If you have ever researched 'alternative sweeteners' or 'how to make tequila', you might have fallen upon agave. Agave is a succulent plant that is commonly appreciated for its medicinal and nutritional properties. Agave sap has been used to treat constipation, jaundice, liver disease, tuberculosis, ulcers and inflammatory conditions affecting the stomach and intestines. If you were ever considering switching to agave as your sweetener, you will be reducing calories, increasing health benefits, and introducing a kitchen sink of vitamins (listed below) into your diet--it's a no-brainer.
History & Folklore
During the Spanish conquest of America, the Aztec and Mayan people would utilize the sap of agave, to be mixed with powders and gums to create poultices, to be applied to open wounds. In conjunction with other natural remedies applied, the Aztecs and Mayans became revered for their abilities to treat and heal open wounds--unlike Europeans of their time. In 1552 CE, the Badianus Manuscript (one of the first herbal remedy journals) listed agave as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery. However, the most wide-known use of agave might be in its distilled form used to make tequila and mescal, both alcoholic beverages.
Habitat & Cultivation
Agave is a succulent perennial, and as a desert plant, it is Native to the deserts of Central America. Today, houseplants and succulents are a trendy staple to have in your home, as such, agave is now grown as an ornamental plant around the world. The agave boasts a spiky rosette, comprised of 30-60 fleshy, sharp-toothed leaves. In adolescence, agave will grow to nearly 7 feet tall, after 10 years agave will bloom and its flower will grow to be up to 30 feet tall!
Uses
Digestive Remedy agave sap can act as a soothing and restorative remedy for digestive ailments; including stomach and intestine conditions, and constipation
Other Uses to treat jaundice, liver disease, ulcers, inflammatory conditions, and tuberculosis
Parts used
Sap
Key Actions
Demulcent
Laxative
Antiseptic
Anti-inflammatory
Estrogenic
Constituents
alkaloids
coumarins
vitamins pro-A, B1, B2, C, D, and K
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 161.
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