Sugar Creek Trading Company
Amor Seco Powder
Amor Seco Powder
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Desmodium adscendens
ORDERS OF 250G OR MORE MAY REQUIRE UP TO 4 WEEKS FOR PROCESSING AND SHIPPING.
Main actions: Anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, muscle relaxer,
cellular protector
Main uses: for asthma and allergies; for respiratory problems (bronchitis,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], emphysema, excessive
phlegm/mucous; as a general antispasmodic, muscle relaxant, and pain-
reliever for colic, stomach and bowel cramping, arthritis, muscle/join aches,
pain, injuries and spasms, menstrual pain and cramping; as a liver protector
and tonic for liver disorders, fatty liver, and liver pain; as a cellular protector
and adjunctive therapy used with chemotherapy.
Cautions: Do not take in high doses. (25+g per 24 hour period)
Today, tribes in the Amazon rainforest use amor seco medicinally much as they have for centuries. A tea of the plant is given for nervousness, and it is used in baths to treat vaginal infections. Some tribes believe the plant has magic powers, and it is taken by lovers to rekindle a waning romance. Rio Pastaza natives in the Amazon brew a leaf tea and wash the breasts of mothers with it to promote milk flow. Additional indigenous tribal uses include a leaf decoction for consumption, an application of pounded leaves and lime juice for wounds, and a leaf infusion for convulsions and venereal sores. A survey, in which more than 8,000 natives in various parts of Brazil were interviewed, showed that a decoction of the dried roots of amor seco is a popular tribal remedy for malaria. The indigenous Garifuna tribe in Nicaragua uses a leaf decoction of amor seco internally for diarrhea and venereal disease and to aid digestion.
Amor seco is also quite popular in herbal medicine throughout South and Central America. In Peruvian herbal medicine today, a leaf tea is used as a blood cleanser; to detoxify the body from environmental toxins and chemicals; as a urinary tract cleanser; and to treat ovarian and uterine problems such as inflammation and irritation, vaginal discharges, and hemorrhages. In Belize (where the plant is called "strong back"), the entire plant is soaked in rum for 24 hours, and then 1/4 cup is taken three times daily for seven to ten days for backaches. Alternatively, an entire plant is boiled in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes, and 1 cup of warm tea is taken before meals for three to five days for relief of backache, muscle pains, kidney ailments, and impotence. In Brazilian herbal medicine, the dried leaves are used for the treatment of asthma, vaginal discharge, body aches and pains, ovarian inflammation, excessive urination, excessive mucus, and diarrhea. In Ghana, a leaf decoction is a popular remedy for bronchial asthma, constipation, dysentery, and colic, and is also used to dress wounds.
This information is gathered directly from:
https://rain-tree.com/amorseco.htm
DESMODIUM ADSCENDENS
The Respiratory Ally—A West African Herb for Asthma, Liver Protection, and Anti-Allergic Support
BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION
Scientific Name: Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC.
Common Names: Beggarweed, Strong Back, Amor Seco
Family: Fabaceae
Desmodium adscendens is a creeping perennial herb with wiry stems and trifoliate leaves measuring 2–4 cm long. The leaves are ovate to elliptical with a fine covering of hairs. Small pink to purple pea-like flowers grow in loose racemes, followed by jointed seed pods that cling to clothing or animal fur.
The plant is native to tropical regions of West Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, thriving in open fields, forest edges, and roadsides. It is drought-tolerant and capable of nitrogen fixation, enriching poor soils.
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL USE
In West African traditional medicine, Desmodium adscendens is widely used for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and allergic conditions. Healers prepare decoctions or infusions to relax the bronchial muscles and ease breathing.
In the Caribbean, it is considered a general tonic for back pain, muscle spasms, and liver ailments, particularly jaundice.
Modern herbal medicine recognizes its use as a bronchodilator and hepatoprotective agent, with studies supporting its effectiveness in respiratory and allergic conditions.
KEY BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND BENEFITS
| Compound | Role in Plant | Human Benefits | Regional Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isoflavonoids (e.g., genistein) | Plant pigments | Anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory | High in West African varieties |
| Triterpenoid saponins | Plant defense | Bronchodilation, smooth muscle relaxation | Found in aerial parts |
| Fatty acids (linoleic acid) | Structural lipids | Anti-inflammatory, supports immune balance | Concentration varies by season |
| Alkaloids | Protective compounds | Mild analgesic and liver support | Higher in tropical ecotypes |
The combination of isoflavonoids and saponins is responsible for the plant’s ability to relax bronchial passages and alleviate allergy-related symptoms.
HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY
Desmodium adscendens acts on the respiratory system by inhibiting histamine release and relaxing bronchial smooth muscles, making it particularly effective for asthma and allergic reactions.
Isoflavonoids and saponins reduce inflammation in airway tissues and enhance the body’s antioxidant defenses.
The plant also supports liver detoxification by preventing oxidative damage and stabilizing cell membranes.
DOSE GUIDELINES
| Preparation Type | Typical Dose | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Infusion (tea) | 1–2 grams of dried aerial parts, 2–3 times daily | Asthma and allergy support |
| Decoction | 10–20 grams of whole plant simmered 15 minutes | Bronchial and liver health |
| Tincture (1:4) | 2–4 mL up to 3 times daily | Respiratory inflammation |
| Capsule (standardized) | 300–500 mg twice daily | Chronic liver or respiratory conditions |
PREPARATION AND USES
Traditional healers often prepare a strong decoction from the whole plant to relieve acute asthma attacks and chronic bronchitis.
Modern uses include tinctures, teas, or standardized extracts combined with other respiratory herbs like mullein or licorice root.
It is also applied topically in some regions to soothe muscle pain and spasms.
OPTIMAL CONTEXT FOR USE
Best suited for individuals with asthma, seasonal allergies, or chronic inflammatory respiratory conditions.
Pairs well with nettle (Urtica dioica) for allergy relief and with milk thistle for combined liver and respiratory support.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL HARVESTING
Desmodium adscendens grows abundantly in tropical climates and regenerates quickly when harvested responsibly.
Sustainable harvesting involves cutting aerial parts while leaving roots intact, ensuring regrowth for future seasons.
SAFETY AND CAUTIONS
Generally considered safe in traditional doses.
May interact with antihistamines or asthma medications due to overlapping effects.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid use due to limited safety data.
Excessive doses may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
REFERENCES
Bouquet, A., & Debray, M. (1974). Plantes Médicinales de la Côte d’Ivoire.
Hostettmann, K., et al. (2000). Phytochemistry of Desmodium species and therapeutic potential.
Akinmoladun, F.O. (2016). “Antiasthmatic and anti-allergic effects of Desmodium adscendens.” Journal of Herbal Medicine.
Duke, J.A. (2009). Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. CRC Press.
FINAL NOTE
Desmodium adscendens is a powerful herb for respiratory health, offering both traditional wisdom and scientifically supported benefits. Its ability to calm inflammation, support liver function, and relax the bronchial system makes it a valuable ally in managing asthma and allergies.
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