02/23/2025
I’ve been hit hard with a respiratory virus during this past month. One day last week our friend Adrian Gámez sent Loyd home with a handful of cuttings from a local plant and told us to make tea with the leaves. He said this was what his grandmother had always given him when he was sick.
Right away, of course I wanted to know the name of this plant. He said it was called “Nicle”. Searching online I found a plant called “Muicle” which he confirmed is the same thing.
Also known as Mexican Honeysuckle, Mexican indigo, Firecracker bush or Orange Plume Flower, the Latin name is Justicia spicigera and this plant has a long history of medicinal use in Mexico.
It has been used to treat respiratory issues(specifically my hacking cough), GI issues (diarrhea, parasites), menstrual issues (pain, irregularities) and skin issues (rashes, burns, insect bites)
I made a tea from the leaves. It turned pleasantly purple and has an equally pleasant taste. I have been drinking a cupful every day.
I love learning about plants! 💚
