Today's post is both a history lesson and an herbal medicine post. The cuetlaxochitl (kwet-la-sho-shetl), known by many people as the Pointsetta, is native to western Mexico and now a well-known winter season icon throughout North America. Cuetlaxochitl was known as the 'flower that
withers' and it was believed that the red color of the leaves signified the blood of warriors that have died in battle to protect the indigenous people. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the South Carolinian slave owner whose name is now associated with the plant, took the plant from Mexico to cultivate in the U.S. as an ornamental plant where it has now received recognition through Poinsettia National Day on December 12th. Throughout Mexico and Guatamela the cuetlaxochitl has been known as 'flor de noche buena' or Christmas Eve flower and sometimes called 'Estrella de Navidad' or Christmas star because the leaves remind some of the Star of Bethlehem.
The plant has been used in native american and chinese medicine for generations. The leaves and sap have been used to treat skin irriatations, rash and warts. Traditionally, cuetlaxochitl tea was taken for respiratory diseases including cold, cough, sore throat and for heart diseases. In Chinese medicine it is known as Da Ji, and is used for diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, jaudice, and fever. There are some studies showing that the sap can cause blisters when applied directly to skin, so it is now recommended to use a strong infusion of the leaves and avoid contact with the sap. Like any herbal preparation, try a little bit and see how your body reacts before leaping in.
The leaves of the cuetlaxochitl turn red in the winter months in response to shorter winter days and they have now been cultivated to come in different colors including yellow, pink and white. They grow well in temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees, so they should be brought indoors during winter months. This article from the University of Minnesota Extension has great tips for helping your plant rebloom year after year: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/poinsettia#poinsettia-care-after-the-holidays-and-reblooming-1579964
Enjoy this traditional winter delight and remember to acknowledge the history of the plant which, like many medicines, has traveled the world.
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