Bretónica (Lepechinia caulescens), not to be confused with betónica (Betonica officinalis) is also known as brenilla, cabezona de mata, xenxenekua, salvia del campo, chía tendida, sonaja, datha nejexmho in Otomi and chun chinaskua by the Purhépecha. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, primarily in the highlands, this square-stemmed plant has white flowers that grow in a clump at the top of the stem and produce small, round, brownish seeds which rattle around inside when the flower head has dried.
Botanical synonyms include Lepechinia spicata, Horminum caulescen, and Ulricia pyramidata Jacq. ex Steud.
Generally, bretónica is used for women’s issues. Several studies have shown it to contain compounds that affect uterine contractions, supporting its use as a menstrual and labor aid.
An after-birth tea is made with zoapatle leaves (Montanoa tomentosa), bretónica (Lepechinia caulescens), and epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides), sweetened with chocolate (Theobroma cacao) or piloncillo (brown sugar cone). This tea helps expel the placenta and reduce hemorrhaging. Sometimes ruda (Ruta graveolens) is added as well, depending on the preferences of the partera (midwife).
Uterine or ovarian pain unrelated to childbirth, including menstrual cramps, is treated by spraying a bretónica decoction on the skin where the pain is centered. Additionally, the same infusion is drunk several times a day to reduce the pain’s intensity. In Morelos, bretónica leaves are made into an infusion with romero (Rosmarinus officinalis) and cuatecomate (Crescentia alata) for cramping and excessive bleeding.
Bretónica is also sometimes included in remedies for stomach issues and in the regulation of type 2 diabetes. Other studies have shown bretónica to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive properties. In addition, it demonstrates gastroprotective and spasmolytic activities supporting its use in the treatment of diarrhea and other stomach ailments, including cholera.
Other uses for bretónica include as part of remedies for respiratory issues and espanto (sudden fear/anxiety). Studies have shown that it serves to relax the trachea making it useful in the treatment of asthma.
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