POLLY REDHEAD TINCTURE
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Hamelia
Species: patens
Synonyms: Borreria patens, Bubinia patens
Common Names: Known by the Maya as Goddess or Guardian of the Forest (Ix-canan), Polly Redhead, Scarlet Bush, Firebush
Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, bark
Main Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial
Other Actions: Febrifuge, analgesic
Description: Polly Redhead is a tropical shrub with glossy leaves and tubular red-orange flowers. It grows up to 4 meters in height and is native to the Americas.
Tribal and Herbal Medicine Uses: Used in traditional medicine for treating fevers, inflammation, and pain relief. Healing skin ailments (sores, wounds, fungus, rashes, burns, itching, cuts, insect stings and bites), reduce spasms, kill parasites, enhance immunity, kill bacteria, increase urination, reduce fever, kill fungi, treat diarrhea, relieve postpartum pain, regulate menstrual disorders.
Plant Chemicals: Quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids
Biological Activities and Clinical Research: Studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potential antimicrobial effects.
Current Practical Uses: Landscaping, ornamental plant, herbal medicine
Main Preparation Method: Decoction, infusion
Main Uses: Anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, antioxidant
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: Febrifuge, analgesic
Cautions: None known at typical doses
Traditional Preparation: Infusion of leaves or bark, decoction of leaves
Contraindications: None known
Drug Interactions: None reported
Recommended dosage: 1ml - 2ml taken in a small glass of water or juice 2 x daily on an empty stomach for better absorption.