Espinheira Santa Powder
This particular Maytenus species has not been used as extensively by the indigenous peoples in the Amazon region as other Maytenus trees in the area. It has been used by some native groups in Paraguay, where women use the plant as a contraceptive and fertility regulator, and to induce menstruation and abortions. Espinheira santa has a much longer and better documented history of use in urban areas and South American herbal medicine practices than in tribal areas, probably because of the types of illnesses that it addresses. In Brazil, the leaves of the plant are brewed into a tea for the treatment of some diseases (with a recorded history of use dating back to the 1930s). The leaf tea is also applied topically to wounds, rashes, and skin. In Brazilian pharmacies today, a topical ointment is made with espinheira santa and sold for skin conditions. In Argentinean herbal medicine, the entire plant or leaves are infused or decocted for its antiseptic and wound healing properties.
Preparation
Use 2 grams (1 teaspoon) per serve, mix into a paste with a little honey, add hot water. Can be used with other herbs.
Specifications for Espinheira Santa Powder
Botanical Name |
Maytenus ilicifolia |
Other names |
Espinheira santa, cancerosa, cangorosa, maiteno, limaosinho |
Organic Status |
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Country of Origin |
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Plant Part |
Powdered Leaf |
Packaging |
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Precaution |
Do not use with estrogen-positive cancers. It may have contraceptive and estrogen-like actions. |
Vegan Friendly