What is Tepezcohuite?
The tree Tepezcohuite is part of the Mimosoidae family. It is also called the “skin tree,” “miracle tree,” Mimosa tenuiflora and Mimosa hostilis (in Latin), Jurema Preta, Calumbi (in Brazil), Carbonal, Cabrera, Yurema, Jurema, Black Jurema, and Vinho de Jurema. It is native to parts of South America and Central America, but especially Brazil and Mexico. Tepezcohuite prefers warm weather and living 50-600 meters above sea level.
Tepezcohuite grows to be about 26 feet high and 4-6 inches in diameter. It has a woody stem and thorns with leaves that are oblong and reach about 4-10 inches long. It produces small, white flowers. The bark is dark brown or gray outside while the inside is a reddish color.
Scientists consider the Tepezcohuite tree a “pioneer plant.” This means that it performs well after a forest disaster like fire and helps to recolonize the area by dropping its leaves on the ground and creating a new layer of humus in which other plants can begin to grow. In essence, Tepezcohuite is a pretty good tree to have around.
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Tepezcohuite has been used as a medicinal plant since the times of the Mayan empire—it does not have a culinary use. The name supposedly means “hill of the tree that bleeds.” In Mayan culture the Tepezcohuite tree was used as a cure for various skin conditions. Today it has a similar function but scientific studies mainly disagree as to its true ability to heal the skin. However, this has not stopped people from making grandiose claims about Tepezcohuite’s ability to treat burns, psoriasis, scars, ulcers, wounds, bronchitis, tooth aches, and hair loss.
Today you can take Tepezcohuite in a wide variety of ways; however, there have not been many scientific studies done on most of the applications of the tree. The most common of the treatment options available come in the form of topical creams. These creams usually combine Tepezcohuite with other skin helping ingredients like Vitamins A, C, or E, collagen, or aloe vera. You can also find capsules, decoctions, scrubs, soaps, moisturizers, lotions, and facial microdermabrasion products with Tepezcohuite in them.
Tepezcohuite Benefits, and Uses
Acne
One of the most common conditions Tepezcohuite is used to treat is acne. However, there have been no scientific studies that specifically prove the tree’s bark or leaves effectiveness in treating acne. Yet, studies have shown that Tepezcohuite has many wound healing properties, which may contribute to its ability to help treat acne. A 2009 study that found that Tepezcohuite increased the production of beneficial skin chemicals.
Anecdotally, users claim that Tepezcohuite can work miracles for acne and its scars. Most people cite the large number of clinical trials created by skin cream manufacturers. These myriad trials found amazing skin results from Tepezcohuite creams. Today, the tree even has a celebrity spokesperson in Salma Hayek who has launched her own line of skincare products that use the plant as one of its main ingredients.
Scars
No studies specifically examine the usefulness of Tepezcohuite in treating scars. However, you will often find clinical studies for creams that claim that it can reduce the appearance of many types of scars, from acne scars to birth marks.
Tepezcohuite bark dried into a powder has also been used to treat scars. It is believed to stimulate collagen. Collagen is the major protein in our skin and connective tissues. Thus, promoting collagen growth would mean that Tepezcohuite helps to strength skin and reducing the appearance of scars.
Additionally, Tepezcohuite may have the ability to regenerate cell growth, which could help reduce the appearance of scars by healing them from the inside out. However, this is treatment is only supported by anecdotal, not scientific evidence.
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Burns
One of the most famous stories about Tepezcohuite claim that it was used to treat the victims in two major Mexican disasters in the 1980s. The first occurred in 1984 when a series of liquid petroleum gas explosions left 5000 people near Mexico City with burns. Because the Red Cross ran out of traditional burn medicine because of the volume of burn victims, they resorted to using Tepezcohuite root powder to treat the victims. Similarly, in 1985 burn victims after a large earthquake were successfully treated with Tepezcohuite powder.
Supposedly Tepezcohuite powder has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anesthetic, and regeneration properties. This is why the powder helped heal the horrific burns caused by the Mexican disasters. While the claims about Tepezcohuite verge on the miraculous—and apparently the Mayans did believe that the tree was a miraculous substance—there is little medical evidence to back up these claims. Even the reports about Tepezcohuite’s ability to heal burns is exclusively anecdotal, so should only be taken with a grain of salt.
Stretch Marks
Often you will find Tepezcohuite in cream form as a treatment for stretch marks. The regenerative properties that many practitioners claim can be found in Tepezcohuite extend to skin regeneration. Anecdotes assert that creams made from Tepezcohuite restore and heal your skin on a cellular level. This healing also supposedly extends to varicose veins, dark spots, and wrinkles.
None of claims around Tepezcohuite’s ability to health stretch marks and other skin conditions have been held up by medical or scientific studies.
Hair Loss
Some clinical trials have found that Tepezcohuite can regenerate hair follicles. This makes it a good option for combating hair loss. Part of the reason for its regenerative capabilities is the high number of micronutrients like zinc, copper, manganese, iron, and magnesium.
Proponents of the tree claim that it can regenerate the cells of your hair roots, which will stop hair loss in its tracks and even stimulate the growth of new hair. However, we should mention that there have been no scientific studies that have found this ability in Tepezcohuite. Most of the claims about it hair regeneration properties are anecdotal, or at best from clinical trials. But, clinical trials must be believed only cautiously since they are performed and designed by the companies selling Tepezcohuite products.
Skin Wounds and Ulcers
The Mayans used Tepezcohuite to treat skin lesions, and today, modern science has proven that the bark does indeed have wound healing properties. However, the jury is still out on whether the tree by itself is more effective than other wound treatments.
Most studies have been conducted on venous leg ulcers. The most recent study of Tepezcohuite found that the bark was not more effective for treating venous leg ulcers than hydrogel along. However, a 2009 study found that the bark of Tepezcohuite could stimulate growth of beneficial skin chemicals. Yet again, a 1991 study did not find any healing properties in Tepezcohuite when it was used in a study with rabbits. So essentially, the jury is still out of Tepezcohuite’s ability to heal wounds.
Tooth Pain
A 2006 paper in the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine lists Tepezcohuite as one of many Brazilian plants that are used medicinally by a rural tribe in the municipality of Alagoinha. They specifically state that an infusion (or syrup) of the stems and leaves of the tree are often used for anti-inflammatory purposes, especially as relates to tooth pain.
There is no further research of Tepezcohuite’s possible ability to reduce tooth pain. The 2006 paper merely lists the use of the plant instead of investigating it in any scientific way. Tooth pain then represents in interesting area that needs further study.
Bronchitis and Coughs
Traditionally, the stem-bark and leaves of Tepezcohuite are also boiled in water and consumed. Drinking a decoction made with Tepezcohuite is supposed to cure bronchitis and coughs. Studies have found that the bark and leaves of the tree have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which could contribute to its effectiveness in helping throat and lung problems.
Similarly, in Mexico you will be able to find capsules that have pulverized dried Tepezcohuite bark. These capsules supposedly treat gastrointestinal ulcers. However, there have been no clinical trials or scientific studies proving that this is an effective treatment for the condition.
DMT
Perhaps surprisingly Tepezcohuite is also known for its DMT. In addition to people discussing the plant in forums that promote its medicinal properties, you will also find mention of Tepezcohuite on DMT and psychedelic drug sites. DMT is the shortened version of Dimethyltrypatamine, which is also called the “spirit molecule” and the “businessman’s trip.”
DMT is a psychedelic substance that mimic serotonin and binds to the 5-HT2A reception in your brain. Users either smoke or intravenously inject DMT to create an extremely intense and relatively short high. Some users also ingest ayahasca, and ancient drink which extends the psychedelic experience of DMT to several hours.
In Tepezcohuite the DMT is found in the dried root bark. The concentration of DMT in the bark is about 1-1.7%. In the Northeastern part of Brazil, a drink called yurema is made as part of traditional religious ceremonies. Yurema is both intoxicating and psychoactive and is rarely used outside of the religious context.
Tepezcohuite Dosage
Tepezcohuite’s dosage varies depending on the form that you use. Creams made from the tree should be used in accordance with the package directions. For example, ASDM Beverly Hills recommends that their Tepezcohuite Cream be used at least twice a day. They give not exact amounts but claims that only a small amount should be used and rubbed completely into your skin.
Similarly, with Tepezcohuite shampoo and soap you should follow the package instructions. Most often you will use these products the same way that you would use normal shampoo or bar soap. Thus, companies like Del Indio Papago recommend using enough of the product to create a lather with water. Done rub too hard or you may exfoliate your skin too much. You should also make sure to use the soap and shampoo in the morning and at night for the best results.
The dosage information for other medicinal applications of Tepezcohuite are similarly nonspecific. Tepezcohuite tea for medicinal purposes should be made in a similar way to other herb infusions. You boil the root or root powder in a liquid—either water or alcohol—for 15-20 minutes. There are no exact numbers for how much of the tea or infusion to drink. However, beginning with less and then working your way up is preferable.
If you are planning on using Tepezcohuite for its DMT, you need to first extract the DMT from the root and then recrystallize it. There are three different levels of DMT dosage when you inhale the substance—the most common way of administering the drug. A light dose—recommended for first time users—is 10-20 mg. The common dose of inhaled DMT is 20-40 mg, while a strong dose would be 40-60 mg. We don’t condone illegal drug use, so make sure that DMT is legal in your location before you use Tepezcohuite for this purpose.
Tepezcohuite Side Effects, Safety, Dangers and Warnings
Like many aspects of Tepezcohuite, the verdict on its dangers and side effects are mixed. Some studies, like the one from 2007 found that no side effects were found in patients that used Tepezcohuite. However, a study in 1991 claims that “due to the potentially hepatotoxic effects and low therapeutic efficacy of Tepezcohuite it should not be used in human beings.”
Another aspect that hurts the discovery of side effects and drug interactions with Tepezcohuite is that it has been studied so little. The positive clinical trials did not specifically test for negative side effects or safety concerns. Without medical data it is impossible to know who can take Tepezcohuite safely.
You should always discuss using a new drug with your doctor, which will be especially important for pregnant and nursing mothers. There is no current evidence that taking Tepezcohuite or applying it topically is dangerous for you or your baby. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so discuss using Tepezcohuite with your doctor first.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17709219
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17088036
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22128789
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19505559
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1818366
