A plant record

Tilo (sèpantye)

Justicia pectoralis

EnglishTilo

Kreyòlsèpantye

FrançaisCharpentier

BotanicalJusticia pectoralis

Tilo (sèpantye) — Justicia pectoralis, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Respiratory infections, cough, bronchitis, asthma, chest congestion, fever, inflammation

Prepared as

Fresh or dried Tilo leaves are prepared as a hot tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of the herb in boiling water (212°F) for 10-15 minutes, then strained. The tea is consumed warm, typically 1 cup taken 2-3 times daily for respiratory ailments, or a stronger preparation using 1 tablespoon per cup can be used as a steam inhalation for congestion. For topical use, the leaves are often crushed fresh and applied directly to wounds or boiled into a concentrated wash for skin conditions.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Enfeksyon nan pwatrin ak nan souf, tous, blonchit, asma, kongèsyon nan pwatrin, lafyèv, enflamasyon

Français — Infections respiratoires, toux, bronchite, asthme, congestion thoracique, fièvre, inflammation

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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