diabetes, inflammation, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, and
hepatosis, and as an analgesic and antipyretic agent.
Scientific Name(s): Scoparia dulcis L. Family:
Scrophuraliaceae
Common Name(s): Sweet broomweed, typycha
kuratu , vassourinha , and escobilla
Sharing family ties with foxglove--the botanical that
gave us the heart drug digitalis--sweet broomweed
grows abundantly in the Amazon rainforest. Also
known as licorice weed, the foliage of this plant
imparts a scent reminiscent of one of your favorite
childhood candies.
History
Scoparia has been used as a remedy for treating
diabetes mellitus in India and hypertension in Taiwan.
Traditionally, the fresh or dried plant has been used as
a remedy for treating stomach ailments, hypertension,
1
A hot water infusion and/or decoction of the leaves or
whole plant is used medicinally by indigenous tribes of
Nicaragua to treat malaria, stomach disorders,
menstrual disorders, insect bites, fevers, heart
problems, liver disorders, and venereal disease. It has
been used for blood cleansing, as an aid to child-birth,
and as a general tonic.
The herb is used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat
bronchitis, gastric disorders, hemorrhoids, insect bites,
and skin wounds. The herb is used in Asian medicine
to treat hypertension.
The ethnoveterinary use of the plant dates back to 1889
in Trinidad as a topical lotion to treat impetigenous and
herpetic eruptions. Many of the indications for the
plant's use parallel those practiced in veterinary folk
medicine. Mucilage is released when the whole plant is
soaked in water, thus helping to protect and regenerate
normal cells; it may also act as an immunostimulator.
The plant has been used to treat skin rashes in
Martinique and Trinidad, for irritated skin in Brazil,
and as a multi-ingredient preparation for treating burns
in eastern Nicaragua. In Paraguay, the plant is used to
kill lice and fleas, and used against vermin. The plant RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
is also valued for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory,
Commercially available in capsules and tablets, sweet
anticancer, and antiviral activity.
broomweed is easily rendered into an herbal tea. A few
ABOUT THE HERB cups of the brew sipped during the day may help nature
to find the pain in your body before dismissing it.
An erect annual herb that only grows knee-high in
Avoid using sweet broomweed during pregnancy.
many regions of South America, sweet broomweed can
also be found as far north as Florida, Louisiana and
Texas. It bears a tiny white bloom in abundance.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

With anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties,

sweet broomwood is a dependable pain reliever, having
played that most welcomed role in cases of arthritis,
menstrual cramps, migraine headaches and muscle
pain. As a cardiotonic, sweet broomweed tones and
strengthens the heart. This herb has been used in India
for many generations as an aid to persons suffering
from diabetes. Sweet broomweed helps cope with
diarrhea, fever and stomach diseases.

Pregnancy/Lactation
Avoid use because of the lack of clinical data regarding
safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation.

2

Guinea Hen Weed – Anamu Benefits
Brazilians call it anamu, Peruvians call it mucura, the
English refer to it as garlic guinea weed. Whatever the
name, anamu, or Petiveria alliacea, is native to many
parts of South America, Mexico, Texas, Florida, and
the Caribbean. Anamu has a strong, garlic-like odor
and equally powerful therapeutic properties that have
been used by herbal enthusiasts all over the world.
Why is Anamu Beneficial?
Anamu contains tannins and other compounds that
have known beneficial qualities. Also found in many
berries and fruits, tannins are strong antioxidants that
are resistant to swelling and redness. Anamu also
3
contains dibenzyl trisulfide, a unique sulfuric
compound that’s exhibited some interesting behavior
in the laboratory
Anamu and Harmful Organisms
Anamu roots and leaves have been used to help the
body purge harmful organisms. [2] According to the
Department of Chemistry at State University of New
York at Albany, anamu root has demonstrated
resistance to both bacteria and fungus. [3] Anamu is
popular in Argentina for fighting certain
viruses. [4]Extracts of anamu leaves and stems have
been used as a control agent for cattle ticks.
Other Health Benefits of Anamu
Besides its efficacy against harmful organisms, many
cultures have utilized anamu flowers, leaves, and roots
to remedy negative health conditions as well as
immune system support.
In Brazilian folk medicine, anamu leaves and root may
be made into a tea reputed to help reduce fever, lessen
muscle spasms, relieve pain, and calm the nerves. [6] In
other Amazonian traditional medicine systems, anamu
is used to promote detoxification via urine production
and resist irritation. [7] Like many other botanicals,
anamu has exhibited antioxidant activity which helps
fight free radicals and reduce oxidative damage. [8] In
animal studies, extracts from anamu leaves and stems
have been observed to reduce blood sugar. [9]

Anamu Precautions

If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, it’s

best if you avoid anamu. Some studies have shown that
it may stimulate uterine contractions which can lead to
abortion. [6] Additionally, anamu has a blood thinning
effect. If you have blood disorders, you should talk to
your healthcare provider before taking the herb or any
supplement that lists it as an ingredient.