Jambú is the name given to a northern Brazilian plant species that is used as a traditional vegetable and medicinal plant. Because of its analgesic effects, the leaves of the plant are chewed or prepared as a poultice. Additionally, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects are associated with jambú.
Occurrence and cultivation of jambú
In Germany, the plant, which is about 40 centimeters high, is also called parákresse. Jambú is a plant species from northern Brazil. In Germany, the approximately 40 centimeter high plant is also called Parákresse. This is a somewhat contradictory name, since the plant does not belong to the cruciferous family. Popularly, jambú is also known as hussar’s button. This name refers to the unusual shape of the basket-shaped flower heads. Bright yellow flowers are arranged around a red center at the flower head of the plant and merge into a long stem with notched foliage leaves. Between May and October the plant blooms. Later, seeds form from the flowers. Jambú plants bear fruits, also called achenes, which have a nutty appearance. Today, the frost-sensitive plant is mainly cultivated within Brazil, where it is used as a medicinal plant and vegetable. The plant loves sunny locations. Wild growing specimens are not known. South America is assumed to be the original home of the plant. Other sources assume that the plant actually originated in Madagascar.
Effect and application
In Brazil, jambú is prepared mainly as a salad or vegetable. In the Belém region, for example, people like to eat duck with jambú vegetables cooked in tucupi. When prepared in the form of a salad, the flowers and cut leaves of the plant are dressed. Often the fresh leaves are also harvested and chewed. This way of consumption is supposed to heal mainly inflammation and painful places in the mouth. Folk medicine thus assumes that the leaves have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. More rarely, the flowers and leaves of the plant are dried in a dry and airy place. The dried mass can be infused with hot water and prepared as a tea. When consuming the leaves, the feeling of effervescence in the mouth sets in. Jambú tastes sweet, sour and salty in a rapid alternation. A tingling herbal aroma spreads through the mouth. The tongue and throat are sometimes slightly numbed by ingesting the fresh leaves. Therefore, various cultures use the stupefying plant to consume particularly spicy dishes. The anesthetic effects are also used to numb pain on external wounds. For example, a poultice made from the leaves and flowers of the plant can be used for this purpose. The plant material of the jambú is pounded until it has a pulpy consistency and can be applied to painful areas. In the meantime, dermatological ointments and cosmetic products containing jambú extracts are also available on the market. The active ingredient is said to tighten the skin and relax expression lines. In this respect, there is also frequent talk of natural Botox in connection with the northern Brazilian plant. Cultivation in your own garden turns out to be difficult. Seeds are nevertheless offered on the Internet. They are placed in the spring in nutrient-rich and moist soil. Temperatures should be constantly above ten degrees.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Jambú contains mainly essential oils. These oils are said to have a preventive effect against fungal attack. In other words, they have a preservative effect. In the context of aromatherapy, sensory disorders and similar diseases are also treated by plant fragrances from essential oils. During aromatherapy, tiny molecular components pass through the mucous membranes and enter the patient’s bloodstream. There they have a proven positive effect on the immune system and the autonomic nervous system. In addition to essential oils, Jambú also contains a number of pungent substances. These substances have been proven to be bioactive and beneficial to health. In particular, they increase the production of saliva and gastric juice. Thus, pungents help digestion in particular. Anesthetic effects are also associated with pungents. These substances are also said to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.A mixture of essential oils and pungents is also present in ginger, which is known to be one of the healthiest and most effective medicinal plants of all. In addition to the above-mentioned components, jambú also contains tannins. These substances have an astringent effect that can stop bleeding on wounds and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Bacteria can no longer enter open wounds so easily because of the astringent effect. An antibacterial effect is also attributed to the resins it contains. However, the presumed antibacterial effects of jambú have not yet been confirmed in clinical studies. Substances such as phytosterol are also contained in jambú. These substances are said to be helpful in the treatment of prostate disorders, especially ulcers in the prostate area. In addition to immune deficiencies and blood parasites, jambú with the described effects is said to help, according to folk medicine, especially against Lyme disease, gout, inflammation of the oral mucosa, fungal infections, rheumatism and inflammation of the gums, as well as toothache. The analgesic, anti-inflammatory and immunostrengthening effects of the plant have now been confirmed. Nevertheless, the plant is of little medical importance within Europe, even in homeopathy. In its homeland, however, the plant is still given for the aforementioned ailments.
