Medicinal Plants of México
Most individuals, no matter their nationality or origin, associate México with its food such as carne asada, tacos, guacamole, enchiladas, etc. However, what many are not acquainted with is México’s biological richness. México’s nature is well represented by the enormous number of plant species that can be found there. In fact, researchers rank México third after Brazil and Colombia (both associated to be two of the most biologically rich countries in the world) and ahead of Indonesia, Australia, Zaire, and Madagascar 26. In México, researchers believe that there are between 20 and 50,000 species of vascular plants growing there 26. As I have learned, a vascular plant refers to any plant that has xylem and …ver más…

Heterotheca inuloides has similar uses to the European Arnica called Arnica montana, which is the species more commonly used both in Europe and the United States 19. Moreover, the Mexican arnica belongs to the daisy or sunflower family. What makes árnica so important is its active ingredients that have mild anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties 19. Therefore, this plant is used to treat bruises, sprains, rheumatism (defined as “any disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue” 7) varicose veins, and diverse skin infections caused by bacteria and fungi (molds) 19. Arnica can be used both naturally or in products. For example, to heal bruises, the flower heads of the plant are boiled into a mass and applied 13. On the other hand, products containing Mexican árnica can be ointments and lotions for external application and for teas, tablets, or homeopathic tinctures for internal use 19.
Sometimes, medicinal plants can be used as food such as the aguacate (avocado). Traditionally, the aguacate is used in Mexican cuisine, but what many do not know is that aguacate is considered to be a major medicinal herb in México. The avocado can refer to either the avocado tree or the fruit itself 1. The avocado tree is a medium to large evergreen tree with large, leathery, deep green leaves 1. The trees are cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates throughout the