Originally from South America, currently used by the cabocla population, the cowboy basil is a plant of the lamiaceae family. It is also known as a cowboy medicine and is easily found in hot climates. In natural medicine, the plant can be used to treat some diseases, through its root and leaves.

Its use was widespread among the caboclo population, as it was one of the only resources available for the treatment of diseases.

Cowboy basil has a woody stem and little branching. Its leaves are oval in shape, covered with fine fluff. It has tiny white flowers, which cluster in spikes at the apex of the branches.

Cowboy basil properties

The plant has many medicinal properties, including carminative, antitussive, pectoral, stimulating, sweating, expectorant, antispasmodic and litagogue.

Therefore, it is effective in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, flu, colds, kidney colic and kidney stones. The most commonly used form of treatment is as tea, from the root of the plant.

Its use is widespread among adults and children. However, depending on age, the indication for ingestion varies, as well as the amount of the plant that should be used to prepare the tea.

Cowboy basil tea

Ingredients

  • 1 liter of boiling water;
  • 2 tablespoons of crushed plant root and leaves.

Method of preparation

To prepare the cowboy basil tea, just bring the water to a boil. Then just add the two spoons of the plant. Wait about five minutes with the fire going and then turn it off.

Leave the mixture to steep for about 10 minutes. Then, use a sieve to strain and the drink is ready to drink. It is recommended that cowboy basil tea be ingested up to three times a day, after meals.

See too:

5 teas to cure colds and flu