Abundant in the forests of Brazil, the country from which it originates, the hairy vine is a plant of the Polypodiaceae family. More common in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, Minas Gerais and São Paulo, the hairy vine is a shrub – it can reach 4 m in height – which has branches with an end covered with brown colored hair. Its leaves are opposite, denticulated and have a dark green color on the upper side and light green on the underside. Also known as hairy guaco, hairy guaco, almecega vine, and fence vine, its parts used for tea are the leaves. Scientific name Microgramma vacciniifolia , the vine has a bitter taste and its smell is aromatic.
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Properties and benefits
Among its active ingredients are tannins, aromatic and peptic materials. The plant has medicinal properties, antidiarrheal, diuretic, antinephritic, in addition to fighting chilblains, cracking and itchy skin, bloody sputum, gout, rheumatism, varicose veins, heart lesions and problems with dilated veins. It also acts as an anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, also fighting nephritis, dysentery, cystitis, pyelitis, urinary tract problems, neuralgia, body pain, kidney problems, urethritis, contusion and kidney stones.
How to prepare tea?
The tea should be prepared with the proportion of two tablespoons of hairy vine herb for each liter of water. In a container, add water and herb and heat. When it comes to a boil, let the mixture bubble for about ten minutes. Then turn off the heat, cover and let stand until warm. Strain and consume.
How to consume?
Its consumption can be in the form of capsules, tincture and infusion. All can be found in health food stores and some compounding pharmacies. Tea should be consumed two or three times a day.
Contraindications and side effects
No contraindications were found in the literature consulted. However, we indicate that, always before consuming any medication, whether natural or industrialized, you should consult your doctor. Plants and drugs can work by cutting or intensifying other drugs, or harming pre-existing problems.
It is also indicated that patients who use anticoagulants have constant clinical monitoring, since the vine-hair plant has a reducing effect on blood viscosity. Furthermore, patients who do not want the diuresis effect should not consume the plant.
