Harnessing the Power of Medicinal Plants: The Haller Farmers App

To learn more about the medicinal properties of plants, and how to grow them, download the Haller Farmers App → 

For centuries, plants have been at the heart of healing practices across Africa. Long before the arrival of Western medicine, communities relied on the leaves, roots, seeds, and bark of plants to treat common ailments. 

During colonial rule, however, this indigenous knowledge was systematically undermined. European medical practices were promoted at the expense of traditional remedies, and local expertise was often dismissed as unscientific or outdated.

Yet, despite this suppression, plant-based medicine remains deeply rooted in Kenyan daily life. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people in sub-Saharan Africa still rely on medicinal plants. Not only do these plants provide accessible and affordable treatments, but they also hold ecological value, often strengthening soils and supporting biodiversity.

The Haller Farmers App was designed to keep this knowledge alive, with an entire section dedicated to the cultivation and use of medicinal plants. Farmers can access detailed instructions in English and Swahili, supported by visuals and audio guides,  to learn how to grow and use these crops to benefit both their health and their land.

Crops with Healing Power

🌿 Kalanchoe

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, Kalanchoe is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds that help reduce swelling. It is also used to treat insect bites and stings, with natural antivenom qualities that make it a vital first-aid plant for smallholder households.

🌿 Lemongrass

Lemongrass provides relief from congestion, indigestion, and respiratory issues. Lemongrass contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants to combat free radicals and promote overall well-being. Beyond its medicinal value, its strong root systems prevent soil erosion, protecting fragile farmland. 

🌿 Moringa

Dubbed the “miracle tree,” Moringa offers multiple medicinal and practical uses. Its bark is antiseptic, traditionally applied to wounds and skin infections. The seeds, when crushed and added to water, release a positively charged protein (MOCP) that purifies water by binding and neutralising harmful microbes. Moringa is also protein-rich, making it both a food source and a powerful natural coagulant that is cheap, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

🌿 Turmeric

Used for centuries in cooking and healing, Turmeric is renowned for its active compound curcumin, which carries strong anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally applied as a paste on wounds or consumed for digestion, it remains one of the most versatile plants in the farmer’s toolkit.

Reviving and Preserving Indigenous Knowledge

Medicinal plants are more than remedies. They represent a cultural legacy passed down through generations, adapted to local environments, and tailored to community needs. Investing in their cultivation ensures that these traditions are not lost, while also providing affordable and sustainable healthcare options for families.

For smallholder farmers in Kenya, these plants are a lifeline: treating everyday illnesses, preventing more serious conditions, and reducing reliance on costly pharmaceuticals that are often out of reach. They also contribute to environmental resilience, from restoring degraded soils to providing natural pest control.

The Haller Farmers App makes this knowledge accessible to all. By combining traditional wisdom with modern tools, the app empowers communities to embrace medicinal plants as part of a healthier, more sustainable future.

To learn more about how the Haller Farmers App supports smallholder farmers in Kenya, and to explore its section on medicinal plants, download the app today →