It is known that the estate of the guaco were used by natives for cure poisonous animal bites and poisonous fauna bitesin addition to working as a home remedy for some ailments.
The plant is commonly found in the tropical forests of the south of MexicoIt is a plant belonging to the family aristolochiaceaewhich contains some of the largest flowers on the American continent.
It corresponds to one-piece shoots with a tubular or curved funnel shape, in addition to presenting a widening shape from its basal end. It has a faint cream color that tends to be greenish white.
It has an extension ending in a tongue and an elongated appendage. It’s kind of perennial climbing plant and that in the Mexican territory is known as guaco either tlacopatli (in nahuatl).
For a long time this plant has been used by indigenous groups of the Republic and Central America as traditional medicine to combat feverishthat is, fevers, as a remedy emmenagogueto cause menstruation in women, as sudorific and as an aid in the treatment of pain rheumatic or bones.
The above because it has properties antiseptic, analgesic, antiasthmatic, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, diureticantimicrobial, antipyretic, antirheumatic and some others that help to counteract the symptoms of some illnesses and diseases.
Some of the ailments in which it can be an assistant are:
– bites: This plant is known to work as an excellent ancestral antidote to cure snake bites, although it has not been scientifically proven, various naturopathic doctors attribute that property to it.
– Flu: one of the variations of the plant known as guaco cabel is recognized for having expectorant properties. It is recommended to consume it to relieve symptoms related to the flu, cold or catarrh, additionally it helps to calm coughs and congestion.
– Rheumatism: users who suffer from rheumatism can resort to the plant, since it contains active ingredients that give it antirheumatic properties.
It should be noted that it can act as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic to soothe pain, it is also used to treat arthritis, contractures or discomfort caused by lumbago or sciatica. For this it will be necessary to apply it in the form of a poultice or by means of a bath.
– Drop: the plant is credited with eliminating the accumulation of uric acid through urine, in addition, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, it reduces ailments.
– Diarrhea: Guaco infusions help stop episodes of diarrhea, reduce colic and regulate intestinal transit.
– Urinary infection: since it has diuretic virtues, allowing to increase the amount of urine expelled.
It is worth mentioning that it is not the only plant that helps treat bites, because according to the Atlas of the Plants of Traditional Mexican Medicine from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), another of its derivatives is the lianawhich is characterized by being woody and because it can measure up to 6 meters.
The liana is native to Quintana Roo and it is popular because it has records that it helps to counteract the effects of snake bitesfor this it is only necessary to chew the root or use fresh leaves in the affected area, additionally it is known to be an aid in headaches.
Likewise, the infusions made with the root of the plant are used to lose weight, treat kidney diseases, reduce fever, cough, relieve rheumatism and as a diuretic, since it eliminates toxins from the body by expelling urine.
