Marcelinha , or macela, is a herbaceous plant native to South America that appears in warmer areas. It is a plant that appears annually and has elongated, membranous leaves, full of hair and very thin.

Marcelinha is commonly found on roadsides and land , but it should only be picked when its flowers appear, which occurs between the months of March and May.

Thanks to the therapeutic properties of its flowers, this plant is used in natural medicine to treat a range of health conditions.

Properties and benefits of marcelinha

The medicinal properties of marcelinha include its astringent, anti-algic, anodyne, anti-asthmatic, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antiepileptic, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, carminative, soothing for digestive problems, febrifuge, sedative, sweating, tonic, antiseptic, aperient, digestive, emmenagogue, stomach, among others.

Due to its properties, marcelinha tea is indicated to aid in the treatment of the following health conditions:

  • Relieves stress and anxiety;
  • Treats diarrhea, dysentery, heartburn and stomach pains;
  • Improves digestion, prevents gastric dysfunctions and disturbances;
  • Alleviates intestinal cramps;
  • Regulates menstrual disorder;
  • Can be used to wash wounds and ulcers;
  • Controls sudden muscle contractions;
  • Treats cases of epilepsy, cephalalgia, rheumatism and impotence;
  • Lightens hair;
  • Stops fluid retention.

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Marcelinha tea: how to prepare?

To enjoy the benefits provided by marcelinha, the ideal is to prepare a tea with its flowers. It should be emphasized that the herb must be selected properly, observing factors such as hygiene, place where the plant is grown and whether it was kept in favorable conditions.

The tea can be drunk or used externally, depending on the case and medical advice. To drink, prepare an infusion of two small cups of plant flowers to half a liter of water. Drink up to six cups a day after meals.

In case of external use, prepare an infusion of 30 grams of flowers for one liter of water. The liquid should be applied in compresses, 3 to 4 times a day, to wash wounds, ulcers and remove the bad smell from the feet.

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Contraindications

There are some studies on the hypoglycemic effect of the plant and therefore, diabetics must have medical supervision. The same recommendation applies to patients using sedatives, analgesics and barbiturates.

Marcelinha tea is prohibited for people who are undergoing chemotherapy or who are allergic.