This slender shrub has many branches and grows to 10 feet tall. Its branches and leaves are shiny, and its flowers are white or light green with spikes up to 3 inches long. It is widely available in Guatemala and Honduras, where it can be found growing in forests, in old fields, and on roadsides.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Mexico, Central America
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Antivenomous, anti-inflammatory, sedative, emmenagogue, and used to treat skin conditions, fatigue, insomnia, toothache, headache, constipation, rheumatism, sore muscles, arthritis, cramping
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For sore muscles, rheumatism, arthritis, cramping, and delayed menstruation or menstrual cramps, boil two large handfuls of fresh leaves in 1 gallon water for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool, and then use as a bath in which the person sits for at least 20 minutes. For toothaches, mash a bit of the root and place on or in the tooth. For snakebites, boil for 10 minutes in 3 cups water a piece of the root equal to the victim's arm. Administer while transporting to a hospital or healer. For headache, constipation, and as a sedative, macerate the leaves and drink.
