10 EXTRAORDINARY MEDICINAL PLANTS OF GUATEMALA - ECONOMÍA - 2025

Many of the medicinal plants of Guatemala, in addition to being curative, have very remarkable nutritional properties (one thing is linked to the other). These plants are used by the pharmaceutical industry for the extraction of components that will later allow the creation of medicines.

Likewise, many of these plants are used naturally, through the intake of the fruits or the consumption of infusions based on their leaves and flowers.

Top 10 most known medicinal plants of Guatemala

1 - Achiote

Scientific name: Bixa orellana linn

Achiote, also known as achihuite or pumacua, is a typical plant of the tropical region of South America. The cultivation of this plant has been of great importance in this area since natural dye is extracted from its fruit, which can be used both in food and textiles.

In addition to dye extraction, annatto is used to treat certain conditions. The leaves can be used to sterilize burns and promote healing. Similarly, the infusion of annatto leaves is used as a laxative.

2 - Chicory

Scientific name: Chichorium intybus

Chicory, also known as chicory, is a typical Central American plant. This plant is used in the preparation of meals as if it were a spice; likewise, a coffee-like drink is prepared from the roasted chicory roots. Among its medicinal properties are the treatment against loss of appetite, colic, indigestion and constipation.

Likewise, the chicory infusion has diuretic properties. On the other hand, with the leaves of this plant, a skin cream is made that prevents inflammation.

3 - Avocado

Scientific name: Persea americana

The avocado is a tree whose fruits (which have the same name) are a source of potassium and vitamin D. Both the fruits, the seeds and the avocado leaves have medicinal properties.

Consuming the fruit lowers cholesterol levels, while the seeds and leaves are used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.

Furthermore, avocado oil is applied directly to the skin to treat some skin conditions (eg psoriasis), as well as arthritis.

4 - Chamomile

Scientific name: Chamaemelum nobile

Chamomile, also called chamomile, is one of the oldest medicinal plants. There are different ways to prepare chamomile, however, the most common is an infusion based on dehydrated flower powder.

Dried chamomile flowers are used to treat fever, muscle spasms, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, skin irritations, ear infections, eye-related problems such as conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome, and rheumatic pain..

It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, chamomile tea is considered to calm the nerves and is relaxing, as well as to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.

5 - Wormwood

Scientific name: Artemisia absinthium

Wormwood is a plant native to Europe. The leaves and flowers of wormwood are used to stimulate the appetite, to relieve indigestion and heartburn. Also, the dried flowers are used to treat parasitic infections. In addition, the application of the infusion of wormwood on sprains, bruises and irritated areas accelerates the healing process.

On the other hand, wormwood reduces pain caused by diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism, as well as headaches. Lastly, dried wormwood serves as an insect repellent.

6 - Fennel

Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel infusion is used to treat throat irritation, discomfort in the digestive system, such as indigestion, flatulence, colic, among others. Likewise, it is used externally to relieve eye ailments, such as conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome.

7 - Peppermint

Grandmother's mint lives on…

Scientific name: Mentha spicata

Peppermint, also known as alavina, yerba buena, sweet mint and arvino, is a herbaceous plant that can grow to a height of 30 cm. Peppermint oil is used as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever. Also, this oil soothes skin irritations.

8 - Granadilla

Scientific name: Passiflora ligularis

Granadilla is a fruit plant, also known as carnat or cranix. Both the fruit, the stem and the leaves have medicinal properties. To start with, the passion fruit is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, cough, and flu. Similarly, the juice of this fruit is attributed sedative and relaxing properties.

On the other hand, the infusion based on passion fruit leaves is used to treat respiratory problems, such as tuberculosis; Likewise, this infusion has proven to be useful against insomnia, indigestion, hypertension, diarrhea, anemia and malaria.

9 - Saquil

Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum

The saquil, also known as coriander, coriander, coriander, coantrillo or coriander, is a plant with pinnate leaves and pink flowers. Coriander leaves, applied to the skin, are used to treat headaches. On the other hand, the fruits of the saquil are used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as colic, diarrhea, gastritis and flatulence.

10 - Cocoa

Scientific name: Theombroma cacao

Cacao or cocoa is a typical fruit tree of Central America, native to Mexico. Both the seeds of the fruit and the leaves of the tree are used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma, cough and pneumonia; It is also used against gastrointestinal conditions, such as colic and diarrhea.

Cocoa butter, extracted from the seed, is used mainly to treat chapped lips; in fact, this product has been marketed in lipsticks. Also, butter is used to relieve rashes, burns and other skin conditions. On the other hand, the leaves, especially the tender ones, disinfect wounds.

References

1. Avocado: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings. Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from webmd.com.
2. Avocado (Persea americana). Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from medicalhealthguide.com.
3. Srivastava, JK (2010) Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
4. Wormwood. Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from webmd.com.
5. Achiote (Bixa orellana). Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from medicalhealthguide.com.
6. Achiote / Annatto Benefits & Information. Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from herbwisdom.com.
7. Chicory: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings. Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from webmd.com.
8. Chicory Health Benefits and Uses as a Medicinal Herb. Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from herbal-supplement-resource.com.
9. Passion fruit. Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from antioxidant-fruits.com.
10. Medicinal Plant Garden. Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from mayatraditions.com.
11. Coriander. Retrieved on April 1, 2017, from medicalnewstoday.com.