The Cape gooseberry (Physalis angulata L.), also known as the “Lantern Plant” or “Wild Ground Cherry,” is a herbaceous plant from the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Native to tropical regions of the Americas, it now grows widely in tropical and subtropical climates around the world. The plant often thrives in open areas such as field edges, grasslands, wastelands, rural roadsides, and forest margins from lowlands up to 1,500 meters in elevation.
Cape gooseberry has a distinctly sour taste and a neutral nature. It is valued in traditional medicine for its ability to clear heat, promote urination, and dissolve phlegm. It is commonly used to relieve symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and throat inflammation. The herb may be used either fresh or dried.
Medicinal Properties
In traditional medicine, the entire plant—referred to as Herba Physalis Angulatae—is used for therapeutic purposes. According to Eastern medicine, the plant is bitter, cool, and non-toxic. It helps clear internal heat, drain dampness, resolve phlegm, relieve coughs, and soften hard lumps.
The fruit is sour and neutral in nature and is used to treat conditions such as:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Phlegmy cough
- Restlessness
- Nausea and hiccups
Externally, preparations made from the plant are applied to treat:
- Breast abscesses
- Boils
- Testicular swelling and pain
- Skin infections
The fruit is edible and is often used to relieve phlegmy coughs, edema, and skin ulcers. In traditional remedies, the fresh root cooked with pig heart and cinnabar (mercuric sulfide) has been used to manage diabetes.
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.
