Tag Archives: herbal remedies

February 1, 2022 · 7:06 am

Natural Healing — Llantén

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.

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.

Natural Healing — Hinojo

Photo credits: Forest & Kim Starr and Arnaud 25.

Hinojo (Foeniculum vulgare) came to Mexico with the Spanish missionaries as part of their medicinal gardens. In traditional Mexican remedies, it is used to treat migraines, colds, and cough. It is also prescribed as a digestive aid and appetite stimulant. Hinojo seeds, leaves, roots are edible.

Women’s cures that include hinojo involve regulating menstruation, alleviating mastitis, and increasing milk production. Hinojo tea has shown positive recovery effectiveness when given to women postpartum. Women suffering from menopausal depression and anxiety conditions have experienced moderate to significant relief with regular ingestion of fennel. In large doses, hinojo acts as a uterine stimulant.

An anti-anxiety tea is made from flor de manita (Chiranthodendron pentadactylon), flor de azahar (orange blossoms), toronjil morado (Agastache mexicana), yerba buena (Mentha spicata), and hinojo in equal measures.

Hinojo leaves have antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. Hinojo essential oil is an effective treatment for inflammation and arthritis. Its use in treating colds and coughs is supported by its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immunomodulatory effects. Hinojo has demonstrated effective antimycobacterial activity including tuberculous and respiratory infections. It has a calming effect on bronchial tissues. The seeds act as an expectorant to loosen phlegm in the lungs.

A remedy for colds with cough calls for three or four cups a day of hinojo seed infusion sweetened with honey.

As a digestive aid, it has been shown to be anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic, to speed up the digestion process of fatty foods, and be useful in the treatment of colitis. It also reduces neuronal toxicity. For vomiting and diarrhea, boil about several hinojo stems in a liter of water and add about 30 grams of coffee. Drink on an empty stomach.

Individuals suffering from empacho (indigestion) are sometimes given a mild tea made from albaca (Ocimum basilicum), cempasúchil (Tagetes erecta), eneldo (Anethum graveolens), hinojo, hojasén (Flourensia cernua – Asteraceae), yerba buena (Mentha spicata), poleo (Mentha pulegium), and rosa de castillo (Purshia plicata) combined in equal parts. A good size pinch of this herb mix is steeped in a liter of water and a teaspoonful is administered. Another colic tea for babies is made from crushed fennel seeds.

A tea for a gasy stomach is brewed using a pinch of flor de azahar (orange blossoms), crushed anís seeds (Pimpinella anisum) and crushed hinojo seeds. Steep the ingredients in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey.

Bilis, indigestion caused by a fit of anger, is treated with an infusion of hinojo leaves and flowers, guayaba (Psidium) leaves, and a pinch of marrubio (Marrubium vulgare) leaves steeped in a cupful of water. Or a tea can be made combining hinojo and romero leaves.

Note: Essential oil made from the seeds is toxic. It can cause vomiting, seizures, respiratory distress, and vomiting and should never be ingested. Hinojo may also cause contact dermatitis after handling. Because strong doses of hinojo can cause uterine contractions, pregnant women should avoid any remedy that contains it.

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Learn more about Mexican traditional remedies!

Tag Archives: herbal remedies

Natural Healing — Llantén

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Natural Healing — Palo Azul

Palo Azul Kidney Cleanse Infusion

Palo Azul Cough Remedy

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Natural Healing — Hinojo

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