Do you know the tea of ​​espinheira santa and do you know what it is for ? This is a medicinal plant that is also known as cancer herb, lifeguard, divine thorn, bull’s shadow and god’s thorn.With the scientific name of  Maytenus officinalis mabb . ,  the plant gained the popular name for the shape of its leaf and for being a great medicine. It is also called by many a miracle herb.

According to pharmacist Maria Júlia Pereira Reis, espinheira santa is popularly used as a medicine against stomach disorders . But that’s not the only benefit of this plant.

To learn more about the properties of hawthorn, the beneficial effects of this product and how to make tea from this plant, follow this article. Also, check out the precautions that should be taken with the use of this infusion.

What is it for?

As stated earlier, the espinheira santa can be used to treat digestive problems. In this case, it is suitable for “ healing of gastric ulcers, gastritis and dyspepsia ”, explains Maria Júlia.

It can also act to combat stomach pain, such as ulcer (stomach or duodenal), heartburn and indigestion. In addition to treating burning and indigestion, it is an ally in the treatment of gastritis, relieving abdominal pain.

Another use of tea from this plant is the hot compress on the skin. With this treatment, acne, eczema, sores and herpes can be eliminated.

In addition, Maria Júlia explains that studies show other effects of this plant such as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant actions. Therefore, the herb can reduce or cancel the perception and transmission of pain-causing stimuli.

properties

It is healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, invigorating, antiseptic, diuretic and serves as a laxative. Contains tannins, alkaloids, calcium, sodium, sulfur and triterpenes. Other properties are:

  • Colagogue
  • Anti-asthmatic
  • eupeptic
  • laxative
  • Astringent
  • Antacid
  • antispasmodic
  • antidyspeptic
  • Antiulcerogenic (peel)
  • Anti-Tumor
  • knowledgeable
  • balsamic
  • Carminative
  • contraceptive
  • Disinfectant
  • digestive
  • Emmenagogue
  • Febrifuge
  • Stomach
  • sialogogue
  • Tonic
  • Vulnerary
  • Anticancer
  • balsamic
  • anti-toxic
  • liver

Espinheira santa lose weight?

“The cancerous one has pharmacological activities that can help with weight loss , as long as it is used correctly. Accompanied by a nutritionist, added to diet and exercise,” explains Maria Júlia.

According to the pharmacy professional, these activities are related to the activation of intestinal motility, causing a laxative effect . In addition, the plant has a diuretic action, causing the patient to “ deflate ” due to loss of fluid .

Another effect caused by the consumption of tea from espinheira santa is to aid the digestion process. With this, there is an improvement in the digestive system, preventing the formation of gases and the appearance of the feeling of bloating.

“Thus, the slimming effect of the plant is not associated with caloric loss or increased metabolism. It will only have weight loss action if there is a diet followed and burning fat through physical exercise. Thus, she is an excellent ally”, completes the specialist.

Espinheira santa for liver fat?

A very common question among people is regarding the use of this plant to treat liver fat. For Maria Júlia Pereira Reis, there are still in studies that prove the safety of this application.

However, it is correct to state that espinheira santa has hepatoprotective effect. For that reason, the herb can aid in the treatment of diseases that affect the liver .

Even with this action, it is important to be aware of how to apply it on a daily basis. “Overuse, like any other substance, can cause hepatitis”, he warns.

Espinheira santa for reflux?

“The plant improves the functioning of the entire digestive system, among the diseases that it can be used for is reflux ”, explains the professional. Therefore, hawthorn tea can be used to end this disease. 

How to make tea in the thorn tree?

Ingredients

– Three tablespoons of espinheira santa
– 500 ml of filtered water

Method of preparation

Add the two ingredients in a pan and heat. Then wait for the mixture to come to boil. Once you start the boiling process, turn off the heat and smother the preparation. After 5 or 10 minutes, strain the tea and drink it without adding sugar, honey or sweetener.

how to consume

According to Maria Júlia, espinheira santa tea can be consumed after meals . In this way, it is possible to help the digestion process.

How long does it take for the espinheira santa to take effect?

“Usually, any type of natural or allopathic medicine enters into stability in the body within three to five days . That’s why, sometimes, it’s not a problem for us to take the medication outside of hours, because our body already has a small concentration of it”, explains the pharmacy professional.

Other forms of natural medicine

There are other ways to find the espinheira santa, besides the plant itself. According to Maria Júlia, the herb can be purchased as tinctures, extracts or capsules , for example.

Furthermore, these forms can be found in specialty stores, master and homeopathic pharmacies or drugstores.

Another important fact is regarding the distribution of remedies made with herbs, as in the case of hawthorn. These products are prepared by the National List of Essential Medicines ( Rename ) and are released for use by the Unified Health System (SUS).

“Of the 73 plants, 12 are made of medicines and are delivered to Popular Pharmacies . Among them is espinheira santa”, adds the pharmacist.

If the patient prefers to take the capsules of this natural remedy, he should choose to use them before the main meals of the day . Capsules are generally chosen by patients who cannot tolerate the smell or taste of tea, but who do not want to miss out on the benefits of the plant.

Cautions: What are the side effects of espinheira santa?

Like any and all medication, whether natural or allopathic, espinheira santa has contraindications and side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the care that must be taken with this plant.

First of all, it must not be ingested, under any circumstances, by pregnant or nursing women. It is also not recommended for patients who are undergoing fertility treatment.

This is all because, “it has proven abortifacient activity and can reduce the production of breast milk ”, warns the professional.

In addition, excessive consumption of this infusion can cause nausea, dry mouth and a strange taste. It can also cause headache, drowsiness, tremor, hand joint pain, cystitis and polyuria.

So, now that you know what the tea of ​​​​espinheira santa is used for and the care that should be taken with the plant, you can take care of your health more precisely. But remember, no medication is a substitute for professional evaluation.