Day: February 12, 2014

Typically means “fresh juice of (plant name)”; can also refer to the seed oil of a plant. Look up the plant name which follows this description of the plant preparation used. To prepare a zumo, the fresh or raw plant part used (whether a fruit, leaf, root, seed or entire plant) is squeezed, liquefied in a blender or juicer or grated and strained to extract its juice. This preparation may be administered orally or topically.

Carrot (Daucus carota). Plant Part Used: Root.Dominican Medicinal Uses: Root: juice, orally, for diabetes, anemia, cancer, improved vision, tumors, uterine fibroids, menopausal hot flashes, nourishment, to strengthen the blood, diarrhea, stomach ailments, gastrointestinal inflammation and liver disorders.Safety: Generally considered safe; root is widely consumed.Clinical Data: Human clinical trials: antioxidant, colonic motility, dental caries, hypocholesterolemic (root).Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: hepatoprotective (root).In vitro: antibacterial, antispasmodic, antitumor (seed extract or constituents), antioxidant, carotene bioavailability, hormonal effects (root).Nutrition: vitamin A precursors.* See entry for Zanahoria in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles”…

See Hierba mora.

See Hierbabuena.

See Apasote.

See Berro.

White vinegar; sometimes used as a gargle for treating sore throat and tonsillitis, combined with bicarbonato de sodio(baking soda); it is said to have a drying effect on the tonsils when used this way; vinegar is also used as a douche for treating vaginal infections, urogenital inflammation and menstrual disorders.

Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis).Plant Part Used: Aerial parts: leaf, stem, flower.Dominican Medicinal Uses: Leaf: tea, orally, for indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, anxiety, nervousness, stress and menopausal symptoms and to cleanse the blood.Safety: Animal studies show low to moderate toxicity; leaves considered relatively atoxic.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: analgesic, antioxidant, antispasmodic, hypotensive, hypertensive (plant/leaf extracts).In vitro: antioxidant, antispasmodic, insecticidal, nematicidal, spasmogenic (plant/leaf extracts).* See entry for Verbena in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.

Steam; making a decoction of herbs and using the steam from the decoction for inhalation or for moistening and healing the skin, often used to treat sinus infections, congestion, or skin conditions.

Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa).Plant Part Used: Inner bark, stem, root.Dominican Medicinal Uses: Bark, root, stem: infusion or multi-herb tincture, orally, for arthritis, cancer, diabetes, kidney disorders, leukemia, obesity and women’s health.Safety: No toxicity shown in clinical and animal studies; long-term use may affect hormone levels.Contraindications: Pregnancy, lactation; autoimmune disorders or implanted organs (immune stimulating properties).Drug Interactions: Anticoagulants, antiplatelet and thrombolytic agents and low molecular weight heparins (potential risk of excessive bleeding); immunosuppressants (may interfere with drug); P450 3A4-metabolyzed drugs (potential inhibition).Clinical Data: Clinical: DNA repair, immune enhancement, immunostimulant, rheumatoid arthritis…