The captain (verbesina crocata) is one of the most emblematic medicinal plants of Mexican herbalism, used from pre-Hispanic times to the present day. Appreciated for its multiple benefits and medicinal propertiesThe capitaneja is recognized in traditional medicine for its effectiveness in treating various conditions, especially digestive health, diabetes control, women's ailments, and skin care. Below, we explore in detail its botanical and taxonomic characteristics, habitat, distribution, traditional uses, and therapeutic properties supported by popular experience and scientific literature.
The Captain: Origin, taxonomy and general characteristics
La captain belongs to the family Asteraceae (also known as Compositae) and is endemic to Mexico, especially the west of the country. Its scientific name is verbesina crocata, although there are several taxonomic synonyms such as Bidens crocata, Spilanthes crocata y Platypteris crocata, reflecting some historical confusion in its classification. It is also known as "arnica capitaneja," "orange capitaneja," "thorny stick" (in Guerrero), and under indigenous names such as "nahuiliput," "chimalacatl" (Morelos), "ki'che," or "taamkas che'" (Yucatán).
botanical description
- Growth Habit: A spreading or climbing shrub, often supporting itself on other plants. Its height can vary from 1,5 to 8 meters.
- Stems: Winged (with 4 leafy wings of 1 to 4 mm), with thick hairs at the base and opposite branches.
- Sheets: Mostly opposite, ovate to deltoid, 8–16 cm long by 5–13 cm wide, coarsely toothed, with a pointed apex. They have a rough texture due to numerous stiff hairs.
- Inflorescence: Panicles of 1 to 5 large, orange or yellow heads, hemispherical or subglobose, with between 100 and 200 tubular flowers each.
- Flowers: Tubular and tiny, without ray florets, grouped in heads up to 5 cm wide.
- Fruits and seeds: Obovate achenes, 5,5 to 8 mm long, with whitish wings and short awns.
Geographic distribution and habitat
The captain is endemic to Mexico, although some older sources mention a distribution that extends to Central America. However, studies such as those by Olson and McVaugh confirm that the greatest concentration and diversity of this species occurs in:
- Jalisco
- Guerrero
- Michoacán
- Durango
- Estado de México
- Morelos
- Oaxaca
- Puebla
Specimens have also been reported in Veracruz, Nayarit, Chiapas and Zacatecas, although some of these observations correspond to similar species. natural habitat The Capitaneja region is made up of low deciduous forests, thickets, roadsides, scrublands and disturbed sites, at altitudes of 50 to 2010 metres, predominantly in sub-humid to warm climates.
History of use and cultural relevance
The importance of capitaneja in traditional Mexican medicine has been documented since the 16th century, when Francisco Hernández described its uses for curing indigestion, softening the stomach, inducing urination, and treating a variety of ailments such as colds, fever, inflammation, headaches, and feminine problems, including retained placenta. In more recent times, Maximino MartÃnez expanded its spectrum of uses, considering it useful for abscesses, dermatological diseases, headaches, and infections, as an astringent, cathartic, antipyretic, antisyphilitic, emmenagogue (promoting menstruation), diuretic, antitumor, and antitussive.
Main medicinal properties of the capitaneja
It delves into the Benefits and medicinal properties of the capitaneja, integrating the contributions of traditional medicine, case studies and scientific literature.
1. Digestive effects: relief from reflux, heartburn, indigestion and constipation
The captain is highly valued for protect the stomach, relieve heartburn and gastric reflux, as well as facilitate digestion and treat indigestion. Its popular use consists of preparing infusions with fresh leaves, boiled in water, and consumed warm or cold before meals. This remedy helps reduce irritation caused by harsh foods and, according to empirical evidence, acts quickly, providing relief within minutes of ingestion.
- The roots, especially freshly cut, have an effect soft laxative and help evacuate intestinal contents in cases of constipation.
- It improves the digestion of fatty foods, stimulates bile production, and can be used to help with diarrhea, dysentery, and flatulence.
- It is also traditionally used against abdominal inflammation and pain caused by indigestion.
In popular practices it is occasionally combined with alfalfa or tamarind water to enhance its digestive and refreshing effects.
2. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
The capitaneja contains compounds such as flavonoids, quercetin and sterols, recognized for their properties anti-inflammatory and analgesics. Its use is widespread in patients with chronic pain, especially associated with diabetic neuropathy, where it is taken as an infusion as a complement to analgesics, achieving a significant reduction in inflammation and pain.
- It is used externally in the form of washes, poultices or compresses to treat rashes, eruptions, wounds and abscesses.
- Topical application of fresh leaves, previously washed and crushed, helps in the resolution of skin tumors, bites, infections and to relieve injuries associated with dermatological diseases.
3. Hypoglycemic effects: diabetes control
In traditional Mexican medicine, capitaneja is considered a plant hypoglycemic, that is, capable of reducing blood sugar levels. Although more scientific evidence is still needed to understand its mechanism of action, regular consumption of leaf infusions has been observed as a natural alternative to support diabetes treatment, under medical supervision.
- It is recommended to consume the infusion on an empty stomach and before main meals.
- Its use should be cautious and monitored, especially when combined with conventional diabetes medications.
4. Female reproductive system health
The capitaneja is widely recognized in the gynecological field for its positive effects on women's health:
- Vaginal douches: The plant's cooking water is used to treat vaginal infections, relieve irritation, control abnormal or foul-smelling discharge and redness.
- Menstrual regulation: Ingested as an infusion, it is used to regulate delayed menstrual cycles and facilitate the expulsion of the placenta after childbirth.
- In herbal formulas, it is often combined with other plants such as Achillea millefolium, chuchupaztle, chilillo, Castilian rose, chamomile and black grass, enhancing their antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effects.
Example table for use in herbal formulas:
| Plant | Used part | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| orange captain | Flower c/t | 60g |
| Chuchupaztle | Root | 60g |
| Chilillo | Sheet | 60g |
| Rose of Castile | Flower | 60g |
| Chamomile | Poland | 60g |
| Black grass | Sheet c/t | 60g |
How to prepare: Mix equal parts, add 1 tablespoon per liter of water, boil for 10 minutes, strain, and use in vaginal douches or as a drink before meals.
5. Diuretic and purifying properties
The ingestion of infusions or smoothies of capitaneja, whether with the fresh or dried plant, stimulates the urine excretionIts diuretic action is recognized as effective and safe, without generating imbalances in minerals such as sodium and potassium, unlike some pharmacological diuretics.
- Indicated in cases of high blood pressure, fluid retention and kidney stones.
- It promotes general body cleansing by facilitating the elimination of toxins and waste products.
6. Treatment of respiratory conditions: flu and cough
In traditional medicine, the capitaneja is considered a natural expectorant and cough suppressantDrinking infusions helps dissolve phlegm, reduce bronchial inflammation, and reduce coughing, especially in viral illnesses such as the flu and colds. It is also used to relieve discomfort associated with bronchitis and the general malaise typical of respiratory infections.
7. Other traditional uses and ethnobotanical observations
- relief from headaches and headache.
- Strengthening women in labor and postpartum recovery.
- Support in the wound healing and maturation of skin tumors.
- Used as forage for goats in various rural regions.
Preparation and methods of use
Depending on the purpose and the disorder to be treated, capitaneja can be used in several ways:
- Infusions to drink: Wash the freshly cut leaves well, boil a portion to taste in 1 liter of water for 5-10 minutes, let it cool, and consume before meals, preferably on an empty stomach and before main meals.
- Vaginal douching: Prepare a similar decoction, let it cool to the appropriate temperature, and use it in baths or local washes to treat infections and irritations.
- External use: Crushed leaves are applied to the skin for dermatological conditions, rashes, and wounds. The tender part of the root can also be used as poultices.
- Herbal combinations: In Mexican herbal medicine, it is combined in formulas with other plants to enhance its effects, following traditional recipes and under expert supervision.
Important tip: It is advisable to prepare infusions every day, as they lose their properties over time.
Case studies and empirical evidence
Interviews and experiences with traditional herbalists, such as "Doña Chayito" in Morelos, have documented the effectiveness of capitaneja. For example, cases of women diagnosed with gastritis and reflux reported almost immediate relief after ingesting infusions of the plant. Furthermore, a mild hypotensive effect (slight reduction in blood pressure) has been observed, suggesting possible applications in the complementary management of hypertension, although further scientific research is still needed.
When applied externally, capitaneja showed positive effects in reducing swelling, redness, and accelerating the healing of wounds and abscesses.
Precautions, contraindications and recommendations
- Capitaneja is generally considered safe at usual doses, with no serious side effects reported in long-term use reports.
- The use of fresh leaves to obtain maximum therapeutic benefit.
- It should not be combined with drug treatments for diabetes or hypertension without the supervision of a healthcare professional.
- In susceptible individuals, allergic skin reactions may occur, so a small patch test is recommended before extensive use.
- Its use is not recommended in pregnant women without medical advice, especially for uterine or menstrual purposes.
Featured bibliography and complementary resources
- National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO): Taxonomic and ethnobotanical record of verbesina crocata.
- Digital Library of Traditional Mexican Medicine (UNAM): Resources on the uses, ecology, and history of the capitaneja.
- Barragán-SolÃs, A.: The practice of self-care through phytotherapy in Mexican families.
- Marcial, J.: Ethnobotanical documentation and local applications in Cuernavaca.
- Tlahui Medic: Interviews, clinical cases and practical applications in traditional medicine.
Frequently asked questions about the captain
- Can Capitaneja be consumed daily? Yes, in infusions of fresh leaves, preferably on an empty stomach, but without exceeding the traditional doses and respecting breaks.
- Can the dried plant be used? It is preferable to use it fresh, although dried under appropriate conditions it can retain some of its properties.
- Does it have interactions with medications? Yes, especially in treatments for diabetes and blood pressure, so it's essential to seek the advice of an experienced doctor or herbalist.
- How long do prepared infusions last? Ideally, they should be consumed the same day; they lose their effectiveness the following day.
Capitaneja represents a legacy of Mexican indigenous medicine and remains relevant today thanks to its multiple medicinal applications. From relieving digestive and skin disorders to supporting women's health and metabolic control, this plant exemplifies Mexico's botanical and cultural richness, combining tradition and efficacy. Incorporating its use, always in conjunction with local experience and respect for ancestral wisdom, can be of enormous benefit to overall health and daily well-being.