A Haitian Treasure: Fey Lougawou (Wonder of the World Plant)

In Haiti, there is a plant called fey lougawou (Kalanchoe pinnata), which is celebrated for its curing capabilities. This plant is known as Miracle Leaf, Life Plant and Wonder of the World in English. This succulent plant is native to Madagascar, but has become naturalized in Asia, the Pacific, and all over the Caribbean, especially in Haiti. It has an amazing ability to replicate over and over again. This plant is known to grown any and everywhere; all it needs is the tiniest bit of soil. A new plant will begin to grow by itself without water in just a few days; I have seen this many times.

People are usually able to identify this plant based on miniature platelets which form on the margins of its leaves.  Fey lougawou is not only a Haitian treasure, but a world treasure too. 

Source

In Haiti, fey lougawou is known for treating everything.

This plant is most popular for treating headaches, sinuses, colds, and most of all hypertension.  Seeing as this plant has the ability replicate by itself, fey lougawou is readily available in Haiti. Fey lougawou is most commonly consumed as a leaf infusion or tea, but it can also be applied topically to alleviate muscle aches. In Haiti, some combine the crushed leaves with lard to form a paste, that can supposedly cure different types of body aches. Another option is to heat the leaves, then place a heat pad or a hot water bottle on top to release its healing properties, then put everything on the aching body part.

My Fey Lougawou Plant

Main Constituents:

• bryophillin A and C: anti-carcinogenic
• beta-carotene

Some Benefits:

• anti-bacterial, anti-rheumatic, anti-hypertensive
• used to treat upper respiratory infections
• can cure a variety of body aches
• A 2012 study showed that this amazing plant is a rich source of T-Cell suppressive flavonoids, meaning it has serious anti-cancer properties. Wow!
• reduces blood pressure

Some Uses:

• can be applied topically to hemorrhoids, wounds cuts, ulcers, etc.
• drink as a tea
• can be applied to various body parts to alleviate aches and pains
• for a relaxing foot soak, place a few leaves in a basin filled with hot water, adding calming essential oils for an extra oomph

In health,

Dr. Naika

The "Haitian Treasures" series was created by Dr. Naika in 2012. This series explores the magnificent benefits and uses of Haiti's natural resources, which Dr. Naika calls "Haitian Treasures". In this series, Dr. Naika explores the tie between Haiti's natural resources and natural, traditional, and holistic healing.

This blog post was originally posted on Dr. Naika's lifestyle blog, Naika in Balance. Dr. Naika's work is copyrighted. Please do not copy or repost Dr. Naika's work without citing her content as the original source.