12 Common Medicinal Plants Growing in Belize
COCKSPUR
Acacia cornigera
Cockspur is a small thorny tree in the Legume plant family. It is a widespread native species in Belize especially in disturbed areas and easily resprouts after chopping and/or burning. Extracts from the roots and bark have traditionally been used for delaying the reaction to various snake venoms. Additional uses include treatment for male impotence and various respiratory and skin ailments, as well as warding off evil spirits.
ANGEL’S TRUMPET
Brugmansia suaveolens
Angel’s Trumpet is a small tree with large white trumpet-shaped flowers belonging to the Solanaceae plant family. It is not native to Belize, but it is widely planted in Belize as an ornamental and is usually found not far from human development. An ointment from Angel’s Trumpet is used to treat arthritis and rheumatism. The entire plant is also well-known for its toxic and/or hallucinogenic properties, consequently its internal use can result in an unpleasant or even deadly experience.
PINEAPPLE
Ananas comosus
Pineapple is a low-growing herbaceous plant composed of swirls of long saw-toothed edged leaves. It is not native to Belize and is part of the Bromeliaceae plant family more commonly known for the many species that are epiphytic or grow non-parasitically on the limbs of other plants. It is widely cultivated throughout Belize and is best known for consumption of its fruit. Besides helping maintain an overall healthy digestive system, it is also used for treatment of various intestinal worms.
TRUMPET TREE
Cecropia peltata
Trumpet Tree is a medium sized tree with few branches and large umbrella-shaped leaves. It is a widespread native species in Belize and generally grows best in open areas with full sunlight. The leaves and flowers contain a cornucopia of undefined compounds capable of treating many significant ailments including high blood pressure, fever, kidney and liver disorders, rheumatism and to slow hemorrhaging.
POLLY RED HEAD
Hamelia patens
Polly red head is a shrub or small tree, notable for its year-round production of abundant small orange red flowers that are attractive to many wildlife species, especially hummingbirds and butterflies. It is native to Belize belonging to the Rubiaceae plant family and occurs throughout the country, but most abundantly in disturbed areas. It has known antibacterial and antifungal properties and is used for many skin problems including relief from various insect bites. Additionally, it is used to treat menstrual cramps and non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
BROOMWEED
Sida rhombifolia
Broomweed is a low-growing herbaceous plant in the Malvaceae or mallow plant family. It is native to Belize and occurs abundantly in open disturbed areas including over-grazed pastures throughout Belize. Teas from the leaves are used to treat urinary problems, while the plant sap has been used to prevent hair loss. Additionally, broomweed has some mystical powers associated with spiritual cleansing, curing animal paralysis, and use as an “old man’s” tonic.
GUMBOLIMBO
Bursera simaruba
Gumbolimbo is a tall tree best recognized by its reddish thin peeling bark, however, female trees produce much redder bark than male trees, and are included in the Burseraceae plant family. The bark is used for many human ailments including bladder infections, stomach ulcers, fevers, sun stroke, and to purify the blood. For external use, a bark bath is used to treat many forms of skin irritation.
STRONGBACK
Desmodium adscendens
Strongback is a sprawling perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Legume plant family. It is not native to Belize, but is widely naturalized and in some locations considered to be an unwanted invasive or weedy species. Nevertheless, is a plant with many reputed healing properties, most notably to treat back pain, muscle pain, kidney ailments, bladder infections and impotence, but also as a female contraceptive.
PAPAYA
Carica papaya
Papaya is a small tree with few branches, large palmate leaves and stems that exude a milky sap belonging to the Caricaceae plant family. It is native to Belize but has long been cultivated for its food and medicinal uses, consequently cultivated varieties are much taller, and the female trees produce much leger fruits. It is a well-studied plant, especially for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also widely used to treat wounds, warts, constipation, high blood pressure, venereal diseases, and as a female contraceptive.
OREGANO
Lippia graveolens
Oregano is an aromatic woody shrub belonging to the Verbenaceae plant family. It is native to Belize and is in widespread cultivation due to both its medicinal and food values. Teas made from the leaves are used to treat respiratory infections and for cleansing wounds, infections and burns. It is used for various female reproductive ailments as well.
MOSES-IN-THE-CRADLE
Tradecantia spathacea
Moses-in-the-cradle is a semi-succulent herb belonging to the Commelinaceae plant family which is better known for its ornamental than medicinal uses. It is native and widespread in Belize in undisturbed forests as well as many urban habitats. Various concoctions are used to treat high blood pressure, sprains, fractures, and swellings. It is also used to slow hemorrhaging and an oil extract used to diminish superficial scar tissue.
MAIDENHAIR FERN
Adiantum tenerum
Maidenhair fern is a non-flowering herbaceous plant that prefers moist shady habitats, often growing in very thin soils over limestone bedrock. It is native to Belize and occurs in most forest understories, however, there are 17 other closely related species in the Adiantum genus found in Belize. Maidenhair fern has many medicinal uses, with various leaf teas being used to increase milk production, aid kidney function, to control some parasites and even as a treatment for dandruff.
Information about each plant species included in this blog were summarized from the following references and photos were taken by Dr. Stephen F. Zitzer
Arvigo, R. and M. Balick, 1993. Rainforest Remedies
Balick, M.J., M.H. Nee and D.E. Atha. 2000. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Belize
Balick, M.J., Arvigo, R. 2015. Messages from the Gods. A Guide to the useful plants of Belize
Saqui A.G. 2016. Maya Herbal Medicine.