Botanical Overview
Petiveria alliacea, commonly known as Anamu, Guinea henweed, Mouse weed, or Wild garlic, belongs to the Phytolaccaceae family. It is native to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and West Africa. The medicinal parts commonly used include the leaf, root, and whole plant.
Energetics
This plant has a warming temperature and drying moisture quality. Its taste is pungent, garlicky, and sulfurous, with an ascending directionality. It acts as a relaxing tonic affecting the qi.
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
- Expectorant
- Sedative
Indications
Western
- Pain
- Infections
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Gastrointestinal spasms
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Respiratory infections
- Inflammatory conditions
- Muscle spasms
- Pain syndromes
Ayurveda
- Respiratory congestion
- Inflammation
- Pain
Syndromes
- Vata imbalance
- Kapha disorders with stagnation
TCM
No clearly established indications in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Unani
No clearly established indications in Unani tradition.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Petiveria alliacea contains benzyl sulfide compounds, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, polyphenols, saponins, and triterpenes that contribute to its antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 2-4 g dried leaf or root 2-3 times daily
- Tincture (1:5 in 40% ethanol): 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
- Poultice of fresh leaves applied topically for wounds and inflammation
Safety & Contraindications
Use cautiously during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. It may cause allergic reactions or irritation due to sulfur compounds. Avoid if bleeding disorders are present or if taking anticoagulants due to potential additive effects. Clinical data on long-term toxicity is limited.
Astrological Correspondences
None reliably sourced.
Selected References
- Petiveria alliacea – PFAF Plant Database
- Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Petiveria alliacea L. (Hechavarría et al., 2017)
- Ethnopharmacology of Petiveria alliacea L.: a review (Freire et al., 2010)
- Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (Duke, 2002)