There are approximately 57 species of Piper indigenous to Mexico and 1457 worldwide, but less than 10 percent have been studied. Unfortunately, local names often apply Hoja Santa to several unrelated plants. Piper auritum and Piper sanctum are two species that share the names hoja santa or hierba santa. Although it is tempting to say the two are synonymous, as you can see from the picture below, the leaf structure is a little different. Then to make matters more complex, according to one study, Piper sanctum is an erroneous classification and more properly classified as Piper commutatum. Be that as it may, in many cases, Piper auritum and Piper sanctum are used interchangeably in Mexican herbalism.
Piper auritum is also known as acuyo, jaco, hoja de anís, momo, yuva ntoo, x-mak-ulam in the Mayan language. The santa or holy part of this plant comes from a story of how the Virgen María dried her holy son’s diapers draped over this plant. However, I couldn’t find much more than brief references to this legend.
Medicinally, a tincture made from the entire plant is used to treat asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, and other types of inflammation such as rheumatism, venereal diseases, and toothaches. Other uses include treating diarrhea, coraje (anger issues), ear infections, snake bites, and stopping hemorrhaging. The leaves are made into a decoction for indigestion and abdominal cramps. Two cups of water are boiled with one leaf and drunk before meals.
The Chinantec people drink a decoction of leaves to aid in childbirth. The Maya apply the leaves for wound healing. The leaves are boiled and applied to the affected area to treat skin infections. For fever, a wash is made from boiled leaves. Warmed or toasted leaves are placed on the abdomen for cramps. In Yucatecan traditional medicine, a tea is prescribed to manage diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
Piper auritum’s sassafras-like flavored leaves are used in Mexican cuisine as a flavoring and to wrap tamales. The fresh stems are eaten. This is the only Piper variety that is utilized as a food source.
Plants in the Piper species are antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal. They have antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, and neuropharmacological activities, giving them a preventive potential for several chronic disorders. The compound piperlongumine or piplartine found in most Piper plants has anti-cancer and anti-neuroinflammatory properties.
One study has shown Piper auritum has an anti-inflammatory effect similar to that of the anti-venom serum, supporting its traditional use in treating snakebite. It also has high antiglycation activity, which treats, prevents, or reverses skin damage. The leaves improve renal function and inhibit insulin resistance. Studies show that Piper sanctum is also anti-diabetic and antimycobacterial.
Hoja Santa Tea for Cough
- 2 hoja santa leaves (Piper auritum)
- 1 limón cut into pieces (Citrus aurantifolia)
- pinch of orégano de monte leaves (Lippia graveolens)
Wash the hoja santa leaves. Bring ½ liter of water to a boil. Add the ingredients and boil for five minutes. Drink three times a day as symptoms persist.
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Interested in natural remedies? Uncover herbal remedies from traditional Mexican sources for healing and wellness in the Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico series.
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