A plant record

Tua tua (ti medsiyen)

Jatropha gossypiifolia

EnglishTua tua

Kreyòlti medsiyen

FrançaisPetit médicinier

BotanicalJatropha gossypiifolia

Tua tua (ti medsiyen) — Jatropha gossypiifolia, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

⚠ The seeds and their oil are violently purgative and toxic — never swallowed. Used externally, with knowledgeable guidance, for skin infections, wounds, fever, stomachache, intestinal worms, rheumatism, boils, and headaches.

Prepared as

The leaves of Tua tua are typically prepared as a warm decoction by boiling 3-5 fresh leaves in 2 cups of water for 10-15 minutes, then allowed to cool to drinking temperature. For external use, the leaves are crushed fresh and applied directly as a poultice, or the cooled decoction is used as a wash for skin conditions. Internal consumption is limited to 1/4 cup of the cooled tea taken once daily for no more than 3 consecutive days due to the plant's potent properties.

In three languages

Kreyòl — ⚠ Grenn yo ak lwil yo se yon pijatif vyolan epi yo toksik — pa janm vale yo. Itilize sou po a, avèk konsèy yon moun ki konnen, pou enfeksyon po, blesi, lafyèv, mal vant, vè nan vant, rèmatism, bouton, ak mal tèt.

Français — ⚠ Les graines et leur huile sont violemment purgatives et toxiques — jamais avalées. Utilisé en externe, sous la conduite d'une personne expérimentée, pour les infections cutanées, les plaies, la fièvre, les maux d'estomac, les vers intestinaux, les rhumatismes, les furoncles et les maux de tête.

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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