What are Tepezcohuite uses and benefits?

Tepezcohuite bark eliminates blemishes on the face, lightens stretch marks and scars, slows skin aging, and strengthens hair thanks to its regenerative qualities.

Mimosa tenuiflora is the scientific name for this amazing tree that is native to Mexico and other Latin American nations (syn. Mimosa hostilis). The continent’s indigenous peoples have given it a variety of names. Tepezcohuite is the name given to it in Mexico, whereas Jurema preta, Calumbi, or simply Jurema is the name given to it in Brazil.

Its fern-like leaves and bark are said to offer a variety of therapeutic qualities. It’s primarily used to treat skin aging as well as wounds, ulcers symptoms, and burns. It’s also renowned for its psychedelic effects, and it’s occasionally utilized in religious rituals. This page covers everything there is to know about Tepezcohuite, including its advantages and applications.

Wound healing

Tepezcohuite is well-known for its capacity to heal wounds and damage to the skin.

Although many indigenous groups used Tepezcohuite bark powder or infusions to heal wounds, infections, and skin inflammations in their traditional recipes, it was not as popular a few decades ago. It wasn’t until the 1980s that when two catastrophes rocked Mexico, the country’s awareness began. In 1982, a volcano erupted in Chiapas, and a gas pipeline burst near the city in 1984. Due to a lack of hospital treatment, the people were forced to rely on traditional wisdom to treat the victims’ wounds. The Mimosa hostilis tree became one of his most trusted companions at that point.

Traditional doctors in various indigenous tribes crush the tree’s bark to make infusions, balms, and soaps that are used to heal stomach and fungal skin diseases, as well as vaginal infections.

By roasting, grinding, and sifting the tree’s bark, the Mayans of the Yucatan peninsula produce a powder. The powder is used to wash wounds and pimples, both on humans and pets. Another method is to boil it into a concentrate and apply it as a compress to minor injuries or as a gargle for mouth lacerations.

Recent research has found that particular polysaccharides (biomolecules) found in the bark of Mimosa tenuiflora, known as arabinogalactans, enhance the survival of connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) and the primary cells of the skin’s most superficial layer (keratinocytes). These features encourage tissue regeneration following an injury.

Tepezcohuite bark tannins also react with collagen proteins in the skin, binding them together and increasing resistance to friction, chemical agents, solvents, and infections.

What does science say about the Tepezcohuite bark?

The growing number of skincare businesses using Tepezcohuite in their products may pique interest in additional scientific research on the topic.

Mimosa hostilis bark and extracts were used in various medicinal, pharmacological, and botanical studies just a few years ago. Its efficacy in healing wounds, infections, and skin disorders, including psoriasis, has been proven in compelling results.

Tannins, saponins, polyphenols, an alkaloid fraction, lipids, phytosterols, glycosides, xylose, rhamnose, arabinose, lupeol, methoxicalcones, and kukulkanines are all found in Mimosa hostilis bark. The medicinal qualities of extracts derived from the bark have been extensively examined, with tannins and saponins being attributed to their significant biological action. Clinical investigations of phytodrugs based on extracts of Mimosa tenuiflora bark to treat ulcers and venous cells in the legs are among the research.

Mimosa tenuiflora extract, particularly its tannins, has been found to help scientists fight microorganisms such as Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis in several studies. Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Chaetomium indicium are among the fungi also fought. Also, when combined with ethanol, Candida albicans has been successfully eradicated.

Anti-aging and cosmetic uses of Tepezcohuite

Because this tree is high in antioxidants, lipids, and tannins, which promote skin repair and regeneration, it may also help with other skin problems. In fact, some celebrities who believe in its potential to regenerate youthful skin cells have made it popular as a treatment for the symptoms of aging. Salma Hayek, a well-known Mexican actress, revealed in an interview with ELLE Magazine that she does not utilize rejuvenating procedures like Botox or Peeling. She also revealed her beauty secret is Tepezcohuite.

Tepezcohuite has long been used as a cosmetic component. Many additional plants have been utilized in beauty therapy recipes for thousands of years. Herbal cosmetics have existed since the dawn of human civilization.

The usage of these cosmetic items is determined by the characteristics of each plant or its extracts. Antioxidants are one of the most commonly used characteristics.

These antioxidants are categorized as follows based on the nature of their components:

• Polyphenols are chemicals found in some plant-based diets. They’re high in antioxidants and may provide health advantages.
• Flavonoids are antioxidants that also give UV protection and include chelating agents (metal trapping agents).
• Carotenoids are the pigments that give many plants and fruits their yellow, orange, and red hues. They have something to do with vitamin A.

Some plants or their extracts are also utilized for their topical anti-inflammatory effects (on the skin) and to prevent the inflammatory changes that occur with skin aging.

Cosmetic products with Tepezcohuite

Tepezcohuite bark is utilized as a raw material in a variety of cosmetic treatments that help to regenerate and soften skin, restore and strengthen hair, and even cure chafing. Furthermore, because the bark is high in flavonoids, which are utilized in goods for their antioxidant and UV-blocking properties, it may be used as a sunscreen.

The usage of Mimosa hostilis in southern Mexico has been reported by a number of sources. A horticulture handbook created for and by three Oaxaca towns’ residents, as well as a study of plant applications in Oaxaca and Chiapas, have revealed the following Tepezcohuite cosmetic products:

• Soap: to treat any skin disease, as well as to remove acne, spots, wrinkles, and stretch marks from pregnancy.
• Ointment: used to remove skin blemishes.
• Talcum powder: for after-shaving and to treat skin rashes, chafing, and rashes.
• Shampoo: to strengthen the scalp, prevent dandruff and hair loss. The extract from the bark is also used as a hair tonic.
• Moisturizing cream (day and night): to regenerate the skin and reduce fine lines.

These items have been used for decades in traditional medicine and herbalism. Mimosa tenuiflora has recently been added as a component in patented skincare and hair treatment formulations in the United States and Spain.

The active ingredients in these patents fight against free radicals (oxides, hydroxy radicals, and superoxides), which speed up skin aging. Plant extracts, such as the bark of the Mimosa hostilis, are added to components in creams, sunscreens, body lotions, and hair treatments to improve the protective factor.

Other properties

Tepezcohuite has been used to cure a variety of ailments in traditional medicine, including cough, bronchitis, vaginal infections, stomach ulcers, and discomfort. However, communities have put it to more than just healing skin problems. Mimosa hostilis has various therapeutic applications in Mexico, and the plant’s wood is used to make fences, firewood, and charcoal.

It is mainly used in agroforestry in Central America, where it is included in agricultural methods to provide fuel (firewood or charcoal), construction materials, as well as shade and forage for animals. In the northeast of Brazil, however, its usage is more closely linked with religious ceremonies. Some societies, though, use it as a source of energy.

Is Tepezcohuite safe?

There is minimal data to back up any safety claims because Tepezcohuite has not been subjected to study into its safety or effects. Anecdotally, however, Tepezcohuite has not been linked to any adverse reactions or side effects. Tepezcohuite has been found to alter pregnancy development in animals that consume the tree’s elements. The tree also contains psychotropic chemicals that have the potential to cause harm. The chemical N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) found in its bark and roots has psychedelic effects when eaten orally. It’s recommended to avoid it since the amount required to generate a psychoactive response is unknown.