Guaco is a medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its scientific name is Mikania glomerata and it is native to South America. It is a climbing plant with heart-shaped leaves and yellowish-white flowers. Its chemical components are guacosides, tannins, bitter principles, cinnamic acid, resins and coumarin.
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Properties and uses in natural medicine
In the past, the first American Indians used the guaco to treat snake bites as well as insect bites. It served, among other things, as an antidote to the venom of these beasts. Moreover, grown around residential areas, it had the reputation of being able to keep snakes away from populated areas.
Nowadays, this plant makes it possible to treat pathologies affecting the respiratory tract. It has, in fact, antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties. Therefore, it is particularly useful in case of cough, cold, flu, asthma and bronchitis. In addition, by promoting perspiration, it improves flu symptoms and can lower fever.
In addition, thanks to its antiphlogistic and analgesic activity, guaco helps torelieve pain in rheumatism or arthritis. It also helps treat:
- Diarrhea and colic
- Gastric and intestinal ulcers
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Diseases caused by worms and intestinal parasites
Dosage forms available
In phytotherapy, the fresh or dried leaves are mainly used. For healing purposes, guaco is generally consumed in the form of herbal tea or decoction, syrup, powder, mother tincture and homeopathic granules.
Methods of use and recommended doses
Guaco can be used both internally and externally.
- Herbal tea or decoction: In 1 liter of boiling water, infuse 2 handfuls of fresh leaves or 1 handful of dried leaves. Filter and drink up to 4 cups spread throughout the day.
- Poultice: Grind a quantity of fresh leaves and apply directly to wounds to speed up the healing process.
- Syrup: Bring 6 cups of water and a handful of fresh leaves to a boil. Simmer until the mixture is reduced to about 2 cups quantity. Add 1 cup of sugar then boil again for 20 minutes. Filter then leave to cool and add 3 tablespoons of honey.
For soothe sudden coughsthe recommended dose is 1 tablespoon per dose, 3 times a day.
- Mother tincture: Take 3 to 4 ml of tincture, 3 times a day.
Reasons for caution and precautions for use
To avoid the inconveniences associated with the use of medicinal plants, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor or health professional beforehand.
Side effects :
Consumed in large doses, guaco causes nausea and diarrhea.
Contraindications:
This medicinal plant contains coumarin. As the latter has an anticoagulant effect, guaco is not suitable for people on anticoagulant treatment.
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