Plants have been used since prehistoric times as medicines. Health among cultures such as the Nahuatl and Mayan, was obtained with treatments that required natural alternatives to heal and treat diseases Kambo Stick.
With the arrival of the Spanish to Mexico in the 16th century, Fray Bernardino de Sahagún, who was interested in the myths, customs and, of course, the diseases and plant resources that were used to care for the health of the population, compiled In the book General History of the Things of New Spain, written in 1548, the names in Nahuatl of the plants that were used for certain ailments.
Many of the uses survive today thanks to the application of herbalism, which is a basic resource in the cure of the most common diseases. Thanks to the fact that Mexico has a very diverse flora, its herbalism is one of the most varied, it already includes a hundred home remedies that are used in infusions, poultices or in salads, to cure different ailments.
Herbalism is based on the presence of chemical compounds with pharmacological actions in plant species, which constitute the primary ingredients that pharmaceutical laboratories use in their patented commercial medicines.
The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that 80 percent of the planet’s population uses medicinal plants to meet or complement their health needs. In Mexico, according to the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (Conabio), more than four thousand species of plants with medicinal attributes have been registered, which represent 15 percent of the country’s total flora.
Below, we present six plants that, over the years, continue to be used to help alleviate or prevent different diseases thanks to their healing properties.
VAPORRUB
Its scientific name is Plectranthus hadiensis. It is used as a decongestant, for dry coughs and reduces cold symptoms. It can be grown in pots or in outdoor gardens, it grows quickly and is very easy to care for.
BUGAMBILIA
The genus Bougainvillea is used as an expectorant. Helps eliminate mucus lodged in the upper respiratory tract. Improves the respiratory system by collaborating with the correct functioning of the lungs and their ability to oxygenate the body. Its traditional medicinal use is widespread in the central and southern states of Mexico, mainly in cases of respiratory infections such as cough, asthma, bronchitis and flu.
HOLY LEAF AND OMEQUELITE
Holy Herb (Piper auritum) helps reduce fever, is relaxing, helps proper intestinal function and reduces stomach pain. Since pre-Hispanic times it was very popular for its medicinal uses, in fact it is said that its name was given by Spanish priests who were impressed with its properties to treat different ailments.
HORSEWHEEL
Loeselia Mexicana, commonly called gooseberry, lowers body temperature, prevents hair loss and the appearance of dandruff, in addition to helping against headaches and respiratory diseases.
BARQUILLA OR MAGUEY
Tradescantia spathacea, popularly called purple maguey, is a herbaceous species belonging to the Commelinaceae family, which is used to reduce stomach pain. It is also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
SWEET GRASS
Phyla scaberrima is a digestive plant that helps reduce blood pressure and cough. The infusion of sweet grass leaves is used in popular medicine as a healing agent, for sore throats due to inflammation of the tonsils, various mucosal lesions (stomatitis, canker sores, inflammation of the gums); Due to its astringent and diuretic properties, it is also used in the treatment of urinary incontinence and other kidney and bladder conditions.