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DESMODIUM ADSCENDENS - AMOR SECO.
Synonym Desmodium caespitosum, desmodium glaucescens, desmodium heterophyllum, desmodium oxalidifolium, hedysarum adscendens. Common name Manayupa, hardstick, amor seco,strong back, pega pega, hard man, beggar lice. Family Fabaceae, (Bean family). Overview Hardstick is a weedy perennial herb; it grows up to a height of no more than 3 feet; it has alternate oval leaves. A common, indigenous weed in Suriname found along roadsides and in yards. It produces small green beans in 1 - 1½" pods and has small light purple - or pink flowers. The pods are sticky. Due to the numerous medicinal benefits, this plant is applied in traditional medicine all over the tropics. Studies are now being done for the effectiveness against asthma, since in alternative- and traditional medicine it has been used for a very long time by shamans and herbalists as a very effective remedy as such. Herbalist use Desmodium for allergies, muscle spam and against asthma. Amor seco is very effective in low dosages and there are no side effects and toxicity known. Pharmacology The active phytochemicals in amor seco are: saccarides triterpenics, soyasaponines, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins. The plant is useful in all inflammatory conditions by improving kidney function. It stimulates excretion of urine and deposits retained in the urinary tract. It is useful in all inflammatory conditions by inspiring kidney function. It stimulates excretion of urine and deposits retained in the urinary tract. It has anti asthma and anti allergic properties in South America. Suriname's traditional medicine It is used against dysentery, constipation bronchial asthma, malaria, liver dysfunctions, acute - and chronic hepatitis, diarrhea and for urinary problems. Medicinal applications In Belize it is used for back pain relieve. In the Amazon rainforest an infusion of the plant is given to people with edgy nerves (nervousness). In shamanism, amor seco is used to promote lactation (galactagogue), arthritis and as a contraceptive. Witch - doctors in the Amazon rainforest believe the plant has magic powers in love matters and the ones in Africa use it to de - toxicity the body. A leaf infusion is used by the Amerindians in the rainforest for convulsions and venereal sores; also for vaginal infections. Visit our CHOLESTEROL -, DIABETES - , HYPERTENSION - and TINCTURE pages. Hardiness USDA zone 9 B - 11. In summer zone 8 - 11. Propagation Seeds and cuttings. Culture Full sun / partial shade; it needs moist sandy loam soil. Protect from frost. |