Mala Mujer (bad woman) is a term used to refer to both Cnidoscolus tehuacanensis and Cnidoscolus multilobus in different areas of Mexico.
In traditional medicine, Cnidoscolus tehuacanensis is applied topically for scorpion stings, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and rheumatism. The leaves have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Cnidoscolus multilobus is also known as chaya de monte, chichicaste de caballo, pica-pica blanca, tetsonkilit or tetzonquilitl in Nahuatl. In Oaxaca, it is called chench tiek and in Veracruz, kakne.
Cnidoscolus multilobus is classified as a “cold” plant. It is also employed in treatments for nose bleeds, kidney infections, hypertension, measles, and skin infections. Interestingly, mala mujer can be used in place of rennet as the coagulant to make cheese.
It’s used as an anti-diabetic remedy. The flowers are eaten as a vegetable in San Luis Potosi.
The sap is rubbed on cavities to reduce pain. The leaves and stems are rubbed on the skin for rheumatism pain.
Mala mujer and ortiguilla (Urtica chamaedryoides), both prickly plants, are chopped and applied to sore joints with the belief that “al picar las espinas se cortan las dolencias” (the nettles will cut the pain in half).
The condition tlapeaxcoconxtle, an ovarian inflammation resulting in yellow discharge, is treated with a cold infusion of the flowers three times a day until the infection subsides. Cnidoscolus multilobus is an antioxidant and has demonstrated an antiproliferative effect on cervical cancer cells. It has antimicrobial activity. The seeds and leaves are made into an infusion to improve milk flow for breastfeeding mothers.
Mala mujer is also used in the treatment of susto (sudden fright), mal aire (evil winds causing illness), and brinco del arco (rainbow jumping). Brinco del arco was a condition I hadn’t heard of before, so a little more research was in order. This malady occurs when a rainbow appears above a person and “traps” them. A pregnant woman caught under the rainbow might have her womb filled with water, resulting in a false pregnancy (pseudocyesis), polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), or excess water retention. Someone who is not pregnant and experiences brinco del arco also might be “filled” with water and could develop a urinary tract infection, edema, or excessive urination. The cure is an infusion made from ajo (Allium sativum) and mala mujer leaves (Cnidoscolus multilobus). One cup is drunk. The remainder is used as a wash.
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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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