Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Mirabilis jalapa L.


English Name : Marvel-of-Peru, Four o' clock

Family : Nyctaginaceae

Origin : South America

Description
It is a perennial plant that reaches a height of 50 to 100 cm from a tuberous root. Some cultivated species also can grow up to a meter in height. It produces beautiful flowers that usually open around 4 o'clock in the afternoon-hence its common name, four o'clocks. It is a popular ornamental plant grown worldwide for the beauty of its flowers (which can be white, red, pink, purple, or multicolored) and their sweet fragrance.

Parts Used : Leaves, root and flowers

Herb Effects
The root is aphrodisiac, diuretic and purgative; abortive, antibacterial, anticandidal, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic, uterine stimulant.

Active Ingredients
Beta-amyrin, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol-beta D-glucoside, trigonelline.

Medicinal Use
It is used in the treatment of dropsy. The leaves are used to reduce inflammation. A decoction of them is used to treat abscesses. The leaf juice is used to treat wounds, conjunctivitis, edema, diarrhoea, indigestion,fungal infections, inflammation, pains and swellings.A paste of the root is applied as a poultice to treat scabies and muscular swellings.

Dosage
For viruses and candida generally one-half cup of a standard root infusion or 1-2 ml of a 4:1 tincture is taken twice daily. 1 gram of powdered root in capsules or tablets twice daily can be substituted if desired.

Reference

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