- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Mexico, Central America and northern South America; grown worldwide as an ornamental
- Traditions
- Curanderismo of northern Peru
South America · Herb · № 886
Cascabela thevetia (syn. Thevetia peruviana)
Herb · South America
Cabalonga (yellow oleander)
Cascabela thevetia (syn. Thevetia peruviana)
A shrub with yellow trumpet flowers, related to oleander. All parts, especially the seeds, contain cardiac glycosides that act on the heart.
Safety notes
Highly toxic: even a few seeds can cause fatal heart rhythm disorders, also when dried or boiled. Keep out of reach of children.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Highly toxic to the heart and body; can be fatal.
Preparation
Do not prepare or use it yourself.
Use in traditions
In northern Peru also called maichil or camalonga. The Moche wore the hard seeds as ankle rattles, as their pottery shows, and remains have been found in elite graves. Curanderos still use the seeds in protective bottles and in rituals against evil forces.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
The seeds in protective bottles and in rituals against evil forces.
Preparation and amount
Do not prepare or use it yourself.
Caution: Highly toxic to the heart and body; can be fatal.