The Chinahuatillo plant as an alternative medicine
Our ancestors began using medicinal plants for centuries. Before modern medicine and synthetic drugs exist, there were plants and the ancient civilizations knew how to use them strategically to treat common diseases and even diseases that threaten life.
Even now, many of us trust such traditional remedies. Researchers are now trying to analyze how exactly the extracts of such plants can be used to treat more critical diseases.
The Chinahuatillo plant enjoys great prestige in the traditional medicine of Mexico (since this plant is very common there). However, no evidence of its use has yet been found, experimental information of treatments, or historical records to corroborate its function in ancient therapy. The Chinahuatillo has its scientific or botanical name, which is Acalypha alopecuroids Jacq, but it is also known by many common names, such as:
- Borreguillo.
- Cat’s tail.
- Little cat.
- Nastor tapaculo grass.
- Cancer grass.
- Pastor grass.
The Chinahuatillo plant originated in the tropical region of Asia, specifically Malaysia and Papuasia, but has been naturalized in several countries. The region where Chinahuatillo is given is southwest of the United States (specifically in the states of Alabama, Florida and Louisiana) and in Puerto Rico.
It is also present on the Island of Corn of Nicaragua (where it has possibly introduced from Asia). But it is more common in Mexico (it is endemic to the region) at an altitude of 0-1200 meters, from southern Mexico to northern South America, the Antilles and Belize.
Botanical characteristics
Chinahuatillo is a herbaceous plant member of the Euphorbiaceae family present in warm weather. When it refers to cultivation, the Chinahuatillo is widespread, particularly as an interior plant, and has won the Merit Award of the Garden of the Royal Horticulture Society.
It is generally considered a tender plant (it is a non -woody plant), its duration is annual, which means that it grows only for a season, so it remembers waiting until its soil is hot and the night temperature is well above the temperaturefreezing before growing.
Chinahuatillo is a plant that can reach up to 80 cm high. Its leaves are long, a bit rough and with slightly dentated edges. The flowers are green and are grouped into spikes that arise from an erect stem in the center of the plant. The fruits are small and dry that contain three dark color seeds.
What is the Chinahuatillo for
It is widely used to treat various conditions and diseases, such as:
- Asthma.
- Wounds.
- Cutaneous conditions/acne.
- Diarrhea/stomach problems.
- Urine infections.
- Ulcers.
- Snake bites.
- Prevent cancer.
Active principles
In a preliminary chemical study, the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins and tannins at the Chinahuatillo plant was detected.
As part of the same study it was found that the ethanolic extract of the Chinahuatillo plant does not exercise in vitro antibiotic activity. It was observed that the aqueous extract of the leaves slightly modifies the mobility of the duodenum when it was experienced in rabbits.
Medicinal uses of Chinahuatillo
Each region is more inclined to the use of Chinahuatillo for different conditions, for example: Chinahuatillo is used to treat asthma in regions of Mexico such as Puebla and Quintana Roo, but when it comes to handling and healing wounds, long regions of Puebla and VeracruzThey are more traditional in the use of Chinahuatillo.
BENEFITS OF CHINAHUATILLO
Chinahuatillo has multiple benefits for beauty, since it is very effective with skin problems such as acne, grains, boils and small carnsities/protuberances that appear in the complexion.
You can also use the Chinahuatillo, which is very popular to treat and heal cut/skin wounds. One of its greatest advantages and benefits, is its use against cancer, asthma and vipers/snake bites.
Dose and preparation mode
Chinahuatillo prepares differently depending on its use. For example, for common conditions such as: diarrhea and stomach problems, as well as urine infections and ulcers, a lot of leaves (only the leaves, about 7-10) of Chinahuatillo in a liter of water are cooked, it is only placedIn the stove until it boils and is taken during the day.
- To prevent cancer: drink daily as a tea made with the leaves and/or the Chinahuatillo stem, a cup of water and 3-5 leaves, take three times a day.
- For cuts: a stem of the Chinahuatillo plant is cooked in a liter of water, with the resulting liquid the wound is cleaned and/or bandages are removed to cover the affected part.
- For asthma: spikes or shoots are used and cooked in tea infusion, that is, water (clean) is boiled and the spikes or sprouts of Chinahuatillo are included, it is removed from the heat and then the patient places the covered faceWith a towel and breathe the infusion of Chinahuatillo.
- For acne: the Chinahuatillo plant is boiled in a little water and the face is cleaned (every morning and every night before bedtime), you can also make a mask crushing the Chinahuatillo leaves and applying on the affected area.
- For snake bites: five leaves of the Chinahuatillo plant are taken and boiled in clean water;Three cups are taken for six days, this liquid must be prepared daily, it cannot be stored because it loses its effectiveness.
Contraindications
No scientific studies have been carried out where the Chinahuatillo plant is included as an active ingredient or substance of medicines. If during use it causes allergic reactions or other symptoms, the treatment must be suspended and not continue with the use until they consult with the attending physician.
It is better to avoid their consumption in pregnant women or with suspicion of pregnancy, there is no knowledge of whether the Chinahuatillo plant is transferred to breast milk so it is advisable to avoid its consumption during the breastfeeding period. It is also advisable to avoid consumption in children under 6 years or in adults over 60 years.
Because most of Chinahuatillo’s forms of consumption is through teas, infusions and pasta made with its leaves and stems, it is never recommended to consume liquids or mixtures of Chinahuatillo that have been left outdoors, prepared the day before,frozen or overheated, because it is a natural preparation, it is necessary to consume it at the time of preparation and thus avoid secondary effector.
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