Category Archives: Native fauna and flora

February 1, 2022 · 7:06 am

Natural Healing — Llantén

Photo credit: Robert Flogaus-Faust

Llantén (Plantago major) has many names in Mexico including llantén mayor, llantén de hoja ancha, lengua de carnero, orejas de burro, lengua de vaca, lantén, paletarea, plantén, anten, antena, chile de pato, and mucilago. Several sources also claimed that in Nahuatl this plant was known as acaxīlotl. However, this name actually refers to the root of the tolpatlacti, which is a reed and not the broadleaf plantain. The confusion I believe began from a description of acaxīlotl by Francisco Hernández de Toledo who stated that the leaves of the plant that the edible root is from are similar to llantén (plantain) but larger. 

Llantén grows wild in La Yacata and I had no idea it had any medicinal application until I started researching it. Traditionally, llantén is applied externally for headaches, wounds, burns, insect bites, cold sores, and eye inflammation. Boiled fresh leaves are applied as a healing poultice for wounds. Leaves added to rosewater (Rosa gallica) infusion make a cooling wash for irritated eyes. Leaves applied directly to the cold sore reduce inflammation. Fresh llantén and geranio (Pelargonium spp.) leaves are mashed, salted, and bound to the head to treat headaches. Plantago major has hematopoietic activity, is inhibitory against hyaluronidase and collagenase enzymes, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerative, anti-bacterial, and anti-nociceptive, making it appropriate for wound healing application.

The leaves are made into a diuretic tea, gargle for sore throat and mouth sores, and as a wash for vaginal irritation. Simmer ½ cup of leaves in two cups of water for this infusion. As a diuretic, drink a cup of tea made from two to four grams of dried leaves, three times a day. It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties as well as demonstrated effectiveness in the management of oral mucositis and a relaxant effect on the tracheal smooth muscles of the throat. Additionally, llantén is antigiardiasic and protects against kidney damage. 

Note: Llantén should not be used by individuals with heart conditions, those taking blood-thinning medication, or women who are pregnant or lactating. 

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Curious about the effectiveness of Mexican herbal remedies? Delve into the science of plants for well-being by:

Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico.

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January 4, 2022 · 7:33 am

Natural Healing — Cola de Caballo

Photo credit: Allen Gathman Equisetum hyemale subsp. affine

The other day in the market, I noticed several bound herb packets including te de limon and manzanilla. The third mound was unfamiliar to me, so I asked about it. The woman selling them said it was cola de caballo and was for kidney disease. All righty then, time for another plant study!

Cola de caballo (Equisetum spp) is also known as equiseto, limpiaplata, cien nudillos, cola de rata, caña carricillo, and candalillo in Mexico. This plant is believed to have been part of the staple diet of herbivorous dinosaurs. There are about 30 species and subspecies in the Equisetaceae family, which reproduce by spores rather than seeds. At least three varieties, Equisetum hyemale subsp. affine, Equisetum laevigatum and Equisetum myriochaetum, are native to Mexico. 

Traditionally in Mexico, it’s used as a diuretic, for kidney stones, and bladder or urinary tract infections. It’s also used in treatments for gout, wounds, hair loss, conjunctivitis, cough, diabetes type 2, and to increase energy. The young shoots are eaten as a vegetable. It has a grassy flavor, as to be expected.

A tea made from romerillo (Viguiera linearis) and cola de caballo (Equisetum laevigatum) is prescribed in Chiapas, Durango, and Sonora to treat urinary disorders. In Oaxaca, a tea prepared with 4 teaspoons dried or 8 teaspoons fresh of leaves, flowers, stems, and roots (Equisetum hyemale subsp. affine) in 1 cup of boiling water is given for kidney stones. Allow the infusion to steep from 5-20 minutes. Strain and drink daily before meals. In Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, cola de caballo (Equisetum myriochaetum) is combined with barba de maíz (Zea mays), corn silk, for treatment of kidney ailments. Seven to 12 grams of each ingredient is added to ½ liter of water and boiled for 15 minutes. Two cups are prescribed daily. Yet another kidney stone treatment calls for a decoction made from cola de caballo (Equisetum myriochaetum), nopal paddle (Opuntia ficus-indica), and gobernadora leaves (Larrea tridentata) prepared every morning and cooled by the morning dew for 40 days.

A wash for wounds consists of 200 grams (Equisetum myriochaetum) boiled for 30 minutes in 2 liters of water. Because cola de caballo has a high silicone content, it is believed that drinking a daily infusion will promote shiny hair and strong nails.

Research on Equisetum arvense, the most commonly studied variety, has been shown it to be anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial. This variety has also demonstrated the ability to increase bone mineral density supporting its use in treating wounds including its application to bone healing.

Equisetum myriochaetum also shows promising health applications. It has anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, antioxidative, and diuretic activity. Equisetum hyemale is antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic. It also lowers cholesterol. Most other species and subspecies have not been examined thoroughly, but undoubtedly will have similar properties.

Note: Individuals with low potassium levels should not use remedies with cola de caballo.

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Interested in health? Learn traditional Mexican plant remedies used today for wellness with

Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies Volume 1 & 2.

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December 21, 2021 · 7:01 am

Natural Healing — Palo Azul

Eysenhardtia polystachya Photo credit: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata

Palo azul (Eysenhardtia polystachya) is also known as palo dulce, palo cuate, cualaldulce, varadulce, and taray by the Tarascans. In Nahuatl, it’s either referred to as cohuatli or tlapalezpatli and in English, it’s Mexican kidneywood. Wood from this small shrub with white flowers, aromatic leaves, and red seedpods was used by the Aztecs primarily to treat kidney problems. It was also a key ingredient in a hiccup remedy and included in another to reduce fever.  

In some areas of Mexico, palo azul bark is used to treat pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown this traditional use to be valid. It has also been found to have good anti-diabetic activity reducing renal damage caused by diabetes and inhibiting hyperglycemic, hyperlipidemic, and oxidative stress. Its use in the treatment of infection, diarrhea, inflammation, and pain are supported as well. 

Other traditional remedies call for palo azul to treat toothache, cavities, periodontal disease, and gingivitis. Palo azul has antibacterial properties and is effective against both Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. It also has moderate cancer fighting properties.

Tea made from Eysenhardtia polystachya is phosphorescent under the right light. The fluorescent compound that causes this is not found in the plant itself, but occurs after a certain flavonoid oxidizes. Some research has been done on using palo azul as a fluorescent biomarker in early-stage cancer diagnosis and pathogen detection procedures and well as drug delivery monitoring since it is non-toxic.

Palo Azul Kidney Cleanse Infusion

  • Soak a handful of woodchips overnight in 1 liter of water. 
  • Drink a cup each morning before breakfast for 8 days with a squeeze of limón juice. (Citrus × aurantiifolia)

Palo Azul Cough Remedy

  • Soak a handful of woodchips until the liquid is a bright yellow/orange/bluish. 
  • Strain and drink as needed to reduce phlegm with a deep cough.

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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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