Saião, also known as coirama, fortune leaf, coastal leaf or monk’s ear, is a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, tannins, sterols and phenolic compounds, which have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing agents, which is why it is widely used in traditional medicine to treat gastritis, stomach pain or skin wounds.
The scientific name of the saião is Kalanchoe brasiliensis Cambessand the normally used part of this plant is the leaves, generally for preparing tea, although they can also be used to prepare juices or pastes to apply to the skin.
Saião can be found in herbalists, health food stores, compounding pharmacies, markets and some open-air markets. However, although it has many benefits, this medicinal plant does not replace conventional medical treatment and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.
What is it for
The saão has many health benefits, the main ones being:
1. Combat gastrointestinal problems
Saião has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiulcer properties, which are very useful in helping to combat gastrointestinal problems, being very useful in helping to treat gastritis, peptic ulcers, stomach pain or poor digestion.
Furthermore, a study (1) made with cells in the laboratory, showed that due to the antioxidant and antibacterial substances in its composition, such as flavonols and flavones, saion can help eliminate bacteria Salmonella responsible for causing gastroenteritis.
2. Reduce fluid retention
Saion can be used to help reduce fluid retention, reducing swelling throughout the body due to its diuretic properties, being very useful especially in cases of swelling in the legs.
3. Combat respiratory problems
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, saion can be used to help treat lung infections, helping to combat respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma or coughs.
4. Improve skin problems
Saião has a healing, anti-inflammatory and emollient action and can be used on the skin to accelerate the healing of wounds and other problems such as erysipelas, burns, boils, dermatitis, chilblains or insect bites. Additionally, saion can also be used on calluses or warts.
5. Help fight cancer
A study (2) carried out on rats with sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that can affect the skin, bones, internal organs or soft tissues, showed that sarcoma has active substances that can help reduce the proliferation of cells of this type of cancer. However, studies in humans are still needed to prove this benefit.
How to use
The most used part of the saião is its leaf, which is used to prepare teas, juices or pastes to apply to the skin.
1. Saião tea
Saião tea can be used to help treat gastritis, peptic ulcers, stomach pain, gastritis or poor digestion. Additionally, it can be used to reduce leg swelling due to its diuretic effect.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of chopped saião leaves;
- 250 mL of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Place the chopped leaves of the saão in boiling water and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then strain and drink at least 2 cups a day.
2. Saião juice with milk
Saião juice with milk can help calm coughs and improve stomach healing in cases of gastritis or peptic ulcers.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 leaves of saião;
- 1 cup of milk.
Preparation mode
Blend the ingredients in a blender, strain and drink twice a day.
3. Saião paste
Saião paste can be used to help treat skin problems, such as dermatitis, boils, erysipelas, burns, boils, dermatitis, chilblains, warts, calluses or insect bites.
Furthermore, this paste can be used on skin wounds, as long as they are not open, pus-filled or bleeding wounds.
Ingredients
- 3 fresh leaves of saião.
Preparation mode
Place the leaves in a clean, dry glass container and crush them with a pestle, for example, until they have a paste-like consistency. Then, place the saion paste in a gauze pad and apply it to the affected area of the skin for about 15 minutes, twice a day.
Possible side effects
The side effects of saião are not yet known, therefore, its use should only be done with medical advice or from a health professional with experience in medicinal plants.
Who shouldn’t use
Saião should not be used by children, pregnant or lactating women or by people who are allergic to saião.
Furthermore, this plant should not be used by people who have a weakened immune system or heart problems.
Saion should also not be used by people who use barbiturate medications such as phenobarbital or secobarbital, cardiac glycosides such as digoxin or digitoxin, or immunosuppressive medications.
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