Selected medicines of the jungle for common ailments
It is not easy to pick just a few medicinal plants from the many in Costa Rica’s biosphere. The knowledge of jungle remedies is very strong in rural areas, and even botanists are puzzled by new species discovered every year. I love, use, and know well some versatile ethnobotanicals in my practice. These plants are very versatile, as they don’t serve only one purpose; they may be food and medicine too. Some of my favorite species are also used as a sacrament or connected to rituals. When planning a new medicinal garden, I always want to include them. You’ll see why.
My top 7 of medicinal plants in Costa Rica
ACHIOTE(Bixa orellana)
Achiote is a vibrant shrub with spiky seed pods that make it a standout in any garden, but it’s the tiny seeds inside that have captured the imagination of herbalists and healers for centuries. Traditionally, the seeds yield a bright orange-red pigment used for rituals and as a natural dye for food and textiles, but they’re also packed with valuable phytochemicals. The seeds are rich in carotenoids, especially bixin and norbixin, which act as powerful antioxidants. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, supporting cellular health and protecting the body from oxidative stress.
Beyond their antioxidant potential, achiote seeds and leaves have a long history of use in folk medicine. In various indigenous traditions, achiote has been employed to soothe skin irritations, promote wound healing, and calm digestive discomfort. People sometimes infuse the seeds in oil or water and apply them topically to address rashes, burns, and insect bites, while a tea made from the leaves has been used to support kidney health and gentle detoxification. Recent research suggests that Bixa orellana may also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support eye health, thanks to its high concentration of carotenoids. For the wild herbalist, achiote is a beautiful example of a plant whose gifts bridge tradition and modern science—inviting us to explore its colorful legacy and remarkable healing properties with respect and curiosity.
MUCURA (Petiveria alliacea)
Petiveria alliacea, widely known as anamu, guinea hen weed, or mucura, is a distinctive perennial herb with a pungent garlicky aroma—a signature trait that hints at its powerful properties. In Afro-Caribbean, Central, and South American herbal traditions, Mucura has long been revered not only for its medicinal uses but also for its spiritual significance, often employed in cleansing rituals and protective baths to clear negative energy and invite vitality.
Medicinally, Petiveria alliacea is celebrated for its broad spectrum of traditional uses. The roots, leaves, and stems are rich in sulfur-containing compounds, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals, lending the plant notable anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-modulating effects. Herbalists have used Mucura teas and tinctures to support the immune system, especially during times of infection or chronic illness, and to help ease pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis. Some research points to its potential as an adjunct for certain fungal and bacterial infections, and even to promising anticancer properties.
JUANILAMA (Lippia alba)
Juanilama is a fragrant, bushy shrub native to Central and South America, cherished for generations in traditional medicine. It is easily recognized by its uplifting, lemony scent—an aroma that hints at its many therapeutic gifts. In Costa Rica, Juanilama is a staple in home gardens and folk remedies, valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its calming, cleansing, and restorative properties.
Herbalists frequently turn to juanilama for its gentle yet effective support of the digestive and nervous systems. People commonly brew the leaves into a soothing tea to ease stomach upset, indigestion, and cramps, while also using it as a calming remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and stress. Juanilama’s essential oils are rich in compounds like citral, limonene, and carvone, which contribute to its antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory actions. Externally, infusions of juanilama are sometimes applied to the skin to help with minor wounds or infections.
FLOR DE TILO (Justicia pectoralis)
Tilo, sometimes called “tilo americano” or “freshcut,” is a low-growing, aromatic herb native to the tropical regions of the Americas. The plant is prized for its sweet, coumarin-rich scent, which has earned it the nickname “freshcut.” In traditional herbalism across Central and South America, Tilo is beloved for its calming, heart-soothing properties, making it a go-to remedy for emotional stress, restlessness, or grief.
Herbalists have long used Tilo as a gentle nervine, preparing infusions or teas from its leaves and stems to settle anxiety, promote relaxation, and encourage peaceful sleep. Its mild sedative effects are sometimes compared to those of linden or chamomile, making it suitable for both children and adults. Beyond nervous tension, Justicia pectoralis has been used to ease headaches, muscle tension, and even mild respiratory complaints, thanks to its subtle anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions.
CORALILLO (Hamelia patens)
Coralillo, often called firebush or “coral bush,” is a vibrant, sun-loving shrub native to the Americas, easily recognized by its striking clusters of tubular red-orange flowers and lush, green leaves. Beloved by pollinators—especially hummingbirds and butterflies—this plant not only beautifies wild landscapes but also holds an important place in traditional herbal medicine throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Local healers have long appreciated firebush for its versatility, using various parts of the plant to address a wide range of health concerns.
Herbalists value Hamelia patens for its notable anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Traditionally, people crush the leaves or brew them into infusions to treat skin irritations, rashes, bites, and minor wounds—speeding healing and reducing bleeding and infection risk. The plant’s extracts have also been used to soothe fevers, ease digestive upset, and support general immune health. Some studies suggest that compounds in firebush may have antioxidant and antimicrobial actions, aligning with its time-honored uses. For the wild herbalist, Hamelia patens is a vibrant reminder of nature’s pharmacy—offering both practical remedies and a dazzling display that nourishes body, spirit, and the local ecosystem alike.
HOJA SANTA (Piper auritum)
Piper auritum, widely celebrated as hoja santa, Mexican pepperleaf, or root beer plant, is a lush, aromatic perennial native to Mexico and Central America. The plant’s fragrance—a unique blend of anise, sassafras, and black pepper—hints at its rich profile of essential oils and beneficial compounds. In traditional Mexican and Central American herbalism, Hoja Santa is revered for its versatility, playing a role in both culinary traditions and folk medicine.
Herbalists and home healers have long turned to Piper auritum for its carminative, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties. People commonly brew the leaves into tea or use them as poultices to ease stomach discomfort, indigestion, and cramps, making it a gentle ally for digestive wellness. Traditionally, it has also been used to support respiratory health and ease coughs, thanks to its soothing mucilaginous quality. Its antimicrobial effects add to its value as a medicinal plant. This is a perfect example of how flavor, fragrance, and healing can come together in one remarkable plant—inviting us to savor, celebrate, and respect the gifts of the green world all around us.