Matico

Buddleja globosa

A shrub with orange, ball-shaped flowers. The leaf contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as verbascoside; clinical research on wound healing is lacking.

Safety notes

Little studied; do not use in pregnancy. Have deep or infected wounds and persistent stomach complaints assessed by a doctor.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Healing traditions of the Americas: Not in pregnancy. Have deep, infected or slow-healing wounds assessed by a doctor.

Preparation

Leaf as a tea for stomach complaints; as a decoction or compress on wounds, burns and ulcers.

Use in traditions

Pañil in Mapudungun. A well-known Chilean home remedy, also among the Mapuche, especially for wounds, burns, sores and stomach ulcers, and for bowel complaints. The leaf also gave a brown dye and was sometimes smoked instead of tobacco. Note: in Peru a different plant, Piper aduncum, is also called matico.

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

As a tea for stomach complaints; as a wash or compress on wounds and burns.

Preparation and amount

Steep a teaspoon of dried leaf for 10 minutes as a tea; for external use boil it stronger and let it cool.

Caution: Not in pregnancy. Have deep, infected or slow-healing wounds assessed by a doctor.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Decoction Compress, poultice and paste

Sources

All herbs from South America →