COWBOY GRAVE: CHARACTERISTICS, BENEFITS, USE AND EFFECTS - SCIENCE - 2025

The cowboy grave (Ipomoea stans Cav.) Is a highly branched perennial herb belonging to the convolvulaceae family. It is a native species of the Mexican tropics that is characterized by large flowers of striking blue-violet tones.

It is a plant used in traditional medicine due to its properties as a sedative to calm different ailments and discomforts. The name - cowboy tomb - derives from its condition of forming clumps of dry grass that can trip the horse and knock down the rider.

Flowers of Ipomoea stans. Source: Tpe.g5.stan, from Wikimedia Commons

In addition to the denomination, the cowboy tomb is known as pantavaqueros, Santa María del campo, sticky, maromero, mantle, cowboys scare, wolf scare, clean tunas and plate bankruptcy. According to each Mexican region it is also called cacastlapa, castlapa, tanibata or tlaxcapan.

In traditional medicine, the underground root or sweet potato is used to calm nerves and dizziness. Likewise, the infusions are effective in relieving coughs and throat clearing, headaches and bones.

Topical applications allow to soothe the snake bite and as a tincture it allows to relax cramps. Taken monthly, it has a contraceptive function, preventing unwanted pregnancies and calming menstrual cramps.

General characteristics

Morphology

The cowboy grave plant is a stiff, highly branched 50-90 cm tall herb with soft hairs along the stem. The leaves show alternate growth, oblong or lanceolate, longer -5-7 cm- than wide and with serrated edges.

The leaves have 4-6 very marked veins with firm, straight white hairs along the underside. The apex is obtuse or truncated and the petioles are very short -5 mm- with white hairs.

The flowers of blue, violet or purple hues are cup-shaped with a white center. Starting from the outside, 5 lines are marked towards the inside that conveys the appearance of a star.

The fruits are ovoid capsules 16 mm in diameter covered by sepals that turn black when ripe. The capsules open into four shells that release four flat, dark brown seeds covered with hairs.

The underground root is a highly developed rhizome 60 cm long by 3 cm wide.

Chemical composition

Chemical analysis of Ipomoea stans Cav. signals the presence of LSA or D-lysergic acid amide, ergin or LA-111. This element is an alkaloid of the ergolin family present in different species of the convolvulaceae family.

Likewise, it contains the secondary metabolites or alkaloids chanoclavin and elimoclavin. In addition to the hallucinogenic indole alkaloids, and the ergometrine or ergovina of specific action on the uterine muscle.

Distribution and habitat

The vaquero tomb plant is native to Mexico, adapted to conditions of temperate and semi-dry climates, at altitude levels between 800-2800 meters above sea level. In the wild, it is associated with grassland vegetation, xerophilous scrub and pine forests, and it is also used in gardening.

Cowboy grave plant Ipomoea stans. Source: Tpe.g5.stan, from Wikimedia Commons

Health benefits

Used in traditional medicine, the applications of the cowboy tomb depend on each particular geographical area. The sweet potato or underground root is the part of the plant that is commonly used to soothe different ailments.

Among its applications, it increases the volume of urine and facilitates weight loss, since it promotes metabolism. It reduces intestinal and menstrual cramps, acts as a sedative and is effective against epilepsy or San Vito's disease.

Hoarseness and cough

To soothe the cough and throat rash, the chopped root or sweet potato is consumed.

Muscle aches and cramps

The rubbing of the sweet potato tincture on the affected area calms cramps and muscle aches. Likewise, the application at the level of the neck or in the extremities relieves headache and bone pain.

Nerves

The cowboy sweet potato tincture has sedative effects applied to the nape and forehead of the patient. A potion made from the underground root or sweet potato works as a sedative to calm disturbed nerves.

In patients with serious illnesses, such as cancer, an infusion of cowboy grave reduces anxiety. In this way, by controlling the nerves caused by anxiety, medical treatment is more effective.

Viper bite

The inflammation and pain caused by the bite is calmed by applying damp cloths with a decoction of the plant.

Other apps

- Control the seizures that cause epilepsy.

- Improves the symptoms of constipation.

- Calms intestinal colic.

- Helps to reduce weight as it accelerates the metabolism.

- It has a diuretic effect which reduces fluid retention.

- Frequent consumption helps you sleep and prevents stress.

- Calms anxiety, irritation and hyperactivity.

- Relieves vertigo and dizziness.

- Improves the immune system.

How to use

The tincture is prepared from the underground roots or sweet potato macerated in isopropyl alcohol for a week. The tincture is applied around the neck and forehead to calm the nerve disturbance.

For tea or infusions, a piece of sweet potato is required for each liter of boiled water. The plant is added just at the moment of boiling, it is allowed to rest and it is consumed twice a day.

Dried sweet potatoes can be ground and powdered to make an infusion. In this way it is used to activate menstruation or as a carminative reducing the generation of intestinal gases.

Side effects

Like any treatment applied without a medical prescription, the use of tumba vaquero is restricted during pregnancy and lactation. The intake is not recommended in children under ten years of age.

Its use should be limited when you are allergic to any of its components. In case of being medicated, it is necessary to consult a doctor to rule out any incompatibility.

References

1. Alemán Ramos Héctor Miguel (2009) Use of the cowboy tomb tincture and valerian for «nervous disorders». Traditional and Alternative Medicines. Recovered at: tlahui.com
2. Herrera-Ruiz, M., Gutiérrez, C., Jiménez-Ferrer, JE, Tortoriello, J., Mirón, G., & León, I. (2007). Central nervous system depressant activity of an ethyl acetate extract from Ipomoea stans roots. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 112 (2), 243-247.
3. Ipomoea (2019) Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: wikipedia.org
4. Tumbavaqueros - (Ipomea Stans) (2018) Medicinal plants. Recovered at: herbolaria.altervista.org
5. Tumbavaqueros (Ipomoea Stan) (2018) Medicinal tinctures. Herbology. Recovered at: herbologia.altervista.org
6. Vibrans Heike (2009) Convolvulaceae. Ipomoea stans Cav. Tumbavaqueros. Mexican weeds. Recovered at: conabio.gob.mx