Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Bignonia potosina

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Traditional use with limited scientific documentation: consult a healthcare professional before any use. Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient data. Do not administer to young children without medical advice. Do not exceed occasional and short-term use without guidance from someone knowledgeable about local plants.

Infusion — Leaves

Traditional leaf infusion

Dried or fresh leaves were infused in hot water for several minutes according to oral tradition. This preparation was drunk warm, to accompany respiratory discomfort. A healthcare professional or local plant expert should be consulted before any use, as traditional dosages are not reliably established. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Compress — Leaves

Steam inhalation

Leaves were sometimes immersed in boiling water so that the released steam could be inhaled, as part of folk practices to clear the bronchial passages. This method remains anecdotal and poorly formalized in available sources. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Bignonia potosina grows wild in arid and semi-desert regions of North America, particularly in Mexico. It is rarely cultivated or marketed outside its native range, and is difficult to find in European herbalist shops.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

Leaves were traditionally harvested during the active growing season, before flowering, when local climate permitted.

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