Across the world, there are various herbs. A plant or a leaf must perform certain medicinal functions to be called an herb. The Cordoncillo herb is extremely rare, unique, and relatively unknown. This herb is not as common and as known as others such as the Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), Chives (Allium schoenoprasum & Allium tuberosum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Dill (Anethum graveolens), French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), Scented Geranium (Pelargonium) Lavender (Lavandula) Mint (Mentha) amongst many others. These are part of the common herbs we use for our day-to-day medicinal needs. But this article’s primary focus is the Cordoncillo herb, which has been below the radar and whose significance has not been given much attention. [1]
The History Behind the Cordoncillo Herb; Where Can It Be Found?
There are various names that this herb goes by. Among them are Aperta-ruão, Bamboo Piper, Cordoncillo, Erba di Soldato, Erva-de-jaboti, Soldier’s herb, and Spiked pepper. The most common name is ‘Matico,’ and the botanical name of this unknown herb called Cordoncillo Negro is Piper Aduncum. [1] The name ‘Matico’ was not coined out of the void. It, however, has a historical background from which it was derived. Matico, a Spanish soldier, was once involved in a fight in Peru. He sustained injuries that led him to bleed. Then, he used the leaves, and surprisingly, the bleeding stopped and was stymied.
Where can it be found?
The Cordoncillo herb can is found across various continents. You can find it in certain parts of Europe, the Caribbean regions, and the Americas (Central America and South America). The Cordoncillo Negro has been supposed by studies to originate in Jamaica, but it is also planted and grown in Mexico, Peru, and some other places. The Cordoncillo Negro herb thrives not just in any environment but in the tropics or evergreen forests. The Cordoncillo herb can either be squeezed for the liquid to take effect or chewed. [2] This herb is comprised of various chemicals. They include heterocycles, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, monoterpenes, and so on. One of the chemicals found in it recently has been said to serve as preventative measures against cancer and bacteria.
What Are the Uses of the Cordoncillo Herb?
There are various ways through which the Cordoncillo herb can be used. One of the functions of the Cordoncillo herb is as an antiseptic. With a squeeze of this herb, once open wounds and cuts can be stopped. Also, they serve as antiseptic to boils, leech bites, and ulcers.
Another benefit of this herb is that it can relieve issues related to digestion. It may be used for stomach aches, digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence.
Matico can also help issues associated with respiration, including coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, and flu.
This herb has been tested to aid sexual performance and, as a result, get rid of various sexual infections, such as the genitourinary tract infection.
The benefits of the Cordoncillo herb are so excellent that it even treats sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis. It also has been known to deter internal bleeding.
Cordoncillo relieves pain, such as menstrual cramps.
This herb is good for your kidneys and your liver.
CONCLUSION
Cordoncillo Negro, though unknown, is instrumental as it addresses the viable needs of human beings. It is scarce and unique, and the world must not continue to be ignorant of this great medicinal herb with its plethora of health benefits.
REFERENCES
Mexia, Y. BOTANICAL TRAILS IN OLD MEXICO. — THE LURE OF THE UNKNOWN. Madroño, 1929; Vol. 1 No 16, 227–238. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41421925
Schultes, R. E. DE PLANTIS TOXICARIIS E MUNDO NOVO TROPICALE COMMENTATIONES XXVI: ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL NOTES ON THE FLORA OF NORTHWESTERN SOUTH AMERICA. Botanical Museum Leaflets, Harvard University, 1980; Vol. 28 No 1, 1–45. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41762823
