A plant record

Immortelle (Imòtèl)

Erythrina corallodendron

EnglishImmortelle

KreyòlImòtèl

FrançaisImmortel

BotanicalErythrina corallodendron

Immortelle (Imòtèl) — Erythrina corallodendron, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

⚠ Seeds and bark carry curare-like alkaloids that can paralyze; not for internal use without expert guidance. Used mostly externally for fever, inflammation, skin conditions, wounds, and respiratory complaints.

Prepared as

Bark decoction: boil small piece of bark in 2 cups water 15 minutes, drink half cup twice daily for fever and pain. Leaf tea: boil handful 10 minutes for inflammation and muscle complaints. Bark poultice applied to swollen joints and infected wounds. Flower infusion: steep 5 flowers in hot water 10 minutes for anxiety and nervous tension. Avoid during pregnancy. Seeds ground and applied topically for pain relief. Use bark preparations no more than 2 weeks continuously. Seeds ground and applied topically for pain relief. Use bark preparations no more than 2 weeks continuously.

In three languages

Kreyòl — ⚠ Grenn ak ekòs yo gen alkaloyid tankou kurare ki kapab paralize; pa pou itilize andedan san konsèy yon ekspè. Itilize sitou sou po a pou lafyèv, enflamasyon, maladi po, blesi, ak pwoblèm respirasyon.

Français — ⚠ Les graines et l'écorce contiennent des alcaloïdes de type curare qui peuvent paralyser ; ne pas utiliser par voie interne sans l'avis d'un expert. Utilisé surtout en externe pour la fièvre, l'inflammation, les affections cutanées, les plaies et les troubles respiratoires.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

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