Table 3 Medicinal plants for culinary use in indigenous biocultural
Botanical name | Local name | Parts of the plant used | Biocultural use |
|---|---|---|---|
Myrcianthes Fragrans | Myrtle Arrayan | Stem and leaves | The leaves possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, and farmers often rely on them to treat toothaches. Furthermore, the bark, prepared as a decoction, has proven efficacy in managing high cholesterol and diabetes [37] |
Chamaemelum nobile | Chamomile | Stems, leaves and flowers | This plant is known for its calming, antispasmodic, and digestive properties. It is typically consumed as an infusion with water or milk to alleviate digestive discomfort and menstrual cramps and can also be enjoyed as a soothing beverage [37] |
Borago officinalis | Borage | Leaves and stems | A plant with Old World tradition, borage is used to combat coughs. The infusion is effective in cases of the flu, fever, and cough, as it has diaphoretic and antitussive actions |
Origanum vulgare | Oregano | Leaves and stems | An infusion is made for stomach upset |
Tilia vulgaris | Linden flower | Flowers | Sometimes linden flowers are mistaken for elderflowers, but they are actually used to treat colds, coughs, and bronchitis. Elderflowers, on the other hand, are traditionally used to address nervous problems [37] |
Acacia melanoxylon R. Br | Eucalyptus | Leaves | There are over 160 species of this tree from Australia. It is a potent and common medicinal plant, with antiseptic, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be considered a natural antibiotic that facilitates the cleansing and expulsion of many toxins and microbes. It is used by laboratories to produce ointments useful for bruises and for people suffering from varicose veins, external traumas, and respiratory problems [37] |
Aristeguietia glutinosa | matico | Stem and leaves | It is used for poisoning 4 leaves in a liter of water |
Origanum majorana | Marjoram | Stem and leaves | An excellent calming and digestive plant. The leaves are advised to be taken as infusions frequently after meals, especially for dyspepsia [37] |
Anethum graveolens | Dill | Stems and leaves | It is used for stress and stomach colic |
Graveolens route | Rue | Stems and leaves | A plant from the Old World, considered an excellent circulatory and uterine tonic, calming and analgesic. The infusion can be taken to regulate menstrual disorders and circulatory conditions. It is also used for nervous crises and stomach pain [37] |
Aloysia trphylla (L'Hér.) Britton | Kidron | Leaves | As fresh water or as a digestive |
menthax piperita | Mint | Stems and leaves | For colds or stomach aches |
Petroselinum crispum | Parsley | Stem and leaves | Plaster is made to place in the mouth when there is guactpacto |
Melissa officinalis L | Melissa | Stems and leaves | It is given to women when they have colic with a little white onion |
Plantago major L | Plantain | Stem and leaves | It is a plant with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, purifying, refreshing, and calming properties. It is one of the plants classified by the WHO as the most used popularly [37] |
Aloe Vera (L)Burm. F | Aloe vera | Leaves | Aloe is extracted and used in pharmacies for its effects as a drastic purgative and cholagogue. In popular medicine, aloe crystals are consumed for bronchial problems and externally for inflammations and burns. Additionally, the liquefied crystal is used for the scalp as a tonic and excellent softener [37] |
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf | Lemon verbena | Leaves | It is a calming and analgesic plant. The infusion is recommended for nervous crises and stomach pain. It can be taken at night with apple water, lemon verbena, and chamomile to facilitate sleep [37] |
Verbena litoralis Kunth | Verbena | Stems and leaves | It is effective for bronchial problems, digestive irritations, liver congestions, fever, headaches, migraines, and external inflammations. The flowers, leaves, and stems can be used simultaneously [37] |
Taraxacum officinale FH Wigg | Taraxac | Stem and leaves | It is used to cleanse the liver and kidneys, the flower and leaves are used, this plant has been widely used as a diuretic and for liver cleansing. It has a bitter taste, and when taken continuously, it keeps the body clean [37] |
Peperomia peltigera | Patancoyuyo | Leaves | As relaxing and for the bad heart |
Clinopodium nubigenum (Kunth) Kuntze | Tiillo | Stems, leaves and flower | It is used for tummy pain and energy |
Urtica urens | Black nettle | Stems and leaves | It is used to soothe cramps and as a poultice for sprains It can be directly applied to combat rheumatism and hives, as the relationship is more benign. It is advisable to apply black nettle as a whip on the limbs in people with neuralgia, rheumatism, or with chronic symptoms of cold hands and feet [37] |