Botanical Overview
Piper aduncum is a member of the Piperaceae family, commonly known as Spiked pepper, Higuillo, or Matico. It is native to Central and South America. The plant’s leaves, stems, and roots are traditionally used medicinally.
Energetics
This herb is considered warming and drying in nature, possessing acrid, bitter, and pungent tastes. It has a descending directionality and a tonifying energetic quality associated mainly with the qi.
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anthelmintic
- Astringent
- Wound healing
Indications
Western
- Wound infections
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Cough
- Intestinal worms
- Skin infections
Syndromes
- Bacterial and fungal infections
- Parasitic infestations
- Inflammatory conditions
TCM
No substantiated uses documented.
Ayurveda
No substantiated uses documented.
Unani
No substantiated uses documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils rich in terpenes, and phenolic compounds contributing to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of leaves: 10-20 g per liter, taken orally for infections
- Topical application of leaf poultice or diluted essential oil for wound healing
- Infusion: 2-4 g dried leaves per cup, 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Traditionally considered safe when used topically or orally in typical doses. Avoid during pregnancy due to lack of sufficient safety data. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. No known serious toxic effects reported.
Astrological Correspondences
No definitive planetary or elemental rulerships are established in current ethnobotanical or esoteric literature.
Selected References
- Plant Resources of Tropical Africa (PROTA): Piper aduncum L. (2013)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Volume 3: Piper species (2004)
- Smith et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2018) – Antimicrobial properties of Piper aduncum essential oils
- López-Pérez, Medicinal Plants of the Amazon (2015)