Matico what it is for We have received several questions about a very curative plant, but little known, the matico or odorous higuillo, some of them being the following: How to prepare matico water for the face? Could you tell me what the matico is for? Which are matico benefits and contraindications? Does the matico have contraindications? What are the matico medicinal properties and contraindications? Is it also called cordoncillo negro matico? What are the side effects and contraindications of matico?
Before answering these questions, we want to briefly discuss the botanical aspect of this plant.
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General and botanical aspects
The mático receives different names according to the place where it is found. In Peru it is called: matico, pioo. Peru and Colombia: matico female, cord. Venezuela: white cord. Trinity: oyuyu. Puerto Rico: higuillo, higuillo oloroso. Cuba: platanillo de Cuba, bayuyo, guayuyo, canilla de muerto. Others: ocuera, un-gushurato, ambaybillo, moceo moceo, higuillo, anisillo, menuda, tokondé, shiatani, Panama: worm. Chile: matico de huanuco. Chile and Bolivia: soldier’s grass. Brazil: aper-ta ruao, false matico.
The matico belongs to the piperaceae (pepper) family and is native to humid places in the temperate and warm zones of South America, especially Peru, Chile and Bolivia, although it extends north to Mexico.
Currently, it grows feral and as an invasive plant in many tropical areas of the world, especially in Asia.
It is a shrub 5 to 7 m tall, with a branched stem and knots. The leaves are perennial, alternate, coriaceous, simple and lanceolate, about 2o cm long with a petiole.
The small flowers are aromatic, light yellow in color and are born grouped in axillary or terminal inflorescences, forming 10 to 15 cm spikes, which are pollinated by the wind.
The fruit is a small drupe containing black seeds. The whole plant has an aromatic, pungent and spicy flavor and smell. The term matico is the same as in the species Buddleja globosa Lam., known as Chilean matico.
The term soldier’s grass and matico is due to the story of a Spanish soldier named Matías (nicknamed Matico) who cured his war wounds by applying this plant to them.
It was introduced into Western medicine as an astringent by a Liverpool doctor in 1839. In some countries, it is considered invasive due to its rapid growth, for example in New Guinea, where it quickly dries up the soil it colonizes. Let’s see now, matico benefits and contraindications.
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Benefits and properties
The matic contains flavonoids, alkaloids, sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanols, benzenoids and tannins. Highlights: asebogenin, betasitosterol, chalcones, copaene, various germacrenes, luteinsafrole, piperaduncins, sakuranetin, verbascoside, viridiflorol, maticin (active coloring principle) and antartic acid.
In the essential oil, there are ocimenes, terpineol, kaempferol, humulene, caryophyllene, camphor, limonene and thymol, which are responsible for its notable antiseptic action.
The bark and also the leaves are used, collected at the time of flowering.
The indications for matico leaves are multiple, and include bronchial disorders of all kinds (bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumoniaflu, cold and asthma)
Traditionally, it is considered a good remedy to treat bleeding stomach ulcers.
The matic is also used in genitourinary affections (cystitisurethritis, vaginitis, etc.), in which it acts as an antibacterial and antiviral with proven efficacy.
With the leaves, an infusion is prepared to wash and gargle in case of pharyngitis and hemorrhoidsas a healer of skin ulcers, in conjunctivitis and also for washing the genital area in case of irritations or infections.
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Utility of the plant and uses
Matico what is it for #1 Gastritis: Pour 15 g of matico leaves in a liter of water and boil for 10 minutes. After that time, cover and let cool. Take 3 cups a day after meals.
Matico what is it for #2 Antispasmodic The antispasmodic effect of this plant helps relieve muscle contractions that occur in cases of intestinal cramps and menstrual cramps. In this case, tea from the plant can help relieve pain. For this, hBoil 1 tablespoon of matica leaves in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Cover and let cool. Drink 2 cups a day.
Matico what is it for #3 vaginitis:Pour 30 g of matico leaves into a liter of water and boil for 10 minutes. Cover and let cool. Strain and use this preparation to wash (2 times a day)
Matico what is it for #4 Wounds Apply the crushed leaves on the affected area. especially when there is a lot of bleeding.
Matico what is it for #5 Acne Boil 1 tablespoon of chamomile and another of matico in a cup of water. Wash your face with this water daily.
Matico what is it for #6 Urinary problems The properties of the plant also help in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis and gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease. To do this, you must pour 40 grams of matico leaves into a liter of water. Then boil for 10 minutes. After that time, let cool and strain. Take this preparation throughout the day.
Matico what is it for #7 Hemorrhoids: In the case of hemorrhoids, squeezing is effective because it is a plant that helps treat inflammation and diarrhea. Therefore, you can drink the tea and make a sitz bath, but it is important to go to the doctor to see what stage the inflammation is in and see if this tea is appropriate in each case. Boil 40 grams of matico leaves in a liter of water for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat after that time and strain. Wash the external hemorrhoids area when the water is cool.
Let’s see, next, the matico contraindications and side effects.
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Contraindications and side effects
Matico contraindications #1 Avoid its consumption by people who are sensitive or allergic to pepper, since, as mentioned above, this plant belongs to that same family.
Matico contraindications #2 Avoid excessive consumption if you suffer from bleeding disorders or if you use medications that alter the coagulation process.
Matico contraindications #3 Do not take if you are taking anticoagulant drugs, as it can cause bleeding.
Matico contraindications #4 Do not take with fanti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and medications, such as irinotecan and cotrimoxazole. If you want to know more about matico contraindications and side effects, you can ask your question in the comment section.
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