Jalacate
StarCalea urticifolia
Synonyms: Calea pellucidinerva, Galinsoga serrata, Calea axillaris var. urticifolia, Calea cacosmoides, Solidago urticifolia, Calea axillaris, Galinsoga brachiata, Calea brachiata, Caleacte urticifolia, Mocinna serrata, Calea urticifolia var. axillaris, Mocinna brachiata, Calea urticifolia var. yucatanensis
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Mexican and Central American folk medicine, a tea or infusion of the leaves of jalacate (Calea urticifolia) is taken for gastric complaints and ulcers, fever, diabetes, inflammation and pain, and is applied for skin sores; the Xi'uy (Pame) community of San Luis Potosi and traditional healers of the Yucatan are among those who use it for inflammation and pain (Sanchez-Mendoza et al., 2016).
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Botanical Description
Calea urticifolia, known in Mexico and Central America as jalacate or by the historical Nahuatl-derived name ahuapatli, is a shrub or coarse herb in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native from Mexico through Central America. It typically grows 1 to 3 metres tall with branching stems and opposite, ovate to lance-shaped leaves that have toothed (serrate) margins and a rough, somewhat nettle-like surface, reflected in the species epithet urticifolia ("nettle-leaved"). The small flower heads are grouped into branched, flat-topped clusters and bear yellow ray and disc florets in the typical composite form. It grows in disturbed ground, scrub, roadsides, pastures and forest margins in tropical and subtropical zones. The plant is rich in sesquiterpene lactones (germacranolides) and phenolic compounds such as caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and flavonoids. It should not be confused with the related Mexican "dream herb" Calea ternifolia (C. zacatechichi), which is a distinct species with different uses.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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