Also known as briar wiss, bay wiss is a perennial plant with a woody vine that frequently climbs over tall trees. The stems are flexible and thick, and the asymmetrical leaves are oblong, with small flowers that are whitish or yellow-green. A large variation of growth in pubescence has led to a number of varieties being named: seasonvine, millionaire vine, princess vine, and curtain ivy.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Guatemala, Honduras, Caribbean, Florida, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Antibacterial, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and treats diabetes, respiratory infections, hemorrhoids, flu, sore muscles, constipation, gonorrhea. Soothes the digestive system, rheumatism, sunburns.
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For rheumatism and hemorrhoids, make an infusion by boiling 1 large handful bay wiss vine in 1 gallon water. Drink three times per day. For sore muscles, coat sun-warmed leaves with almond oil, and apply directly to the affected area. Leaves can be made into poultices to reduce inflammation, and are sometimes used after childbirth. A flower decoction can be used as an antiseptic to disinfect and wash wounds, as well as to soothe sunburned skin. Berries can be fermented in a beverage, which is good to drink as a laxative and as a diuretic
