Also known as yarumo, yagrumo, embauba, Cecropia, or guarumo, trumpet tree is a diciduous tree with a narrow trunk, and large, circular, leaves that are lobed. The flowers are pinkish-white succulent spikes that grow in clusters.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
The Andes, Caribbean, Central America, Northern South America, Africa, Asia, the Pacific
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, sedative, antispasmodic, hepatoprotective, antihemorrhagic, febrifuge, cholagogue, analgesic, astringent, aphrodisiac, antibacterial, antifungal, hypoglycemic, emmenagogue. Treats asthma, broken bones, STDs, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, migraine, sore throat, rheumatism, sore muscles, kidney conditions. Induces
labor. Helps reduce weight.
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For all conditions, steep 1 leaf in 2 cups water for 20 minutes. Consume 1 cup twice daily
for three days. This same infusion is used as
a gargle for sore throats. For fevers, boil 2 leaves in 1 quart water for 5 minutes. Place the leaves on the forehead, and sip the decoction. Cooled, this can also be used as a soak or compress for rheumatism or broken bones. Also for rheumatism and for sore muscles, you may tie a bundle of leaves and hang over your showerhead so that the water runs over the leaves. Shower in hot water, so that the leaves create an aromatic steambath effect. This can also be done in the bath. For stress, smoke the dried leaves as a cigarette.
