Stem: The French Guiana Palikur burn bits of dried stem for the acrid smoke which is a mosquito repellent. Used for rheumatism in NW Guyana. Shoot used to treat abcesses and malaria in NW Guyana.

Leaf: Boiled leaves used as a fever bath. In Guyana, a decoction of boiled leaves is used by women as a "clean-out" for dilation and curettage, and also to aid the expulsion of the afterbirth of women and cows. Boiled as a hot tea for fever, which induces profuse perspiration. In NW Guyana, used to treat heart problems and malaria, and to ease birth.

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Origin

Abeokuta, Nigeria

Action:

Leaves

For measles

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Origin

Jamaica

Folk medicinal uses

Bamboo leaves are used to prepare tea and baths for fever patients. Boiled with Guinea grass and white rum added to the brew. it is said to be an excellent medicine for malaria and other fevers. The native population also considers it stimulant and aphrodisiac.

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

2) MacDonald Idu; Erhabor,Joseph O.; Efijuemue, Harriet M. / Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. – v. 9 no. 2, 2021. – p 7.

3) Asprey, G.F; Phylis Thornton/ Medicinal plants of Jamaica. Parts III & IV. – p. 58.