A few fresh or dried leaves are briefly infused in hot water. This preparation, reported in traditional Caribbean uses, requires professional advice before consumption given the lack of complete safety data. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Fresh leaves are crushed or bruised and then applied directly to the painful or irritated area. The preparation is renewed as needed, avoiding prolonged contact on broken skin. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
The stem cut into pieces is brought to a gentle boil for a few minutes, then filtered. This preparation, less documented, should be reserved for use supervised by an expert or professional. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
This coastal plant grows spontaneously on dunes and sandy shorelines of Central America and the Caribbean; it is rarely cultivated and is mainly found dried at certain herbalists specializing in tropical plants.
Leaves and stems are traditionally harvested during the dry season, when the plant is most vigorous, away from polluted or treated areas.