Mexican herbs (part 2)Top Mexican herbal remedies A - ZThe rest of our list of healing Mexican herbs follows. The Mexican herbal remedies are discussed and described in regards to their health benefits.
Many Mexican medicinal herbs were brought in from other continents. As is common in Africa, China and other regions, the host region both introduces unique herbs and incorporates outside herbs. This makes us question the criteria used to cite an herb as African or Chinese or Mexican. We simply cite an herb as related to a region if that local has a tradition of using that herb. Obviously many popular herbs are used extensively in different continents. Garlic, ginger and pepper come to mind. The Doctrine of Signatures Mexican medicinal herbology is guided by the Doctrine of Signatures. This doctrine maintains that the plant’s shape, behavior, odor, or some other natural feature signals what its use is for humans. So, for example, a doradilla is a plant that grows on rocks, seemingly breaking up the rock. Mexican herbal tradition have taken this feature to mean that it breaks up kidney and gall stones. Another example is “Hierba de la golondrina,” which oozes a milky substance. It is used to heal eye diseases wherein a milky substance spreads across the lens. Can this seemingly crazy doctrine work? Well, yes. Of course, at least to me, it sounds preposterous to ascribe benefits to Mexican herbs based on some characteristic of the plant. But some people might argue that the Signature is a tip from some powerful force to help guide humans. God, perhaps. Okay, maybe. More likely, over thousands of years this doctrine encouraged certain uses for Mexican herbal remedies. If unsuccessful, the herb was dropped. But if it worked it continued to be used. In a way, it was like conducting field research over hundreds or thousands of years. The traditional herbal healing arts contain several instances of natural research that has not always been verbalized. The following list is meant to be a reference. Most Mexican medicinal herbs are perfectly safe. I mean, what problem can be had by consuming extra garlic, right? Caution: However, for some of the more exotic Mexican herbs, you need to be careful. A plant that is medicinal in one dosage could be poisonous in others. Mexican herbal remedies can be extremely potent! Mexican herbs (L - Z)Click for Mexican herbs, A - KLantén (plantain): Used for burns, bruises, and mouth sores. Simply boil 100 grams of leaves in 500 ml of water then wash the affected area. Magnolia (magnolia): For a tonic, make tea from the bark. Caution: too much may cause irregular heartbeat. Maguey (maguey): Is used for bruises and pains. First, roast leaf then squeeze juice from it, boil it down, sweeten, and drink. Muicle (jacobinia): For dysentery, make a tea from the leaves. Nanche (golden spoon): Make tea from the bark to improve digestion and appetite. Naranjo agrio (sour orange): Make a tea from the leaves to use as a general tonic and to relieve anxiety. Nogal (walnut): Make a tea to wash skin sores and treat thrush in infants. Oregano de la Sierra ( Mexican oregano): Make a hot tea to treat coughs, indigestion and stomach gas. Ortiga (jatropa): The roots are used to treat venereal diseases. Palo dulce (eysenhardtia): Used to remedy kidney problems. Simply put wood chips into water. The water will first turn blue, then red or amber. At that point you can drink the remedy. Pata de león (wild geranium): make an infusion of this herb and add to the bath water of infants to alleviate rash. The infusion can also disinfect wounds. Pingüica (manzanita): Make a tea from the leaves and fruit for kidney problems. Romero (rosemary): Mexican use Rosemary for digestion. Make the tea using the leaves. For much more on this, visit our page on Rosemary herb Ruda (rue): Be very cautious with this herb as it can be poisonous if used in excess. It is valued for it abilities to induce menstruation and abort fetuses. Sauco (elderberry): Tea made from the flowers is excellent for the coughs. Tejocote (hawthorn): Great herb is used to "flush out the kidneys." Boil the root in water and its tea. Tepopote (Mormon tea): Tea made from the boiled stems is used to treat venereal diseases and kidney problems. Tilia (linden): Make a tea to relieve coughs. Uña de gato (pisonia): Make a tea from its boiled leaves and bark to relieve arthritic pain. Yerbanis (Mexican Marigold Mint): make as a tea to help calm stomachs and anxiety, treat colds, and ease symptoms of a hangover. Yerba Buena (Spearmint): A very valuable herb helps relieve upset stomach and headaches. Zacate limón (lemon-grass): Its tea tastes lemony and good for upset intestines. Click for Mexican herbs, A - K
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