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Herbs & Cultures

Tukano medicine →

Justicia pectoralis decoction for lung complaints

A decoction of the fragrant herb that Tukano healers grow by their houses, for lung complaints.

Traditional use

Time
20 minutes
Makes
2 cups
Justicia pectoralis (tilo)

Justicia pectoralis is a low herb that smells of hay and vanilla. Schultes and Raffauf described how the Tukano of the Vaupés drink a decoction of the whole herb for lung complaints; the healers grow the fragrant form by their houses, and the dried leaf also goes into their snuff. In the Caribbean the herb is known as a tea under the name carpenter grass.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp dried Justicia pectoralis
  • 500 ml water
  • Honey to taste

Step by step

  1. Bring the water to the boil with the herb.
  2. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain.
  3. Drink warm, with a little honey.

Tips

  • The dried herb is sometimes sold in Caribbean or Surinamese shops.

Registry

Herbs in this recipe

Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.

  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 981

    Justicia pectoralis (tilo)

    Justicia pectoralis (syn. Dianthera pectoralis)

    A low, creeping herb of the acanthus family. The dried leaf smells strongly of hay because of coumarin and umbelliferone. Reports of tryptamines in the plant have not been confirmed.

    Tukano medicine

Cultures and traditions

Where the herbs come from

The herbs in this recipe also appear in these traditions.