The Herbal Expat

The Herbal Expat
A series of articles geared to inform, and open up the world of natural medicine.
Mother Nature contains many plants to help the human body cure illnesses and keep us healthy. Today, we’ll address pain, something we all experience throughout our lives. From mild to excruciating, there exist plants to ease, and sometimes eradicate, all pain. Three that are easily found in Nicaragua are Zorillo, Cola de Alacrán, and Cashew.
Zorillo (Petiveria alliacea) is unmistakable for it’s strong, sulphur-like odor. It’s also the strongest herbal that we’ve found to ease all kinds of pain symptoms. While the entire plant is useful, the roots of the Zorillo contain the strongest pain-killing properties.
Cola de Alacrán (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is known in other parts of the world as blue porterweed, and grows prolifically in Nicaragua. Like most plants in Mother Nature, it contains properties to cure a number of ills, but it is especially potent for pain.
Cashew (Anacardium accidentale) is another easy to find plant in this part of the world. The leaves from the cashew tree reduce inflammation, the primary cause of long term joint pain. It also quickly relieves the pain associated with dengue.
These plants, combined in a tea, or made into a tincture, are ideal for the home herbalist. As with any medicinal treatment, follow the advice of an expert before self-medicating. There are many leaves which appear similar, but can have negative side effects.
-Roger Goldsberry is a long-time resident of Nicaragua and is a practicing herbalist for more than 30 years. His wife, Melissa, has time on her hands to write.

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