Guaco (bejuco): what is it for, how to use it and contraindications

El guaco o bejuco, scientific name Mikania glomerata Spreng, It is a medicinal plant with several analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiarrheal properties. Their products are used to treat respiratory problems due to their powerful bronchodilator and expectorant effects.

This plant is also called snake hierba because its hojas can be used in the form of a poultice on the bite of a culebra, as well as the bites of poisonous animals such as the scorpion, for example, inhibiting its toxic effect.

The guaco or bejuco can be acquired in natural products stores and in some manipulation pharmacies.

what is it for

The guaco poses several compounds, including coumarin, responsible for the bronchodilator action due to which it allows the relaxation of the smooth muscles of breathing. Therefore, the guaco is used in cases of:

• bronchitis
• The flu;
• Asthma
• Tos;
• snoring;
• Inflammation in the throat.

Asimismo, el guaco is used to treat allergies, skin infections, gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatism and neuralgias, and that has antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, spasmodic, antimicrobial, antipyretic and antirheumatic properties.

Its use for the treatment of any illness must be guided by a phytotherapist or physician specialized in the use of medicinal plants.

How to use the guaco

The guaco can be used in the form of jarabe, being able to be bought in the pharmacies, having to be taken according to the indications of the manufacturer. For therapeutic purposes, the plants are used, as indicated in the continuation:

1. Tea of ​​guaco

Ingredients

• 3 g of dried hojas or 5 g of guaco fresh hojas;
• 150 ml of boiling water

preparation method

Place las hojas de guaco in 150 ml of water, soaking for 10 minutes. Afterwards, paste and take. This can even be taken up to 3 times a day. See other guaco tea recipes to combat la tos.

2. Tincture of guaco

Ingredients

• 100 g of crushed hojas de guaco;
• 300 ml of alcohol at 70º.

preparation method

The tincture can be prepared by placing 100 grams of crushed guaco beans in a dark bottle with 300 ml of alcohol at 70°. Leave to rest for 2 weeks in a cool and ventilated place, shaking the mixture once a day. Paste and place in a compress on the affected region.

The tincture is only for external use.

side effects

The secondary effects of guaco include bleeding, increased heart rate, vomiting and diarrhea. Due to the fact that guaco contains coumarin, it can worsen the clinical conditions where there is a lack of air and symptoms, in people with allergy to this component.

Contraindications

Guaco is contraindicated in people with allergy to this plant, with liver problems, who use anticoagulants, in children under 1 year of age, during pregnancy and maternal breastfeeding.