Justicia pectoralis (tilo)

Justicia pectoralis (syn. Dianthera pectoralis)

A low, creeping herb of the acanthus family. The dried leaf smells strongly of hay because of coumarin and umbelliferone. Reports of tryptamines in the plant have not been confirmed.

Safety notes

Contains coumarin: do not take for long or in large amounts, not with liver problems, and not together with blood thinners. Not in pregnancy. Snuffing belongs to the healers; do not copy it. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Medicine of the Tukano peoples (Vaupés): Contains coumarin: not for long, not with blood thinners, not in pregnancy.

Preparation

A decoction of the whole herb, drunk as a tea.

Use in traditions

In the Vaupés the Tukano peoples drink a decoction of the whole herb for lung complaints, and the Andoke of the Caquetá use it for serious illnesses. A narrow-leaved form (var. stenophylla) is grown near the houses by men, especially healers: the dried, fragrant leaf is mixed into the snuff made from Virola resin, or snuffed on its own. In the Caribbean and Cuba it is called tilo, and the tea is drunk as a calming remedy and general tonic.

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.

Medicine of the Tukano peoples (Vaupés)

Attributed effects

For lung complaints; the fragrant form is grown near the houses by the healers for their snuff.

Preparation and amount

Drink a decoction of the whole herb. The dried leaf of the narrow-leaved form is mixed into the snuff.

Caution: Contains coumarin: not for long, not with blood thinners, not in pregnancy.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Decoction

Sources

All herbs from South America →