The pito tree grows tall, and can reach heights of 30 to 40 feet. The flowers bloom red, and the pods are brownish in color. Inside the pods are red seeds. It is also known by the name of coral bean. This plant is easy to identify, but you need to be cautious while harvesting, since the leaves and uncooked beans are toxic.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Caribbean, Central America
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Sedative, nervine, antihemmorhagic, and treats dysentery and a number of female conditions
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
To treat insomnia, tuck a flower in your pillow. For stress, anxiety, and irritability, add a small amount of flowers or beans to scrambled eggs, black or kidney beans, or meat. You may also prepare the young twigs, buds, and flowers
as you would string beans. For all conditions, make a decoction of 1 tablespoon flowers in
1 gallon water. Bring to a boil. Strain, and sip 1 cup throughout the day or before bed.
