Tissint is the capital of the Moroccan herbalism and is home to the Zawiya of Sidi Abdallah Ou M’Hand which is the center for traditional medicine in the south. Out of the 260 families surveyed, as many as 200 prefer herbal remedies to treat their ailments. The majority of them are disciples of the marabout and the patron saint of the Zawya, (which is) closely connected to the increased popularity of herbal medicine in the region.

For Ba Brahim Abdelaziz, an old disciple of this Zawya, the desert plants hold no secret that he does not know. Here he discusses Lâaggaya, known under its scientific name: Zygophyllum gaetulum. This small shrub is known specifically for its numerous anti-diabetic benefits. It is also believed to help heal gastric and intestinal ailments. Taken in powder form or decoction and mixed with fermented milk, or simply as an extract, Lâaggaya does miracles…