Medical
HERBS AND PLANTS OF SOUTH TEXAS
PERLA GONZALEZ
Welcome
This digital scrapbook is made to explore the medical herbs and plants in South Texas. With this digital scrapbook, I hope to familiarize the residents in the Rio Grande Valley with local plants that they can use for medical purposes. the citation for the first part of the scrapbook are present in the essay.
For Blood Sugar Regulation
Herbal remedies for regulating blood sugar
Medical Purpose
The prickly pear plant is prominent in South Texas. Its medical properties consistof
Bloodsugarregulation
Relieveinflammation
Relievesirritaiton
Prickly Pear plant
https://www.gardendesign.com/succulents/prickly-pear.html
Preperation:
The green part of the nopal can be harvested and peeled off its spiky spines. Once spine free, it can be cut and cooked with other things. Most common with other vegetables or eggs.
L O C A T I O N : S O U T H T E X A S , N E A R M O S T B A C K R O A D S A N D F E N C E S .
Yucca Root
Medical Purpose Preparation:
Yucca Root, also known as Spanish Dagger, grows in South Texas. Its medical properties are antibacterial and anti-fungal:
Helps with high blood presssure
Diabetes
Joint pain
https://recipes.net/articles/what-is-yuca/
Can be applied topically in lotion or soaps. It can also be ingested as a powder.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/ca ssava/growing-cassava-yuca.htm
L O C A T I O N : G R O C E R Y S T O R E S ( H E B )
For Inflammation
Herbs and plants remedies for indigestion
Purple Passionfruit
Medical Purpose
Has a long history of use, stemming from indigenous communities. It may help with:
Earaches
Inflammation
Boils
Helps with stress
https://www.urbanharvest.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/06/Passion-Fruit-2018.pdf
Preparation:
The fruit can be eaten. The leaves stem and petals can be boiled for tea.
This plant lasts for extended periods of time.
L O C A T I O N : S O U T H A N D C E N T R A L T E X A S
Honey Locust
Medical Purpose
Honey Locust has been around since the pre-colonization of the Americas. They have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help with:
indigestion
Sore throats
Preparation:
Honey Locust are trees with thin brown stems and oval-shaped leaves. They produce an oval-shaped pod and its insides can be eaten, as long as they're unripe.
https://rangeplants.tamu.edu/plant/honey-locust/
L O C A T I O N : S O U T H & C E N T R A L T E X A S , P A R T I C U L A R L Y D R Y P A R T S
Chile Pequin
Medical Purpose
Chile pequin is native to south
Preparation:
e the
Can be made into a tincture by dissolving 1:10 of the berries in alchohol or oil.
d g i b d e.
T
L O C A T I O N : S O U T H T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S , I N C L U D I N G T E X A S
Non-Native Herbs and Plants
Herbs and plants that my interviewees, mentioned that could aid others
Albahaca (Sweet Basil)
Medical Purpose Preparation:
The health benefits of using sweet basil are:
Blood sugar regulation
Reduce inflammation
Antibacterial properties for abdomen, skin, or respiratory system.
hhttps://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefitsbasil#:~:text=The%20eugenol%20in%20basil%20can,and%20 blood%20vessels%20to%20relax.
Respiratory: Boil the plant in water till it steams, once it has reached a steam point, removed it from heat sources and breathe in the fumes slowly.
Consume: Basil can be added to salads and other foods.
H O W T O G E T I T : A T Y O U R L O C A L G R O C E R Y S T O R E
Estafiate Medical Purpose
The most common medical use for Estafiate is for treatments relating to the digestive system. The leaves and stems treat stomachache, diarrhea, fever, and expel worms
Preparation:
The stem and leaves are steeped in water and boiling to make a tea.
https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbalfacts/herbal%20facts%20sheet/estafiate.html
H O W T O G E T I T : O N L I N E A T A M A Z O N . C O M A N D T H E L O C A L H E B
Manuka Honey
Medical Purpose
Contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Can improve oral health
Can treat a sore throat
Treat wounds (FDA approved)
Preparation:
Honey is harvested from bees that only pollinate the Manuka tree. The pollination process allows good properties from the Manuka tree to be passed onto the Honey.
https://www.amazon.com/HoneyAustralia-Premium-ManukaPure/dp/B07GBNZ218
H O W T O G E T I T : C A N O N L Y O R D E R O N L I N E F R O M N E W Z E A L A N D O R A U S T R A L I A
Guava Leaves Medical Purpose
Guava leaves are high in vitamin C. and are rich in antioxidants and fiber. They may also:
Lower blood sugar levels
May reduce menstruation
pain
Help with dietary pains
https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/ditch-chemicalbased-products-and-embrace-this-diy-guava-leaves-hair-serum101630311912494.html
Preparation:
Leaves are cleaned, and placed in water. Bring the water and leaves to a boil to prepare a tea.
https://www amazon com/Dried-WholeGuava-Leaves-Natural/dp/B088BY9L9B
H O W T O G E T I T : O R D E R I T O N A M A Z O N . C O M