Stem: The "pads" are applied to treat mycoses (fungal skin infections), fever, and as a shampoo for fine, delicate hair; pads are warmed and placed on the forehead as a refresher by the French Guiana Palikur. Roasted branches are sliced and applied as a poultice to relieve pain, swelling, and localized burning sensation resulting from filaria. Sap used for baby's colds and wheezing. Grated stem mixed with corn meal and soft grease is warmed for external application to relieve heavy chest colds and fever associated with pneumonia.

Leaf: Used for spleen problems in NW Guyana.

------------

Origin

Indian gardens. Introduced into India towards the end of the th century.

Action:

Fruits—emollient, bechic.

Mucilaginous joints—used as poultices in cases of articular rheumatism, inflammations, scalds, burns and skin diseases.

1) Robertt, A., et al.. Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana)/Smithsonian NMNH. cited online: 17-08-2017.

2) Khare, C.P./ Indian Medicinal Plants. -- Nueva Dheli: Springer, 2007 . - p  453.