ETHNIC USE

NATURAL / TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Plants have an important function in every human being’s health. Indigenous and traditional medicine are based on the use of great number of plants; some are very frequent and well-known as Jackass bitters (Neurolaena lobata) which helps in stomach conditions, lowers fever and cures skin conditions, and bitter melon (Momordica charantia) which helps in flu symptoms and lowers fever. Others not well-known as alcotán (Baccharis trinervis) and fire bush (Hamelia patens) are used to treat infections, pain, rheumatism, and anemia, among others.

Medicinal herbs have a high preventative value; it is also important to remember they can’t replace a physician, and timely controls have to be done responsibly. This attitude requires discipline and strength of will, avoiding health-weakening excess.

Saragundí or Carrio Crow Bush

Senna reticulata

Saragundí has multiple uses in traditional medicine. It has been used to treat fever, rheumatism, skin infections, and venereal disease, among others; leaves are the part of the plant used.

Jackass bitters or sepi

Neurolaena lobata

Leaves of Jackass bitters contain active principles contributing to relieve stomach problems, skin conditions, reduce fever, diuretic, etc.; may also be used as tick repellent.

Gumbo-limbo, tourist tree and turpentine tree

Bursera simaruba

The tree called gumbo-limbo is quite used in traditional medicine. Its bark is used against gastritis and peptic ulcer problems; the resin flowing from bark is applied on skin ulcers.

Alcotán

Baccharis trinervis

Alcotán is a shrub with branches extending over other plants. This plant may be used for kidney infections and pains, against pain and inflammations, and rheumatism.

Castor plant

Ricinus communis

This shrub is frequent in altered areas; has been very important in Costa Rican health (and other parts of the world). The oil extracted from the seeds, called castor oil, is a very well-known and used laxative. Leaves are used to stimulate milk secretion and relieve breast nipple’s cracking. It’s very important to be careful as this plant is very toxic.

» Ethnic use : Local gastronomy

» Ethnic use : Handcrafts