What is Madam Fate-Hippobroma longifora?
This is an herbal plant that was originally found in most parts of the West Indies. It also scientifically referred to as Isotoma longifora or Laurentia Longifora. The common names for this herb include Star of Bethlehem or Star Flower. Currently the plant has become widely spread and is naturalized across most regions of the American tropics. Madame Fate in a flowering plant classified in the Campanulaceae family. This plant grows up to a height of about 61cm. The flowers that grow on this plant are estimated to be about 14cm long. The flowers are tubular and have a star like appearance. Madame Fate also grows fruits which appear as green in color. The stem leaves for the plant occur in an alternating pattern while the lower leaves appear in a pattern that compares to a basal rosette. The herb mostly grows in a lowland region that receive a moderate amount of rainfall. It also commonly appears in regions that are moist and shady.
Health benefits of Madam Fate
Madam Fate contains two types of pyridine alkaloids. This are namely lobeline and nicotine. Nicotine offers a wide range of health benefits to you. For instance, diabetic patients are advised to consume some amount of nicotine to improve their health. Nicotine improve the growth as well as the blood vessels. Diabetic patients have a problem with their blood flow. This plant is also said to boost short term memory due to the effects of nicotine. Nicotine also lowers the incidences of occurrence of the Alzheimer’s disease. It plays the role of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Lobeline is said to be a good stimulant. It is consumed mostly to boost the activity of the brain. It is also used to treat asthma, whooping cough, allergies.
The herb can also be applied on wounds so as to cauterize the wounds and enhance healing of the wounds. Other diseases that can be cured by Madam Fate include hydrophobia, epilepsy and rheumatism.
How to use Madam Fate
This plant is very poisonous hence should be handled carefully. When uprooting the herb, you are advised to wear gloves throughout out. This is because Madam Fate produces a milky sap that causes a lot of irritation to the body when absorbed by the skin. A small amount of this sap can result to blindness if it enters your eye.
These herb should be consumed in smaller amounts since it produces a wide range of toxic effects when used in large amounts. Pregnant women are not advised to use this herb because it can result to other secondary complications. It can also result to extreme trembling when used in large amounts. Other effects include paralysis and vomiting.
NOTE: We highly recommend that before using any herbal medications you should consult your health care provider or medical doctor for professional advice.
Disclaimer: All herbs and spices listed on http://islandherbsandspices.com/ or sold for medical and household use only, again we advice that before using any HERBS for medical purposes, please consult your physician.
