Guaco: what it is, what it is for and how to use it

Guaco, also known as guaco-liso, cipó-caatinga or snake herb, is a medicinal plant that contains several analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-diarrheal properties, and can be used to treat flu and respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis and cough, due to its bronchodilator and expectorant effect.

Furthermore, guaco also has anti-allergic, vasodilating and anticoagulant properties, making it useful for treating allergies, cardiovascular and circulatory problems, such as thrombosis, high blood pressure and angina pectoris, for example.

The scientific name of guaco is Mikania glomerata Spreng and can be found in health food stores and some pharmacies, in the form of dried leaves or tinctures, and is used under the guidance of a doctor.

What is it for

Guaco can be used to help treat some situations, such as:

• Bronchitis;
• Gripe;
• Asma;
• Cough;
• Hoarseness;
• Sore throat;
• Allergies;
• Fever;
• Thrombosis;
• Gastritis and ulcers;
• Lack of appetite;
• Heart diseases;
• Infection by bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Furthermore, guaco can be used to help treat different pains, neuralgia and rheumatism.

Although it can be used in different situations, the use of guaco must be guided by a herbalist or doctor specialized in the use of medicinal plants.

How to use guaco

Guaco can be used in the form of a syrup and can be purchased at a pharmacy and taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For therapeutic purposes, the leaves of the plant can be used in the form of tea or tincture.

1. Guaco tea

Ingredients

• 3 grams of dry leaves or 5 grams of fresh guaco leaves;
• 150 mL of boiled water.

Preparation mode

Place the guaco leaves in the boiled water and leave for 10 minutes. Then strain and drink up to 3 times a day.

2. Guaco tincture

Ingredients

• 100 grams of crushed guaco leaves;
• 300 mL of grain alcohol

Preparation mode

Place the crushed leaves in a dark bottle with 300 mL of alcohol. Let it rest for 2 weeks in a cool, airy place, shaking the mixture once a day. Strain and place a compress on the affected area. The tincture is for external use only.

Furthermore, guaco tincture can be found in health food stores, and the use of 5 to 20 mL of tincture per day is recommended.

Possible side effects

Prolonged use or very high amounts of guaco can cause bleeding, increased heart rate, vomiting and diarrhea. Guaco contains coumarin which can cause worsening of shortness of breath and coughing in people allergic to this component.

Who shouldn’t use

Guaco is not recommended for people allergic to this plant, for people with cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes and liver disease. This plant should not be consumed by children under 1 year of age, and should also be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Furthermore, guaco contains coumarin, a component with anticoagulant action, and is therefore not recommended for people using anticoagulant medications.