A plant record

Sisal (pit)

Agave sisalana

EnglishSisal

Kreyòlpit

FrançaisPite

BotanicalAgave sisalana

Sisal (pit) — Agave sisalana, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Wounds, cuts, skin infections, joint pain, inflammation, digestive issues, burns

Prepared as

The sisal leaves are crushed or pounded to extract the fresh juice, which is applied directly to wounds or mixed with warm water (body temperature) for washing infected areas. For internal use, a small piece of the leaf is boiled in water for 15-20 minutes to make a bitter tea, taken in small doses of 2-3 tablespoons twice daily for digestive complaints. The fibrous pulp remaining after juice extraction is sometimes heated and applied as a warm poultice to swollen joints or sore muscles.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Pou blèsi, koupti, enfeksyon po, doulè zouti yo, enflamasyon, pwoblèm vant, boule

Français — Pour les plaies, coupures, infections cutanées, douleurs articulaires, inflammation, troubles digestifs, brûlures

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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