Agave americana

Agave americana
Family:Agave americana; Antiseptic; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Laxative; Miscellany; Odontalgic; VD.
Common name:Agave
The sap of agaves has long been used in Central America as a binding agent for various powders used as poultices on wounds. The sap can also be taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea dysentery etc. The sap is antiseptic diaphoretic diuretic and laxative. An infusion of the chopped leaf is purgative and the juice of the leaves is applied to bruises. The plant is used internally in the treatment of indigestion flatulence constipation jaundice and dysentery. The sap has disinfectant properties and can be taken internally to check the growth of putrefactive bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Water in which agave fibre has been soaked for a day can be used as a scalp disinfectant and tonic in cases of falling hair. Steroid drug precursors are obtained from the leaves. A gum from the root and leaf is used in the treatment of toothache. The root is diaphoretic and diuretic. It is used in the treatment of syphilis. All parts of the plant can be harvested for use as required they can also be dried for later use. The dried leaves and roots store well.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 00:51 []