- Origin
- North America (Mexico, Caribbean)
- Sanskrit
- Satyanasi
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Curanderismo
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 420
Argemone mexicana
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Mexican prickly poppy
Argemone mexicana
Traditionally attributed effects: root diuretic, cleansing, pain-relieving, sleep-inducing; seeds laxative, emetic, expectorant; for oedema, jaundice, skin diseases, warts, scabies, gonorrhoea, tapeworm, cough and asthma.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
In Mexico the plant is called chicalote; the Aztecs used the yellow sap on eyes and warts. The weed spread throughout the tropics and was adopted into Ayurveda in India as satyanasi. The seeds resemble mustard seed: adulteration of mustard oil with argemone oil has caused major waves of poisoning (epidemic dropsy) in India. Sanskrit name: Satyanasi.
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.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Root diuretic, cleansing, pain-relieving, sleep-inducing; seeds laxative, emetic, expectorant; for oedema, jaundice, skin diseases, warts, scabies, gonorrhoea, tapeworm, cough and asthma.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: decoction, powder, juice, oil (partly external).
Caution: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen