Ayapana Plant

Written by: Sophia Anseline

Ayapana is in the large Asteraceae plant family (which is also called the sunflower or daisy family). The Asteraceae is the second largest family in its Division with some 1,100 genera and over 20,000 recognized species. Two common and well known North American medicinal plant species in the family are boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) and Joe-Pye-weed (Eupatorium purpureum).

Originating from South America, Ayapana is an ornamental erect perennial herb with aromatic leaves that grows 20 to 30 cm high. The 5-8 cm long leaves are smooth, lanceolate, and borne on purple stems. It gives many flowering heads with about twenty pink flowers, which are 6 to 7 millimetres long. It can be found in the Amazon region of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and the three Guyanas. It has been introduced into the U.S. and can be found in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. It has naturalized in other tropical countries as well. 

The herb is sometimes just infused and taken as a herbal tea due to its nice aroma. 

Benefits of Ayapana plant

• Ayapana relieves the problems of cough, cold and sore throat.

• It resolves the headache problem.

• It heals cuts, scrapes and wounds.

• It prevent vomiting and cure may stomach complaints such as Stomach ache, indigestion, nausea.

• It is beneficial for the treatment of Cholera.

How to use Ayapana plant?

• This plant is best prepared as an infusion (tea): Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Pour boiling water over herb in cup and allow to steep 10 minutes. Strain tea (or allow settled powder to remain in the bottom of a cup) and drink warm. It is traditionally taken in 1 cup dosages, twice daily.

• Leaf infusion used for burning sensations in the stomach, indigestion, diarrhoea, insomnia, nausea and vomiting. Plant juice used as emollient and astringent. Whole plant used for influenza, fever, colds, pneumonia.

• An infusion of the leaf and stem used as a digestive stimulant.