Many plants with medicinal properties have been studied and used for thousands of years, and can even serve as a basis for medicines. There are many of them, indicated for different purposes and being able to count on several health benefits.
In the sequence you can find some important information about a plant considered as medicinal: Aranto. Check out:
Contents
What is Aranto?
Aranto, a plant whose scientific name is Kalanchoe daigremontiana , belongs to the succulent family. These have thicker roots, stems and / or leaves in order to allow the storage of water in much greater quantities than other species.
Also known as “mother-of-thousands”, Aranto is native to Africa and also presents good adaptation to the Brazilian climate and soil, since it survives well in tropical and subtropical regions.
This plant is popularly used to fight infections and inflammations (as in the treatment of fever , rheumatism , etc.). However, there are few studies that really attest to its pharmacological properties or indicate whether there is a safe form of use.
In addition, Aranto was also well known for some assumptions and news indicating that it could be useful in treating cancer – which is not proven by science.
Finally, it should be noted that its use usually consists of the ingestion of teas, juices or topical application of the leaves of the plant in skin wounds.
What is it for and what are the benefits of Aranto?
Aranto is a plant that has some medicinal properties, of which the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistamine action (predominantly vasodilating effect on thin blood vessels), healing and even sedative can be highlighted.
In this sense, the plant is popularly used to care for problems such as:
- Inflammatory diseases (such as rheumatic disorders);
- Fever (common complication of inflammatory or infectious cases);
- Cough;
- Wounds;
- Colds;
- Aid in schizophrenia and panic attacks (due to its sedative action).
Despite being used in the situations mentioned, it is worth noting that there are no studies that really prove that Aranto can be useful in these cases.
It is also necessary to keep in mind that therapies like this are only complementary and do not replace conventional treatments and specialized medical assistance.
Aranto cure cancer?
No . First, it is important to note that no medicinal plant has the ability to cure cancer. Fortunately, today many people manage to overcome this disease with the use of combined treatments (chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, etc.), thanks to the contributions of medicine.
Therefore, pay attention to possible false news, especially those involving health. It is prudent to be suspicious of sensational stories or those that make great promises about cures not officially disclosed by science or the medical profession.
According to the Oncoguia Institute, such assumptions that Aranto could cure cancer are based on some preliminary studies, carried out in vitro (in the laboratory). These, point out that the plant has in its composition a type of corticoid, and may suggest some type of action in the treatment against leukemias.
However, they are only laboratory research, never tested on humans or animals. In fact, they may never reach this testing phase. Therefore, Aranto should not be seen as a possible treatment.
Its use may even do more harm than good. Understand why:
Is it poisonous?
Aranto contains cardiotoxic glycosides in its composition, that is, toxic chemical substances capable of causing side effects, such as:
- Sickness;
- Vomiting;
- Abdominal pain;
- Impairment of the nervous system – may cause reactions such as mental confusion, delirium and hallucinations;
- Changes in heart rate – increasing the risk of cardiac arrest.
There are no studies that indicate the really safe dose of consumption of Aranto. But it is known that its prolonged and / or continuous use can favor the listed complications, which occurs due to intoxication by use.
Thus, although it is not considered as a really poisonous plant, experts indicate that the ideal is not to consume it. Especially if the use is intended to cure diseases such as cancer – which, as we have seen, is false news.
How to use Aranto?
As mentioned, there is no research that accurately indicates how much Aranto is actually safe to use. In general, what is recommended is that, when using the plant, the consumption of 30g per day is not exceeded.
Its use is made from its leaves and, considering that the Aranto is a succulent, it can be easily confused with similar species. So, if you want to make use of this (or other medicinal plant), make sure it is the correct one.
Popular use includes applying dry Aranto to the skin (for treating wounds) and ingesting it in the form of tea or juice. See more:
Tea
The most traditional way to consume Aranto is through your tea. However, as mentioned, care must be taken not to confuse the plant and also to administer the correct dose (not exceeding 30g).
It is also worth noting that the amount of beneficial compounds and the intensity of the plant’s medicinal properties can vary depending on the climate and the soil where it grows.
Finally, to make the tea, just use the leaf of the plant and mix it with water – bringing it to a boil. Then, it is ideal to strain and drink after it has cooled down a little.
Juice
Another way to ingest Aranto is through its juice. The precautions are the same regarding tea: do not exceed the maximum amount of the plant (30g) and make sure it is the correct one.
As for properties, the same orientation is also followed. That is, they may vary according to the soil and climate to which the plant was subjected during planting.
To make Aranto juice (approximately 200mL, 1 cup), you can follow the steps:
- Separate a piece of the plant leaf (about the size of 3 fingers);
- Mix with 200mL of water;
- Take everything to a blender (or processor / mixer).
Do not add sugar or mix other medicinal plants. If you wish, you can pass the juice through a sieve or colander to make it thinner.
Aranto for thrombosis: does it work?
There is no evidence that Aranto can be beneficial for the treatment of thrombosis . This condition is caused by the formation of a blood clot – in one or more veins in the legs and thighs.
When this occurs, this clot blocks the flow of blood, causing swelling and pain. However, the biggest problem lies in the fact that it can sometimes “detach” from the region in question and be carried by the bloodstream – characterizing the process called an embolism, where one (or more) artery is blocked by the clot.
Considering these factors, it is evident that thrombosis is a serious and risky condition, which can cause many complications and even fatalities. For example, death from pulmonary embolism is quite common and this problem is often caused by a thrombosis.
Therefore, specialized medical treatment is usually necessary, usually done with anticoagulants and medications that help to reduce discomfort.
Therefore, although Aranto can help dilate thin blood vessels (antihistamine action), there is no evidence that it can help in cases of blood clots. Thus, it should not be used as an option in the treatment of thrombosis.
Contraindications: who cannot use Aranto?
The use or consumption of Aranto is not indicated for people who have already shown sensitivity to this plant or others of the same family, considering that it can trigger allergic reactions and / or other complications.
In addition, it is also contraindicated for pregnant women, as it can increase uterine contractions and due to the fact that there are few conclusive studies on how to use Aranto safely.
In this way, both the mother and the baby can be exposed to risk. Therefore, one must avoid.
It is worth mentioning that due to the small amount of studies on its safe use, it is not indicated that Aranto is consumed by children (or used topically).
People with pre-existing diseases or complications (such as hypoglycemia or low blood pressure) need prior medical advice to use this plant. This guidance also applies to other people, in order to ensure that everyone makes a safe use of it. However, in cases of other comorbidities, the need is reinforced.
It is true that many medicinal plants have very positive effects and are being studied more and more by science. However, some such as Aranto still do not have so much research, so that its use can pose health risks.
Therefore, make sure you only ingest medicinal plants (be it Aranto or any other) under the guidance of trained professionals. Thus, avoiding complications.
Did you like this content ?! Enjoy and see more about Natural Remedies and their indications!
