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Allthorn Castela

Compilation by Armando Gonzalez Stuart, PhD

Scientific Name:

Castela texana

Botanical Family:

Simaroubaceae

Other Common Name:

Allthorn castela, Bitter bark (Schoenhals, 1988; White, 2002).

Common names in Spanish:

Chaparro amargo, Chaparro amargoso, Chaparro prieto, Corona de Cristo, Amargosa, Bisbirinda.

*Some of the common names in Spanish used in Mexico may also refer to other closely related species, which have similar medicinal properties.

Where is it found?

  • This thorny shrub is native to the semi-arid and subtropical regions of Mexico.

Parts of the plant used:

  • The branches, leaves, and roots.

How is it used?

  • The dried twigs are boiled in water to make a very bitter-tasting tea.
  • The decoction can also be applied externally as a wash.
  • Tinctures made from the plant and taken orally as drops
  • Capsules containing the dried and pulverized bark are also sold in stores

What is it used for?

  • In Mexican traditional medicine, the tea made from this shrub has various applications (some of which are yet unproven), such as the following:
  • Anti-protozoan (amoebas), antiviral, astringent, and  anti-eczema
  • For gastrointestinal problems
  • To treat  colitis, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and leukemia
  • As a liver tonic
  • Against malaria
  • To improve appetite
  • To improve visión
  • For gall bladder problems, a decoction made for the root is taken as a tea, in the mornings before breakfast
  • Externally, the decoction of the leaves and twigs are applied as a wash or poultice to treat eczema and psoriasis
  • A tincture made from the branches is applied as drops on the skin to treat acne.

 

Safety / Precautions

Safety/Precautions:

  • The safety of using products made from this plant (either internally or externally) during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.
  • Avoid taking this plant during pregnancy and lactation.
  • Experiments with laboratory animals indicate that the plant may decrease the number of red blood cells, as well as cause congestion of the veins, chronic kidney inflammation, and acute hepatitis.
  • The tea should not be taken continuously for more than 20 days, since its active ingredients may accumulate in the liver.

Before you decide to take any medicinal herb or herbal supplement, be sure to consult with your health care professional first. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication: Always be on the safe side!

 

References:

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    Monterrey, N.L.: Ediciones Castillo; 2000; pp. 50-51.
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    Tucson, AZ: Western National Parks Association: 1993; p. 29.
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    New York; Fireside Books; 1990; p. 96.
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    Tucson, AZ: Southwest Parks and Museums Association; 1985; p. 12.
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    Monterrey, N.L.: Vitro-IMSS; 1998; p. 29.
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    Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1999; p. 174.
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    México, D.F.: Editorial Botas; 1989; pp. 100-104.
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    México, D.F.: Fondo de Cultura Económica; 1994; p. 1076.
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    Mexico City: Summer Institute of Linguistics: 1988; p. 137.
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