By Stefano Silvestri
Reading time 1'
Today we talk about a shrub that grows spontaneously in our forests and on the banks of the road, the Coralillo (Hamelia patens), a Rubiaceae (coffee family). In addition to being an ornamental plant with flowers that attract butterflies and birds, it is one of the most important medicinal plants in our area.
Instructions for use:
Taken as an infusion of leaves, it reduces headaches and stomach pains, as it relieves gastritis, fights anemia and dysentery, and lowers fever.
The root infusion is used to treat diabetes, rheumatism and kidney stones.
The most effective thing about this plant is its external use in baths, for skin problems, especially healing wounds, vaginal washings and rheumatism.
It reproduces by seeds and cuttings.
Let's plant it in our gardens!
Oropopo is the reserve where the medicinal plants presented in this section grow. Stefano Silvestri acquired these lands to dedicate them to conservation due to their contiguity with the Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve and also has species of medicinal plants that he uses to make various remedies. Stefano teaches herbalism courses and donates the profits to Somos Congos.
The name of the reserve is given by the Oropopo owl (Spectacled owl), famous for its spectacle-wearing appearance.
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