Mexican herbsTop Mexican herbal remedies A - ZA list of healing Mexican herbs follows. The Mexican herbal remedies are described and discussed in terms of their health benefits.
Simply put, we cite an herb as related to a locale 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 When it comes to Mexican medicinal herbs, the Doctrine of Signatures is often a guiding principle. This principle maintains that the plant’s shape, behavior, odor, or some other natural feature signals what its use is for humans. So a doradilla, a plant that grows on rocks, seemingly breaking up the rock, is used by Mexicans to break up kidney and gall stones. Hierba de la golondrina, which oozes a milky substance, is used to heal eye diseases wherein a milky substance spreads across the lens. Well, doesn’t it sound like a crazy principle to apply to medicine? Can it possibly work? Yes and 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 see the Signature as a tip from some powerful force to help guide humans. God, perhaps. Okay, maybe. More likely, through the centuries, this doctrine encouraged certain uses for Mexican herbal remedies. If unsuccessful, oh well. But if it worked, well, well. In a way, it was like conducting research in the field over hundreds or thousands of years. Traditional herbal healing contains several instances of inherent research that has not always been verbalized. The following list is meant to be a reference. Many 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, note that a plant that is medicinal in one dosage could be poisonous in others. Mexican herbal remedies can be extremely potent! Mexican herbs (A - K)Aguacate (avocado) - Used for intestinal worms. Grate 10 grams of fresh avocado-pit rind into a cup. Wait one day, then sweeten it and drink on an empty stomach. Don’t eat anything for an hour. Ajo (garlic) - Revered the world over for its medicinal uses, is especially important in the annals of Mexican herbal remedies. will be impressed by how important Mexicans seem to regard this bulb. That many people regard it as the most delicious flavoring available is another matter.Mexicans use garlic for a variety of concerns. Its juice is applied to scorpion stings and spider bites. Garlic is consumed to alleviate hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Many other uses for garlic can be found on our page on the benefits of garlic Altea (plantain) - Used for dysentery, its root is cooked in rice to deliver its health benefits. Añil (indigo) - Used to alleviate headaches in children. Its leaves are boiled until soft, then applied to the forehead. Arnica (golden aster) - Used for bruises. Simply boil the flower and apply to bruise. Borraja (borage) - This Mexican medicinal herb is is used for bronchitis and fevers. Boil 10 grams of borage flowers and young leaves in a quart of water and drink like tea. Cedrón (lemon verbena) - Used while fasting, to regularize menstrual flow and rid worms. Drink as tea from its boiled leaves. Chicalote (prickly poppy) - This Mexican herbal remedy is used for stomach disorder and pain. Simply mash 4 grams of seeds in 200 cc of water and take two- three times a day. Cilantro - An important spice in Mexican dishes and cuisines the world over. Cilantro is also used as a medicinal tea used for calming anxiety, stomach cramps, and as a mouth wash for inflamed gums. Its metallic taste is deemed delicious by some and hated by others. Clavellina (ceiba) - Used for skin wounds, its bark is roasted and ground and applied to wound. Codo de fraile (oleander) - For hemorrhoids, simply mash the seeds, mix in some lard or mild lotion and apply. Cola de caballo (horsetail) - Teas made from the stems are used as a diuretic. Has also been used for dysentery and gonorrhea. Culantrillo (maidenhair fern) - One of the more important Mexican herbs, used to thin the blood, for constipation, liver problems, and kidney stones. Boil about 5 grams in half a liter of water, and take a small cup every day. Damiana (turnera) - Used for anxiety and lethargy. Make a tea made by boiling the macerated leaves. Doradilla (resurrection plant) - an infusion has salutary effects on the kidneys and liver, and breaks up gallstones. Encino (oak) - Used for diarrhea. Take as a tea made from simmering the tree's bark Epazote - Mexican make a tea by steeping it in milk and sugar. It gets rid of intestinal parasites. It is used to prevent flatulence if you add it to your beans ten to fifteen minutes before you finish cooking dish. Estafiate (wormwood) - Used to ease stomach ailments, to prevent diarrhea and for menstrual cramps. Gordolobo (cudweed) - A weedy herb that is steeped in a pot of water to treat coughs and sore throats. Guamúchil (Manila tamarind) - Used for diarrhea. Simply steep the bark from the root and drink up. Hierba de la go Londrina (spurge) - The white latex from the plant is used for treating "spots on the eye." Click to go to Mexican herbs, L - Z
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