The Marcela is a medicinal plant native to South America.
The scientific name of Achyrocline Marcela is satureioides, and belongs to the family Asteraceae.
Common names of this plant are medicinal: Marcela, Macel-do-camp, Marcela female marcelita, Viravira, Wira-Wira, goat weed, among others.
The Marcela is a shrub that grows from 0.20 to 0.50 m. tall, is a medicinal plant well branched with leaves linear, alternate, entire, and whitish, having a size of about 5 cm long.
The Achyrocline satureioides blooms from spring until mid or late summer. Peripheral flowers of this medicinal plant are female in number of 3-6, filiform, central flowers are hermaphroditic, so tubulosa, 1-2 in number.
Marcela grows where the climate is mild and usually sandy or rocky soils with little moisture, as this causes the roots to rot.
Part of this medicinal plant used for medicinal purposes are the leaves and flowers of Marcela.
That is why the harvest is done when the Marcela is in bloom. It is usually between late spring and early summer.
Achyrocline satureioides drying should be done in the shade in a ventilated place until drying is complete.
The Marcela is a medicinal plant consisting of flavonoids, tannins and essential oils, among other compounds. Flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin) were among those responsible for its cell protective and antioxidant effects, as well as anti-inflammatory and antiviral drugs (such as influenza and fridge), and stomach problems.
Recent studies at the Institute of Research “Clemente Estable” and School of Chemistry from the University of the Republic, in Uruguay, which have shown Marcela extract reduces the damage caused by strokes.
Recipes from this medicinal plant:
Infusion: place a spoonful of Marcela flowers per cup of water, or if you prefer, 50 gr. of the plant per liter of water.
The infusion of this plant is used medicinally to combat colic, indigestion, heartburn and other stomach and digestive problems.
Washing: the preparation of the infusion of the medicinal plant is also used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, in the form of washes.
