Healing properties of calaguala Recently we have been asked about a fern called calaguala, native to Central America, what are its properties, contraindications and side effects.
Before being able to respond to this concern, it is positive, first, to know this plant from the botanical point of view.
The calaguala whose scientific name Polypodium leucotomos is part of the group of rhizomatous ferns and the rhizome normally has a diameter between 8 and 15 mm, reaching 30 mm in exceptional cases.
The fronds are various shades of green, from glaucous to glossy. They are very large in size, starting from 30 cm to 130 cm long, with a width between 10 and 30 cm and a maximum of 35.
The fronds have wavy margins and tend to be extremely lobed (or pinnatifid, in botanical terms). Let’s see, next, the healing properties of calaguala.
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calaguala healing properties
Ferns, like calaguala, are one of the oldest plants still surviving today and have traditionally been used in medicine since the earliest days of mankind. Ferns are considered to have a number of similar general properties: they cleanse the blood, provide an energy boost, and are useful in treating upper tract respiratory problems, especially as an expectorant. The calaguala is no exception, being effective against these diseases.
In the Honduran rainforests, local tribes have long used it in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of problems. The Classic Maya even included Polypodium leucotomos in their daily diet as tea, believing in its ability to remove toxins from the blood. It is still widely used in the country today and the tea is considered to be effective against various types of health problems.
The most frequent use of calaguala is as an infusion, for its anti-inflammatory properties and against skin diseases. The skin problems that are treated with an oral dose of calaguala are very diverse: from eczema and inflammation to skin depigmentation (vitiligo), psoriasis, dermatitis, or the shedding of unusually dark patches of skin (this condition is called melasma).
However, drinking calaguala tea can also protect the skin against UV rays and sunburn, as well as PMLE (or Polymorphic Light Eruption). It is also useful in the treatment of melanoma (skin cancer) and other forms of cancer, as well as Alzheimer disease.
Modern calaguala research is far from complete, but some studies have focused on its effects on degenerative diseases. Based on some preliminary results, a daily dose of 360mg of Polypodium leucotomos extract for 4 weeks can potentially help patients with dementia in a moderate stage, partially restoring his mental strength. Interestingly, a separate study has not been able to observe any positive effect after administering a double dose of 720mg of extract. These contrasting results are difficult to explain and more studies are needed.
Scientists have also investigated claims that calaguala can protect against the damaging action of direct sunlight. According to the partial results of a study, an extract of calaguala reduces the damage caused to the skin and prevents it from becoming red. Another study also found that calaguala extracts and lotions protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and decrease sun damage.
There are several theories why calaguala is effective against sunburn and UV rays. Most plausibly, the combination of antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatories it has a double action: it protects the skin from most of the damage and allows it to heal faster afterwards. Another possible explanation is the oral administration of calaguala extract. This allows it to reach the bloodstream and work from the inside, healing tissue in areas where normal products applied to the skin cannot reach.
This fern is very rich in phenols, which are believed to have strong antioxidant activity. These are capable of neutralizing free radicals produced after exposure to direct sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet radiation, protecting the skin from erythema and stopping any oxidation of the cells.
As a result, the risk of sunburn is reduced and the red skin effect after sun exposure is diminished. Free radicals generated by sun exposure, particularly highly active oxygen molecules, are also to blame for numerous skin problems. Calaguala extract can eliminate them and prevent skin aging, avoiding permanent DNA damage.
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Contraindications and side effects of calaguala
The plant is contraindicated for patients with coagulation disorders, thrombocytopenia, chronic diarrhea, heart problems, diabetes, allergies to ferns.
No contraindications were found regarding its use during pregnancy or lactation, but it is important to avoid its use during this period, precisely because its effects in that period of time are still unknown.
Some patients have side effects from consumption, but it is rare. They may involve respiratory difficulties, heart failure, seizures, tremors, vertigo, diarrhea, nausea, dyspnea, headaches, photosensitivity, among others.
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