Traditional Remedies

1. For colds, sore throat, phlegmy cough, restlessness, nausea, or hiccups
Boil 20–40 g of dried Cape gooseberry in water and drink the decoction throughout the day. One day’s dose can be divided into two or three servings.

2. For breast abscesses, boils, or testicular swelling and pain
Crush 40–80 g of fresh Cape gooseberry to extract the juice and drink it. The remaining pulp can be applied directly to the affected area or used as a wash.
For boils, crushed fruit may be applied as a poultice, changing the dressing once daily.

3. For phlegm-induced cough
Boil 30–40 g of the fruit and drink the decoction several times a day.

4. For edema (dropsy)
Boil 40–60 g of the fruit in water and drink the liquid throughout the day.

5. For diabetes
Cook 30–40 g of fresh root together with one pig heart and about 1 g of cinnabar. Consume both the broth and ingredients. Repeat the process every other day for five to seven times.

Notes and Precautions

While Cape gooseberry has a long history of use in herbal and folk medicine, users should exercise caution, particularly when combining it with mineral substances such as cinnabar, which can be toxic in excess. Always consult a qualified healthcare or traditional medicine practitioner before use, especially for chronic conditions or when taking other medications.