Acapulco or Akapulko

 Scientific Name: Senna alata (previously known as Cassia alata)

Common Names: Besides Acapulco, it is also known as candle bush, candelabra bush, empress candle plant and ringworm shrub, due to its efficacy in treating ringworm and other fungal skin diseases.

Description:

Senna alata is a medium to large shrub or small tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Central and South America but has become naturalized in various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant is characterized by its attractive, pinnate leaves, which are large, alternate, and usually have five to seven leaflets. The leaves are bright green and smooth, with prominent veins.

The plant produces tall spikes of vibrant yellow, tubular flowers, and it's often cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance. The plant gets its common name "Candle Bush" from the candle-like shape of its flower clusters. Senna alata also produces long, slender pods containing seeds.

Parts Used:

The leaves of Senna alata are the primary part used for medicinal purposes. Either fresh or dried, they are harvested for their therapeutic properties.

Medicinal Properties:

Senna alata has several medicinal properties, making it a valuable plant in traditional medicine systems:

Antifungal: The leaves of Senna alata contain compounds like chrysophanic acid, which have antifungal properties. They are used to treat various fungal skin infections, including ringworm and athlete's foot.

Antimicrobial: Senna alata has demonstrated antimicrobial activity, which can help in treating bacterial and fungal skin infections.

Laxative: In some traditional herbal remedies, Senna alata leaves are used as a mild laxative to relieve constipation.

Specific Recipes Using Acapulco (Senna alata):

Ringworm Treatment: To treat ringworm or other fungal skin infections, the leaves of Senna alata can be crushed to form a paste. Apply this paste topically to the affected area and leave it for a few hours before rinsing off. Repeat as needed until the infection clears.

Laxative Infusion: While Senna alata is primarily used for its antifungal properties, the leaves can also be used as a mild laxative. To prepare an infusion, steep a handful of dried leaves in hot water for about 10-15 minutes. Drink the tea as needed to relieve constipation, but use it sparingly as excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues.

Precautions and Warnings:

Use with Caution: Senna alata should be used with caution, especially when applying it topically or using it as a laxative. Excessive use can lead to skin irritation or digestive discomfort.

Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before using Senna alata for any medicinal purpose, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have pre-existing medical conditions.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to Senna alata. If you experience any adverse reactions, such as skin redness, itching, or gastrointestinal discomfort, discontinue use and seek medical attention.

In summary, Senna alata, commonly known as Acapulco or Candle Bush, is a tropical plant with antifungal and antimicrobial properties primarily found in its leaves. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various skin conditions like ringworm. However, it should be used with caution, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use, especially for medicinal purposes.

Evening primrose

 Scientific name: Oenothera biennis (Oenothera L.) 

Description: Evening Primrose is a plant belonging to the family Onagraceae, in which the most numerous species is Oenothera biennis. It is native to North and South America, but it has spread to Europe and other parts of the world. It's well-known for its beautiful yellow flowers that open in the evening and close during the day, hence the name "evening primrose." It is a biennial plant, which means it completes its life cycle over two years. In the first year, it grows a rosette of leaves close to the ground, and in the second year, it develops a tall stem that can reach up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) in height, with lance-shaped leaves and large yellow flowers. The seeds of the evening primrose plant contain oil that is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is a type of Omega-6 fatty acid.

Parts used: Flowers and leaves

Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties:

The plant has been used traditionally for centuries in various cultures for its medicinal properties, and it's also appreciated for its aesthetic value in gardens. The oil extracted from evening primrose seeds is where most of the plant's health benefits are concentrated, thanks to its high GLA content. GLA is thought to have anti-inflammatory and other beneficial effects, which leads to several potential health benefits:

Skin Health: Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that is believed to help support skin health. It may help alleviate conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Women's Health Issues: EPO is often used to alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause, such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and hot flashes. It is also sometimes used to manage the discomforts of endometriosis and to support fertility by improving cervical mucus quality.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Evening primrose oil contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Nerve Function: GLA may also play a role in supporting nerve function, which could potentially benefit conditions like diabetic neuropathy.

Here's a simple recipe for an evening primrose oil infusion:

Ingredients:

Dried evening primrose leaves or flowers

Carrier oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil)

Instructions:

Place the dried evening primrose leaves or flowers in a clean, dry glass jar.

Pour the carrier oil over the plant material until it is completely covered.

Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place.

Allow the mixture to infuse for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days.

After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the plant material.

Store the infused oil in a clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid. It can be used topically as needed.

Precaution, Indications and Considerations:

Evening primrose oil is widely available in capsules or as a liquid oil and is generally considered safe for most people when used in recommended dosages. However, because it can affect hormone levels and blood clotting, it's important for certain individuals, such as those on blood thinners, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with epilepsy, to consult a healthcare provider before using it.

Despite its many purported benefits, scientific evidence varies in quality, and further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for various conditions. Like any supplement, it's important to consider evening primrose oil as part of a holistic approach to health and not as a standalone cure-all.

In summary, evening primrose and its oil are valued for their potential health benefits, particularly for skin conditions, women's health issues, and inflammatory conditions. However, individuals should use it with caution and consult healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement regimen.