The infusion of the petals is reported to be a calmative and is used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions (Cabrera n.d.; Martìnez 1969).

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Origin

Central America

Folk medicinal uses

At present T. mexicana is used mainly as a medicine, in the form of a syrup used to prevent epileptic attacks and also to treat various cardiac ailments, tonic properties being attributed to it.

Bark - The bark of the tree is used to prepare an infusion useful in the treatment of fevers, and cardiac glucoside properties are attributed to it. Its fame as a remedy for heart complaints led to it being incorporated in the symbol of the Instituto Nactional de Cardiologia.

Flower - Three or four petals boiled in half a litre of water is the usual dose for an infusion for the treatment of cardiac affections and as a sedative.

1) Nicholson Michael S. ; Arzhennithe, Charles . Economic Botany. vol. 47 . --p. 184-192 1993

2) Some medicinal forest plants of Africa and Latin America 67/ FAO. – FAO: Rome, 1986. – p. 232.