With a very curious name, the plant known as monkey pepper has many properties that can be applied to natural medicine, which leads to the resolution of many health problems. In this sense, the parts used are leaves and fruits.

This is a species that resembles a bush and hardly exceeds a meter in height. It has green, oblong, sharp, irregular and round leaves at the base. The fruits, on the other hand, are berries that have the shape of an egg in the shape of an ear, with a very acrid and spicy flavor.

Monkey pepper is a plant that belongs to the Piperaceae family. Depending on the place where it is found, it may be known by several other names, such as squash, long pepper, aduncum, hole-cover, hooked fruit pepper, jaborandi-do-mato, yerba -jaboti, matico-false and false-jaborandi.

Medicinal properties of monkey pepper

Each part of the plant has a specific indication, but considering the whole plant, it has astringent, antiophidic, cholagogue, diuretic, resolutive and uterus tonic properties. Therefore, before applying it to any treatment, it is best to consult a doctor.

This professional will indicate, initially, if the patient can use the plant, the dosage and the most favorable part for the type of health problem that he develops. He will also take the necessary precautions so that no unwanted reaction affects the patient, thus worsening the state of health.

Diseases fought by the plant

The plant can be used to solve cases of diarrhea, bad breath problems, liver problems, intestinal infections and bleeding. By preparing baths, wounds and skin infections can be treated. The plant is also indicated to eliminate fluid retention by the body.

monkey pepper tea

One of the most common ways to use the plant in health treatments is through the preparation of monkey pepper tea. This recipe fights hemorrhoids, diarrhea and liver problems.

For this you will need 200 ml of filtered water and 1 tablespoon of dried herb. Bring the water to a boil in a pot with a lid. As soon as it starts bubbling, turn off the heat and add the herb.

To continue with the next steps, you will need to steep the herb for about 10 minutes. After this time, use a sieve to remove the herb and leave only the liquid. The indication for consumption is up to three cups a day.