Mesquite Medicinal Properties
Highly-revered herb of the Sonoran Desert. Mesquite Medicinal Properties
Scientific Name: Prosopis julifera (glandulosa), Prosopis pubescens, Prosopis pallida and Prosopis velutina (velvet mesquite)
Common name(s): Mesquite, glandular mesquite, algarrobo, kiawe
Origin: Northern Mexico and Southern U.S.
Plant type: Tree
Parts Used: The roots, bark, and leaves, gum.
Qualities: Cold & Dry. Sweet. Antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent, antiseptic, and antispasmodic.
Uses: A powder or tea can be made from any of the above materials for athlete’s foot and general fungal infections. This disinfecting wash or powder is wonderful for mild infections, stings, bites, sores, and scrapes. The leaves and pods can be made into an eye wash for eye inflammations of all kinds including pinkeye/conjunctivitis. Diarrhea, dysentery, stomach ulcers, dyspepsia, and most G. I. tract inflammations are soothed and astringed by the leaves, roots, and bark. The white inner bark is used as an intestinal antispasmodic. Being cooling and drying (astringent) the bark is also useful in stopping excessive menstrual bleeding and reducing fevers. The powdered leaves at one time were sprinkled on a newborns umbilical stump to prevent infections. Poultice, the leaves were used topically for headaches. The young shoots, ground and toasted, were used to dissolve kidney stones. (Kane, 2000, para. 1)
The mesquite gum or resin is warmer in nature. It is soothing and tonifying, and provides much of its healing qualities through its natural mucilage content. Dissolved in water it is used as a G.I. tonic to rehabilitate impaired and abused intestines. It greatly assists intestinal healing after surgery. After bouts of dysentery, diarrhea, stomach/intestinal distress, and food poisoning, it is used as a restorative. It also is a wonderful soother to stomach/intestinal pain, ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, sore throats, painful teeth and gums, and mouth sores. Externally it is equally effective on burned, chapped, and raw skin. Like the other parts of mesquite the resin is also an eye soother and at one time was used internally for respiratory problems. (Kane, 2000, para. 2)
Some modern uses for mesquite are:
Lowering blood sugar levels. In spite of its sweet taste, similar to molasses, mesquite has a low glycemic index and a high content of fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels in people with hyperglycemia and diabetes.
Promoting vascular health. Research have shown that mesquite may play a role in improving blood pressure.
Treating gastrointestinal problems. Mesquite has proven effective for relieving diarrhea, constipation, and other stomach ailments.
Nutritional Facts of Mesquite.
Mesquite seeds and pods are rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron, and zinc, all essential nutrients that contribute to the human overall health.
A generous amount of dietary fiber in mesquite powder helps regulate bowel movements and promotes smooth digestion. Additionally, this soluble fiber forms a gel that slows down nutrient absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes after meals heavy in carbohydrates.
Mesquite also provides lysine, which is one of the nine essential amino acids that the human body require for growth and tissue repair.
Herbal Remedies & Supplements and Suggested Dosage:
Liquid extract. The dried seed pods and wood are used to extract the main compounds of mesquite. 30-50 drops can be diluted in a glass of water or juice and taken 2-4 times daily, between meals, in order to relieve gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation.
Tincture. This is an alcohol-based preparation that also concentrates the medicinal properties of mesquite and needs to be diluted before consumption.
Capsules. Mesquite powder also can be found in supplemental form, as a convenient way to reap the benefits of mesquite in standardized, daily doses.
Contraindications: Mesquite doesn’t have many side effects. However, it is not widely consumed so not many side effects are known. It is also not recommended taking mesquite in medicinal doses or for extended periods of time, since its impact in higher concentrations is unknown.
Disclaimer: These statements has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
HerbaZest Editorial Team. (2020, June 18). Mesquite. HerbaZest. https://www.herbazest.com/herbs/mesquite
Kane, C. (2000, January 20). Mesquite, uses. Henriette’ Herbal Page. https://www.henriettes-herb.com/archives/best/2000/mesquite.html
Marvelous – and Medicinal – Mesquite. (2014, June 28). Savor the South West. https://savorthesouthwest.blog/2014/06/28/marvelous-and-medicinal-mesquite/comment-page-1/