AGAVE
agave americana
AGAVE
agave americana
Other Names:
Azaba
,
Cabuya
,
Calamaco
,
Caraguatá
,
chaguar
,
Champage
Blue Chuchau,
Cocu
,
CUCUISA
,
Henequen
,
Mezcal
, Penca, Pita.
It
was
known more than 150 species of
agave
, very similar in appearance and its properties, scattered throughout
Mexico
and
Central
America
who were employed by the ancient Aztecs for medicinal purposes. They were introduced in Spain in the sixteenth century, and spread quickly along the Mediterranean coast.
Agave
and similar species, you get
a
fiber with which strings are produced. The fleshy leaves of some species of
agave
that are grown in
Mexico
, produce
a
sugary sap or juice, known as mead. Since it
was
developed several highly toxic liquor by its high
alcohol
content, such as pulque, the tequila and
mezcal
.
Habitat:
originating in
Central
America
, own land and semi - high. Widely grown in the
valley
of Oaxaca (
Mexico
) He is
a
naturalized in the Mediterranean countries, especially in parks and gardens.
Description:
plant of the
family
of Amarilidáceas, which is notable for its great ribs or basal leaves (one meter or more in length) fleshy, finished edge, and with the thorny edges. The flowers are gathered together in
a
central
stalk up to 6 meters in height.
Used parts:
the roots, leaves and sap.
Properties and indications:
all plants of the genus
Agave
contain steroidal glycosides, among them the hecogenina, as well as saponins. They must, the root and leaves, its diuretic effect and depurative of blood, so it is used with good results in cases of edema and fluid retention.
In
Mexico
and
Central
American
countries, the
agave
is used traditionally in
infectious
diseases
, digestive
disorders
, and in cases of jaundice and
hepatitis
.
Externally, the juice or sap flowing from the stalk is
vulnerary
and healing. Compresses applied in bruises and wounds on the skin.
Use:
infuse with 30 grams of dried leaves or root crushed in
a
liter
of water, which consume 3 or 4 cups
a
day sweetened with honey.
Externally, in towels with the juice or sap of leaves, which are applied over the area of affected skin.
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