Agave Notes

[Guest guest]

These are notes I have collected on the AGAVE CACTUS, also known as the

CENTURY PLANT and all over in my area. I hope this is helpful.

 

Jamie

 

A compress for local infections and fresh wounds is made out of the wet

macerated pulp obtained from the heart of the Agave.

Similarly, such a compress is used for relieving chest congestion.

Raw Agave leaves induce vomiting.

The pulp of the heart of the Agave is also used to treat chapped lips,

rashes, sunburn and snowblindness.

Roots and leaves are used to relieve toothache.

Provides nutrition.

Is used as hormone replacement.

Produces immunosuppressive effects on body.

Causes abortion or miscarriage.

Treats dysentery.

Relieves pain of sprains.

 

 

We know that the Aztecs and other native Indians have used immature agave

leaf fibre and sap in the production of paper and also as poultices for

wounds, rashes and bruising. Some agaves e.g. Agave vilmoriniana are known

to contain medically useful substances such as vitamins and steroid

precursors. Research is being carried out to see if any of this may yield

products of medicinal and commercial value and at present the indications

are that in the future agaves may have more of an application in these areas

than in their more traditional roles, with the possible exception of Tequila

production. Soap or soap substitutes are produced from a number of different

species including Agave lechuguilla, the sap of which is also known to be

used by locals as a poison for the tips of their arrows. The flowering poles

can be used as fences, in house construction ( in addition to leaves being

used in roofing), as fishing poles and tree supports. A form of digeridoo

called Dream Time Pipes is now being marketed in California, using hollowed

out agave flower stalks to replace the original hollowed out eucalyptus

trunks. Surfboards are also made, albeit on a small scale, from the flower

stalks.

Recent advertising promotes a food and drink sweetener from agave juice, a

bosom firming cream containing agave extract, an antiseptic from the sap of

Agave filifera and a liquid treatment for falling hair in which the leaves

of the same agave have been soaked. The essence of the flower of Agave

palmeri is sold to help us promote our inner selves " This agave helps us to

own our level of mastery and manifest our inner beauty and strength into

daily life " .

 

*******

TAKEN FROM:

http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/spec-med/plants-a.html

 

Agave americana. (Century plant.)

The only report we have of this agent is from Dr. Penn, U. S. A., in the

treatment of scurvy:

 

" Every case has improved rapidly; the countenance, so universally dejected

and despairing in the patient affected with scurvy, is brightened up by

contentment and hope in two days from the time of its introduction. The most

marked evidences of improvement were observable at every successive visit.

From observing the effects of the Maguey in the cases which have occurred in

this command, I am compelled to place it far above that remedy which, till

now, has stood above every other-lime juice. The manner in which I use it is

as follows : The leaves are cut off close to the root. They are placed in

hot ashes until thoroughly cooked, when they are removed, and the juice

expressed. The expressed juice is then strained, and given in doses of ij.

to iij. daily. "

 

I should be glad if some of our southern readers would try a tincture of the

recent leaves, made by cutting them in small pieces and covering with

alcohol. We want to determine its influence on the circulation and on the

nervous system. The dose would be about ten drops.

 

*****

TAKEN FROM:

http://hg.women.com/homeandgarden/plants/agavamer.htm

 

Plant Type: Cacti and Succulents

Uses: Ornamental, Rock Garden, Medicinal

Propagation: Seeds, Division

Habit: Upright, Spreading

Light: Full Sun

Flower Color: Yellow

Blooms: Summer, Autumn

Width: 6 - 10 ft.; Height: 3 - 6 ft.

Fertility: Average

Soil: Neutral, Well-drained, High, Medium

Zone: 9 - 11

Attracts: Hummingbirds

 

 

Basal-rosetted succulent which offsets freely. Commonly thought to bloom

only after 100 years of growth, you'll be happy to know that in fact, it

only takes about 10 years for the first blooms of this plant to appear. The

branched flower stem can reach heights of up to 40 feet and bears creamy

white to pale yellow flowers; these are attractive to hummingbirds. After

blooming the mother plant will die and send out new plants around its

circumference. The leaves were once used medicinally by Indians of the

Southwestern United States and this useful plant is also a modern source of

steroids. Prefers average, well-drained soil but will tolerate poor soil and

drought. 'Variegata' is pictured.