- Origin
- The Andes; naturalised in Mexico for centuries
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 822
Schinus molle
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Pirul (Peruvian pepper tree)
Schinus molle
A tree with aromatic leaves and pink berries, used in cleansing rituals and as a folk remedy.
Safety notes
Large amounts of the berries can cause stomach and bowel upset.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Large amounts of the berries can irritate the stomach and bowel.
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Not internally in pregnancy. May irritate the skin.
Preparation
Branches in a limpia; berries as a spice (pink pepper).
Use in traditions
Curanderos in Mexico sweep branches of pirul over the body during a limpia. In Peru, where the tree comes from and is called molle, healers use leaves and branches for rheumatism, bone pain, coughs and colds, as a rub or in a bath. More than a thousand years ago the Wari in the Andes already made a fermented drink, chicha, from the berries.
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
Curanderos brush the body with pirul branches during a limpia against fright and evil influences; leaf as tea for colds and rheumatism.
Preparation and amount
Branches in a limpia; berries as a spice (pink pepper).
Caution: Large amounts of the berries can irritate the stomach and bowel.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
For rheumatism and sciatica; the resin on wounds and in a hollow tooth.
Preparation and amount
Warm the leaves in the sun and lay them on the painful spot; the dried resin as a powder.
Caution: Not internally in pregnancy. May irritate the skin.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen