- Origin
- North America (Central America, Caribbean)
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 583
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Queen of the night
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, relaxing; strengthens the heart muscle and heart function (also in the elderly), relieves chest tightness and restricted breathing.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Not with mitral valve disease or very high blood pressure. 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)
- Western herbalism: Not with mitral valve disease or very high blood pressure. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
This cactus flowers for only one night a year. Mexican and Caribbean folk medicine used the plant for heart complaints, and 19th-century homeopathy and Eclectic medicine adopted 'cactus grandiflorus' for palpitations and angina pectoris. Evidence for this use is lacking.
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.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Tonic, relaxing; strengthens the heart muscle and heart function (also in the elderly), relieves chest tightness and restricted breathing.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tincture.
Caution: Not with mitral valve disease or very high blood pressure. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tincture