Suncatcher, Sinicuichi (Nahuatl)
Botanical Family : Lythraceae
Native to : Mexico
Researched by : Belinda Weatherly
Botanical Family:
Lythraceae
The Loosestrife Family. Contains many popular shrubs and trees like Pomegranate, cultivated Crape myrtles, and plants like the purple loosestrife and henna.
Cultivation:
Natural range : Southwestern United States southward into Argentina.
Perennial shrub growing 4-8 ft tall with yellow blooms from July thru October.
Full sun, good drainage, consistent moisture, cold hardy to -10 C. Comes back from the roots.
Prune to shape and remove damaged and dead wood. No pest problems.
Propagation : Seeds are tiny so home propagation by cuttings is recommended.
Folklore & Traditional Uses:
Shamanic use – leaves are placed in a jar with cool water and allowed to brew and ferment for 24 hours. The resulting liquid is called ‘elixir of the sun’.
Used by the Aztecs to see into the future and for mild euphoria.
Folk reputation : Antisyphilitic, sudorific, antipyretic, laxative and diuretic activity. Also used in postpartum baths and in wound healing.
Modern & Medicinal Uses:
Modern herbal healers use it for its purported calming effect. Used for mental clarity.
Scientific studies indicate two of the alkaloids have use as anti-inflammatories and diuretic.
Various reports of mild psychoactivity have been reported with little to no scientific evidence.
Caution: Traditional use indicates it is relatively safe but it has not been studied sufficiently to
recommend it without medical supervision.
References:
Malone, Marvin; Rather, Ana. “Heimia salicifolia: A photochemical and phytopharmacologic
review”, Journal of Ethnopharmacology volume 42, issue three, May 1994.
Wikipedia
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, https://www.wildflower.org/.
Return to Mexico
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It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.
