With the scientific name Solanum Nigrum , the Moorish herb is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, being also known by other names, such as solano, arachichu, black maria and chili pepper.

It is an annual herbaceous plant that reaches up to 50 cm in height and has an erect, angular and branched stem. Its leaves are sparse, petiolate, twinned and acuminate, dark green in color; the small flowers are white and have five petals, grouped in axillary inflorescences.

The dry aerial parts of the Moorish grass are used to treat certain health conditions.

Properties and benefits

Moorish herb is a ruderal plant found all over the world and is part of the Indian, Chinese and homeopathic pharmacopoeias. Among the medicinal properties of this plant are its sedative and emollient action.

Moorish herb is indicated to relieve itching of the vulva or anus and to soothe itching in the case of scabies, herpes or other types of rashes.

Moorish herb tea

Moorish grass can be found for sale in natural food stores, in a pot or transparent plastic bag weighing 40 grams. To prepare tea from the plant, just put a teaspoon of the product in a cup and top up with boiling water. Stir, smother with saucer and use when warming. This tea can be consumed up to 3 times a day.

How it is prepared and used may vary according to age. Check it out below:

  • For children up to 1 year: half a coffee spoon (shallow) of the crushed herb to 50 ml of boiling water;
  • Children from 02 to 05 years: 01 coffee spoon (full) for 100 ml of boiling water;
  • Children from 06 to 10 years: 01 teaspoon (shallow) for 01 cup of boiling water;
  • Over 10 years and adults: 01 teaspoon (full) to 01 cup of boiling water.

Contraindications and side effects

Moorish herb should not be used by pregnant and nursing women. The indoor use of fresh plant and green seeds should be avoided.

If large amounts of fresh foliage or unripe fruits are ingested, signs of gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting and headache may appear. Remember that all treatments – including natural ones – should only be started under medical supervision. Self-medication can be very dangerous as plants contain toxic substances.