Matarique is a plant with a long history in traditional folk medicine, particularly in certain regions.
Understanding Matarique
Matarique, also known as Matariki or Maturín, is botanically identified as Psacalium decompositum. This herbaceous plant typically features a semi-woody stem that can reach up to a meter in height. Its leaves are often described as radical, with one or two emerging from the stem, growing up to 40 centimeters long, and divided into ash-green, acute segments. While some descriptions mention white, five-petaled flowers, others describe them as yellow and daisy-like, with a central disc surrounded by a single row of ray florets.
The primary part of the plant used in traditional applications is the root, which is typically yellowish in color. Matarique is native to the northern regions of Mexico, including Sonora and Chihuahua, and is commonly found growing in the pine-oak forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. Various species known as Matarique also thrive in semi-arid areas across northern Mexico, Arizona, and New Mexico, often in open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed environments.
Traditional Medicinal Applications
Matarique has a long history in Mexican traditional medicine, primarily for managing conditions related to diabetes and high blood sugar. Its root is extensively employed for this purpose, making it a prominent aspect of its traditional medicinal heritage.
Beyond diabetes, Matarique is traditionally used for a range of other health concerns. These include various gastrointestinal ailments, general pain, and inflammation, such as rheumatism.
Traditional applications also extend to treating fevers, tumors, ulcers, skin infections, and toothaches. It is also used for kidney issues, including kidney diseases, hepatic and renal colic, neuralgia (nerve pain), and as a laxative.
Preparing and Using Matarique
Traditional preparation of Matarique primarily focuses on the root, which is considered to have significant medicinal value, especially when fresh. The most common method is brewing a tea by boiling the root in water to create a decoction.
For tea, a typical guideline suggests one to two tablespoons of dried herb per liter of boiling water. The mixture is covered and steeped for 15 to 20 minutes before straining. Alternatively, one teaspoon of plant material per cup of water can be steeped.
Beyond teas, Matarique is used topically. Resins, essential oils, and tinctures can be extracted from the stem. Crushed roots are also prepared as poultices for wounds or scars, potentially offering a localized numbing effect. The plant may also be available in powdered form.
Important Safety and Usage Guidelines
Despite its long history in traditional medicine, Matarique requires caution due to potential safety concerns. Several species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are liver-toxic and possibly carcinogenic. The plant’s toxicity, especially with prolonged use, has not been extensively studied.
Matarique preparations should not be consumed for extended periods, typically not exceeding two weeks. Pregnant and lactating women, small children, and individuals with existing liver or kidney conditions must avoid Matarique.
Matarique may interact with prescription medications, especially those for lowering blood sugar like insulin. Herb-drug interactions are not well understood, and combining them could lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Given the lack of comprehensive scientific validation for many traditional claims and the presence of potentially harmful compounds, consulting a healthcare professional or a knowledgeable traditional healer before using Matarique is strongly recommended.