🌍African Traditional Medicine

African Blackwood

Dalbergia melanoxylon

About African Blackwood

African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) is a herb used in the African Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Respiratory Issues, Pain, and Skin Disorders. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Dalbergia melanoxylon (African blackwood, grenadilla, or mpingo) is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to seasonally dry regions of Africa from Senegal east to Eritrea and south to the north-eastern parts of South Africa. The tree is an important timber species in its native areas; it is used in the manufacture of musical instruments and fine furniture. Populations and genomic resources for genetic biodiversity maintenance in parts of its native range are threatened by...

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried African Blackwood in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried African Blackwood into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried African Blackwood into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
♨️

Steam Inhalation

1–2× daily during acute symptoms
  • Add 2–3 tbsp of African Blackwood to a bowl of just-boiled water.
  • Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for African Blackwood in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on African Blackwood itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Insufficient Data

No specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient Data

No specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.

Children

Insufficient Data

No specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.

Contraindications

    Warnings

    ⚠️ Allergic Reactions

    Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

    ⚠️ Not Medical Advice

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

    Drug & herb interactions

    No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for African Blackwood in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.

    Where to find in nature

    Native region

    Sub-Saharan Africa

    Climate

    Tropical savannah

    Habitat

    Savannahs, tropical forests, and traditional healing gardens across Africa

    🌿 To see African Blackwood growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

    Where to buy

    In store

    • African herbal markets and medicine practitioners
    • West African grocery stores (in diaspora communities)
    • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
    • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
    • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

    Online

    iHerb

    Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

    Mountain Rose Herbs

    Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

    Starwest Botanicals

    Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

    Herb Pharm

    High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

    Amazon

    Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

    Etsy

    Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

    Quality tips

    When buying African Blackwood, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.