3 Health benefits and medicinal uses

Hoja Santa is a very valuable medicinal plant, according to Duke (2009) as it is traditionally  used in Mexico to cure chest pain, colic, cramps, dyspepsia, fever, gout, headache, high blood pressure, inflammation, rheumatism, sores, wounds and snakebite.  It is used as stimulant, analgesic, and stomach. Hoja Santa is also used for curing asthma by native Mexican Aztecs. Its leaves cure skin irritation. Also, when it soaked in alcohol it can increase a breastfeeding woman milk just by place it on her breasts. The infusion tea of hoja Santa leaves can facilitate digestion and ease colic pain. Even its toasted leaves are used to relieve headaches method by costa Ricans who place it on their foreheads (Duke 2009).

Compared to traditional uses of the Afro-Mexicans, Hoja Santa has been used more often as a digestive aid with the leaves. They used it also for respiratory issues, because its aromatic properties relief cough and congestion.

Potential Health Benefits:

• Digestive aid: Relieves indigestion, bloating, and gastrointestinal discomfort
• Dietary benefits: Low in calories and fat, high in fiber, suitable for balanced and diabetic diets
• Women’s health: Traditionally used to facilitate childbirth and regulate menstrual flow
• Topical applications: Used for wounds, snakebites, and headaches
• Respiratory support: Utilized for coughs and other respiratory issues
• Anti-inflammatory: Potential to reduce inflammation
• Antimicrobial properties: Shows antifungal and antibacterial effects
• Chronic disease management: Possible anti-cancer, antidiabetic, and antiulcer properties
• Other potential benefits: Antiprotozoal, anti-venom, and insecticidal qualities
• Potential Aphrodisiac.