Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Monograph

Tabernaemontana ventricosa

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: The latex and alkaloids present in Apocynaceae of this genus are potentially toxic; any internal use must be avoided without supervision by a qualified professional. Never apply latex to large areas of skin or to mucous membranes, eyes, or deeply damaged skin. This plant should be completely avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as in children, due to lack of safety data. No self-medication should be considered: the traditional uses reported are based on the knowledge of experienced healers and cannot be transposed without risk.

Direct Application — Latex

Local application of fresh latex

A drop of freshly collected latex was carefully placed on a wart or small isolated skin lesion, avoiding any contact with the surrounding healthy skin. This use requires the knowledge of an experienced practitioner. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Decoction — Bark

Bark decoction for external use

The bark was boiled at length in water to obtain a concentrated decoction, then used as compresses or rubs on painful areas. The preparation and its use must be supervised by a healthcare professional or trained herbalist. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Decoction — Root

Traditional root preparation

In certain traditions, the dried root was reduced and decocted for very measured internal use, reserved exclusively for healers knowing the tolerated doses. This practice should under no circumstances be reproduced without medical advice, as the margin between traditional dose and toxic dose is poorly documented. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

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