Follow local guides through the primary rainforest while they explain traditional medicinal uses of plants, barks and seeds. A unique and fascinating tour for all nature lovers curious about indigenous cultures and customs in tropical Meso-America. Easy to medium hike, with some hills.
3 hours, per person $30
Additional Information:
Our guides may show you these plants on the Medicine Walk:
Nicaraho (Rubiaceaenicaraho)
Used locally to treat skin cancer. This plant is identified by the "eye-like" membranes on the backside of the leaf, which differentiates it from "imitator" plants that are poisonous. Boil 7 ounces of leaves in one quart of water. Drink one glass of tea per day, apply excess liquid topically to affected areas until symptoms subside.
Monkey Comb Tree (Appeiba tiburbo f. tilialceae)
1. Bark: Used locally as a vaginal suppository to assist in birthing. Smash a small piece of bark and add a small amount of water, apply topically as a "slippery" suppository.
2. Fine roots: Used in combination with the berbena or "scorpion tail" plant (Berbenacaceae Acuminatum) to treat leukemia.
Boil 7 ounces of fine roots of monkey comb tree and berbena in two quarts of water. Drink one glass, 3 times per day until symptoms subside.
Calamine Tree (Calamine anacardiaceae)
Used locally to treat skin rashes caused by contact with poisonous plants or insect bites. There are 4 types of calamine trees at Lapa Rios; all can be used equally. The "sap " of the tree ,when the bark is cut ,is a white liquid that can be applied directly to skin and/or mixed with magnesium first. When the sap dries on the tree it can be collected as dust and mixed with water later.
Jino Cuabe, the "Naked Indian" or "Burnt Gringo" tree(Boursera simaruba)
It's said this tree is being used by native groups in N. Panam½ to purify the blood, specifically in curing "el sida" or AIDS. Augusto heard that the bark is mixed with the flower of the uöa de gato (cat's claw) and then a special "oraci÷n" (blessing) is given to the treatment. "But," Augusto says, "this Indian doesn't share his secrets."
Monkey Ladder (Himenea bauhinea f. pyridium)
Used to treat kidney stones. This is a common modern medical treatment. Piridium, which can be taken naturally from this tree, is synthesized with Cal sulfur and can be taken in the form of pills, capsules, or injections to treat kidney stones.
Olive Tree (Simaruba amara)
Oil is used locally to treat constipation in children. Seeds are fried, then oil is extracted and 2-3 drops can be given to children as a mild treatment for constipation.
Iodine Tree (Vissmia ferruginea)
Used locally to treat sirosis. Boil a 4 -inch square of bark in 1 cup of water. Drink 1 cup of tea 3 times daily Apply ice topically to the liver, using sawdust as an insulator so not to damage the skin.
Jino Cuabe Negro (Boursera simaruba)
Used locally to kill intestinal parasites Boil 4 ounces of bark in one quart of water. Drink one cup daily until symptoms are gone
Gabilana Capitana (Neurolaena lobata)
Bitter quinine, historically used locally to treat malaria. Dry 7 ounces of leaves and put in some type of liquor. Take 3 spoonfuls 3 times daily.
Melastoma (Melastomaceae de clorophilum)
Used to treat gastrointestinal problems for children. Boil two ounces in one cup of water. Give two spoonfuls mixed with Coca-cola!
Dorada Fruit (Virola cokshney)
Contains vitamin K and is used here to treat hemophilia Apply "flesh side" of bark directly to wound to assist in coagulation
Balsam Tree (Appocinaceae)
Extracts from the balsam are used locally in alcohol as a topical treatment for skin rashes, insect bites, colds and headaches.
Bitter Jagua (Asspidosperma megalocarpuns)
Used locally to treat yeast infections Leaves are put in alcohol and mixture is applied topically to affected area
Sorocâ (Momordica charantial)
One type of quinine, used locally to treat high blood pressure. Boil four ounces in two quarts of water, then cool. Drink one cup of "tea" 3 times daily to treat high blood pressure.
Elephant Tree (Bignonealeae toccia)
Used locally to treat elephantitis. Boil 8 to 9 ounces of this root in one gallon of water. Apply topically to affected areas when the tide is at 3/4, as the swelling, like the tide, is affected by the moon. This plant contains strichtnine and is toxic to consume orally. Must be used with extreme precaution.
Cow Tree (Brosimum utily f. moraceae)
Used to treat ulcers. Milk" from the cow tree (sap) contains magnesium and can be taken directly from the tree. 1-2 spoonfuls, three times per day.
Cocolmeca (Diosicoceaceae aff. belizensis)
Used to treat whooping cough and high cholesterol. Mash root yam with honey and alcohol to make a syrup. Take 1 spoonful, 3 times daily.
|
