- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Central and southern Chile and Argentina, from the coast into the Andes
- Traditions
- Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 859
Maytenus boaria
Herb · South America
Maitén
Maytenus boaria
A graceful tree with drooping twigs and fine leaves that cattle love to eat. Traditionally for fever and skin rash; research is lacking.
Safety notes
Little studied; not in pregnancy. See a doctor for severe skin reactions. 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)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Not in pregnancy. See a doctor for swelling or blisters.
Preparation
Leaves as a tea or decoction; externally as a wash on the skin.
Use in traditions
Maitén is a Mapuche name that the botanist Molina adopted as the genus name Maytenus. The leaf decoction was drunk for fever and as a mild laxative. It is known as a wash for the itchy rash that contact with the litre shrub (Lithraea caustica) can cause.
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
Drunk for fever; as a wash on itchy rash after contact with the litre shrub.
Preparation and amount
Boil a handful of leaves for 10 minutes; let it cool for a wash.
Caution: Not in pregnancy. See a doctor for swelling or blisters.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Decoction