Jambu, also known as abecedária, wild cress, Brazilian cress, jabuaçú or even by the name of jamaburana, is a plant used for medicinal purposes and widely used also to prepare a typical dish from Pará called tacacá.

Native to regions such as the Northeast and North of Brazil, the plant, known as jambu, has dark green leaves that are edible, from which jambu oil, common in the treatment of various diseases, is produced.

Scientific name spilanthes acmella , the Brazilian plant can be found in natural food stores, supermarkets and street markets.

Benefits

The plant can be used as a natural medicine for the treatment of candidiasis, herpes, toothache. It can also be used to treat other conditions, such as gallstones, weakness, skin problems, cough, pulmonary tuberculosis and gingivitis. A natural source of vitamin C, the plant is also effective in treating malaria, dyspepsia, mouth and throat infections.

Its benefits are derived from some of its properties, such as anesthetic, antifungal, diuretic, antiviral, antiseptic and immune system stimulating action.

making tea

To prepare jambu tea, you will need:

– 10 grams of jambu leaves

– 500 ml of water

In a container, put the water and bring to fire. Wait until the liquid comes to a boil and then turn off. Then place the jambu leaves and cover, leaving it to rest for approximately ten minutes. Strain and consume as soon as you feel the temperature is satisfactory for drinking. The recommended dose is one cup up to three times a day.

Other forms of consumption

There are also alternative ways to consume the plant. It can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in certain culinary dishes, such as tacacá, or in jambu pizzas.

It is a light food: each 100 grams of jambu has only 32 calories, 1.9 grams of protein, plus significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.

Side effects and contraindications

The consumption of the plant is contraindicated for pregnant women, because among its side effects, the main one is the increase in the contractions of the uterus, which can cause a miscarriage.