The grass of the meek, yerba mansa or lizard tail (Anemopsis califórnica) is a perennial herb whose root, bark and rhizome are used for medicinal purposes. It is the only species of the genus Anemopsis and it occurs in very humid, swampy soils or shallow waters. It is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
The root is very fragrant and is edible raw or cooked. The seeds are ground to make flour and this can be used to make bread. The seeds pulverized in the mortar are cooked as porridge or used to make bread. The fresh or dried leaf or roots can be taken orally as a tea, tincture, infusion, or dried in capsule form.
Teas are used to treat coughs, nausea, kidney problems, and menstrual cramps. Also as diuretics and to relieve pain. Ointments and poultices are used to prevent infection after burns and reduce swelling from bruises. It is also used in sitz baths and showers.
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Thirty-eight compounds have been detected and identified by gas chromatography in manso grass. Some are found throughout the plant and others are only present in the roots.
They are chemical compounds derived from the essential oils it contains. The main ones are elemicin, pinene, sabinene, α-phelandrene, 1,8-cineole, piperitone, methyl-eugenol, isoeugenol, thymol, cymene and limonene, among others.
Elemycin is recognized as an anticholinergic. These substances are used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and urological disorders, such as overactive bladder syndrome..
Limonene is used to relieve gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and heartburn.
Piperitone is credited with bronchodilator, anti-asthmatic, and flavoring effects. For its part, thymol is characterized by its disinfectant and fungicidal power. Solutions of 5% thymol in ethanol are used for dermal disinfection and against fungal infections.
At low levels of exposure, α-Pinene is a bronchodilator, has anti-inflammatory properties and could act as an antimicrobial.
Lastly, eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) is an ingredient in cough suppressant syrups and is also used as a flavoring in mouthwashes..
Manso grass is one of the most important medicinal plants among the native cultures of the western United States and northwestern Mexico..
It has been used to treat a variety of ailments: from colds and scrapes to venereal diseases. Among the main benefits documented are the following:
- Used to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes, swollen gums, and sore throat.
- The herb is astringent. This means that it has the property of tightening the tissues with which it comes into contact; hence its usefulness to relieve sore throats, blisters, sunburns, hemorrhoids and rash, among other ills. Has analgesic properties.
- It is effective for stomach and intestinal problems, especially irritated bowel syndrome and inflammation of the urinary bladder..
- Its roots possess pronounced anticancer activity against multiple human cancer cell lines.
- An infusion of roots can be taken as a diuretic to treat rheumatic diseases such as gout. This herb contributes to the elimination of excess uric acid, which causes painful joint inflammation. In addition, it prevents the accumulation of crystals in the kidneys, which could cause kidney stones..
- It is used in skin conditions to treat inflamed or infected areas. It is an antibacterial; reduces inflammation and helps you recover from infection. The withered leaves or the powder made from the root are also used; dry root powder can be sprinkled on infected areas to relieve athlete's foot or diaper rash.
- Relieves muscle inflammation when leaves are applied in poultices.
- It is used for respiratory ailments, especially coughs, and to reduce nasal congestion that accompanies sinusitis..
- Calms menstrual discomfort.
- It is used in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and vaginal candidiasis.
- It should not be used when there are urinary tract infections.
- It is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- The root can deepen sedation if ingested before a surgical procedure. It can also cause drowsiness, so driving and operating machinery should be avoided if you are consuming herb del manso.
- Little is known about the effects of the herb in very young children. Before using it, it is advisable to consult a health professional. May cause adverse reactions and also life-threatening side effects if combined with other medications.
- The medicinal preparations of the grass of the manso have their origins in ethnobotany. The root of the plant is peeled, cut, squeezed and boiled to prepare a hot decoction and relieve colds, coughs, nasal congestion and pleurisy. In this case, 2 cups of manso leaves tea are taken a day.
- The tea is prepared with 4 leaves of the herb for ½ liter of water. This decoction has also been used for menstrual cramps, stomach ulcers and for the general treatment of pain.
- For respiratory problems you can also vaporize, incorporating eucalyptus and sage to the leaves of the grass.
- Like many herbal teas, it works best when ingested a few times a day for a few days and not every day..
- For an upset stomach the water is drunk after soaking the root in it.
- When wounds are to be treated, the sores are washed with the herbal tea.
- The dried and powdered plant is sprayed on the wounds as a disinfectant.
- The water from the boiled leaves is used to relieve muscle and foot pain.
- Poultices are made by crushing the roots and boiling them to treat localized inflammations.
- The roots are also chewed to calm a cough.
- Used as a liniment for skin problems.
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