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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.




BRUNFELSIA
SOLANACEAE
aka Manaca, Pohl, Vegetable Mercury
(Brunfelsia uniflora syn Brunfelsia hopeana)
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CONTAINS: Alkaloids, furocoumarin.

A Brazilian shrub which was listed in the NF 1926-36.

PROPAGATION: By semiripe cuttings in summer.
NEEDS: Rich, well draining soil in part shade and high humidity. Not hardy under 55ºF. Plants kept under cover are susceptible to whitefly and mealybug. Pinch tips during growing season to encourage branching.
HARVEST: Roots are collected in the wild, then dried for use.
PART USED: Roots
RELATED SPECIES:
Brunfelsia chiricaspi: Same uses as B. uniflora
Brunfelsia grandiflora: Sames uses as B. unifora

USES

MEDICINAL:
Sweet, aromatic, alterative. Characteristic reaction to this plant material is a chilling, tingling sensation.
Several species of Brunsfelsia have been used by native South Americans as an anti-inflammatory and as an hallucinagen; has also been utilized as an alterative and diuretic.
Has been used internally for syphilis, rheumatism and arthritis.

OTHER:
Has been used as an aphrodisiac and for shamanistic rituals.





©2005 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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