Espinheira-santa, also known as Maytenus ilicifolia, is a plant that is usually born in countries and regions with a mild climate, such as southern Brazil.
The part of the plant used is the leaves, which are rich in tannins, polyphenols and triterpenes, with various therapeutic properties.
What is the Holy Thorn?
Espinheira-santa is widely used in cases of gastritis, stomach pains, gastric ulcer and heartburn, since the components present in this plant have a strong antioxidant and cellular protective action and, in addition, reduce the gastric acidity, thus protecting the mucosa of the stomach. It also combats H. pylori and gastric reflux.
In addition, Espinheira-santa also has diuretic, laxative, blood purifying, anti-infective properties, and can be used in cases of acne, eczema and scarring. This plant is also used as a home remedy in cancer cases because of its analgesic and antitumor properties.
How to use
Espinheira-santa can be used in several ways:
1. Holy-Thorn tea
The part of the plant used in tea are the leaves, used as follows:
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried leaves of espinheira-santa
- 1 cup boiling water
How to prepare: Add the holy rosemary leaves to the boiling water, cover and let stand for about 10 minutes. Strain and take warm. It is advised to take this tea 3 times daily, on an empty stomach, or about half an hour before meals.
This tea is very effective for gastritis because it decreases the acidity in the stomach. See other home remedies for gastritis.
2. Espinheira-santa capsules
Espinheira-santa capsules can be found in pharmacies, in a dose of 380mg of dry extract of Maytenus ilicifolia. The usual dose is 2 capsules, 3 times a day, before the main meals.
3. Hot compresses of Espinheira-santa
For skin problems such as eczema, scars or acne, hot compresses with Holy-Thorn tea can be applied directly into the lesion.
Contraindications of Espinheira-santa
Espinheira-santa should not be used in people with a history of allergy to this plant. It should also not be used during pregnancy due to its abortifacient effect, and women who are breastfeeding, because it can reduce the amount of breast milk. It is also contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.
