BE CAREFUL WITH FAKE MEDICINAL PLANTS
(Satureja viminea) Menta de palo
Costa Rica has a long history of medicinal plant folklore. In the past before modern medicines, pharmacies and doctors, medicinal plants played the most important role in healing indigenous tribes and colonists. Today, medicinal plants have taken a complementary or alternative choice for healing and preventative health care. The study of medicinal plants has also taken on a new phase as researchers identify the chemical compounds and active ingredients of each plant to give us a deeper understanding how they function to help us with restoring our health. And in some cases, certain plants have been discovered to be toxic with harmful secondary effects. Here are some examples of plants that have been used as medicine, but are now considered inappropriate for medicinal purposes. Hernan Rodriquez Navas, a leading expert on medicinal plants of Costa Rica and author of the book La Utilidad De Las Plantas Medicinales En Costa Rica explains that the popular herb know as menta de palo (Satureja viminea ) is grown in many patios around the country. However, it contains several toxic compounds that can induce stomach cancer. He advises to eliminate this plant from the herb garden, and instead, use hierba buena or mint (Mentha spp.), which is a safe and effective alternative.
Another popular plant, sorosí or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) was studied by a team of scientists in the Caribbean region. They discovered several toxic alkaloids that could cause liver damage. Rodriguez also notes that excess use can cause loss of vision. Dandelion root and turmeric are two safe alternatives.
Rue or ruda (Ruta graveolens) is another example of a European herb that was brought to Central America by the colonists. Used for centuries as a traditional herb, but investigations have cast serious doubts on its value. The powerful oil in rue may cause skin eruptions when used externally, as well as nausea, vomiting, delirium, tremors and unconsciousness, if taken as a tea.
Shrub verbena or lantana (Lantana camara) is another plant used traditionally for healing, but scientists caution against its use, which can cause skin eruptions, nausea, vomiting and weakness.
Rose periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) contains 72 compounds, some useful, some toxic. Two valuable compounds, vincristine and vinblastine are now extracted to make medications for treating Hodgkins disease and various types of leukemia, however, use of the whole plant can cause kidney and nervous disorders, if taken internally. Finally, Rodriguez mentions that Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a wonderful plant for aiding in digestion, calming the nerves and to help regulate menstruation. Although chamomile is not toxic, it has a particular caution. If a person is taking pharmaceuticals for chronic aliments, drinking chamomile tea can interfere with the actions of these drugs. Fortunately, the number of toxic medicinal plants are few, but it is wise to study a new herb before you begin to use it to improve your health.
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