The plant known as the silver vine has the scientific name Banistera argyrophylla. It is found more frequently in the cerrado and on the edge of the Pantanal Sul Mato-Grossense. From the Malpighiaceae family , the silver vine is a large vine and woody plant, with slender and elongated branches, in addition to the ovate and opposite leaves with a dark green coloration.The flowers of this plant are fringed and have white and yellow coloration, being present on the tree gathered in paniculate umbels, or even in compound corymbs. Its fruit is a chamber with a winged back and its flowering takes place during the summer.

Plant benefits and properties

The plant, when used to prepare teas, has medicinal benefits. It has diuretic properties acting very positively in the elimination of uric acid. It can be used to treat kidney disorders such as trapped urine, kidney pain, kidney stones and bladder problems. In addition, it helps to treat cystitis and combat uric acid and gout attacks. It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory – in the treatment of inflammation and pain – or in the treatment of gonorrhea, ovarian hemorrhages, nephritis and in the lightening of spots and skin.

How to prepare tea?

To prepare tea, you should use the ratio of two tablespoons of the plant’s leaves to each liter of water. In a container, put the water and leaves and bring to the fire. Wait until the mixture comes to a boil, then time for another ten minutes, then turn off. Cover and let stand for about ten minutes and when it gets warm, strain and consumption. The recommended dose is two to three cups of tea a day, which can be consumed hot or cold, preferably without sweetening.

Besides in the form of tea, the plant can be found in natural food stores, in the form of powder capsule and tincture – liquid.

Contraindications and side effects

When consumed in the doses indicated, there is no toxicity. When used in very high doses, it can show signs of toxicity not yet reported, but there are no recorded cases of death. The infusion should be consumed, at most, three times a day, with intervals of approximately 8 hours.