A plant record

Woman's tongue tree (tchatcha)

Albizia lebbeck

EnglishWoman's tongue tree

Kreyòltchatcha

FrançaisTcha-tcha

BotanicalAlbizia lebbeck

Woman's tongue tree (tchatcha) — Albizia lebbeck, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Respiratory ailments, cough, asthma, skin diseases, wounds, inflammation, fever, digestive issues

Prepared as

The bark is typically prepared as a decoction by boiling 2-3 tablespoons of dried bark in 2 cups of water for 15-20 minutes, then strained and cooled to room temperature. For respiratory ailments, the tea is consumed warm, 1/2 cup three times daily. The leaves can also be prepared as a poultice by crushing fresh leaves and applying directly to wounds or inflamed areas, or steeped in hot water for 10 minutes to make a wash for skin conditions.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Maladi nan pwatrin, tous, lasma, maladi po, blesi, enflamasyon, lafyèv, pwoblèm vant

Français — Affections respiratoires, toux, asthme, maladies de la peau, plaies, inflammation, fièvre, troubles digestifs

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

More on Haitian plant medicine