: typical characteristics
Uzara is a perennial herbaceous perennial with erect flowering shoots that grows up to 1 m tall. It bears large, opposite leaves and grows from a fleshy root system. When injured, the hairy stem secretes milky sap, which is the origin of the English name milk bush.
The yellowish flowers of the plant are in umbels and in time become large capsules, inside of which are numerous hairy seeds.
Uzara roots as a medicine
The roots of Uzara are tuberous or turnip-shaped and 10-30 cm tall. Externally, they are brown, but light gray in cross-section. Numerous thin secondary roots extend from the main piece.
Uzara root gives off a rather faint, somewhat peculiar odor. The root tastes strongly bitter and faintly burning.
