Firebush
Hamelia patens
A tropical American shrub with fiery red-orange tubular flowers, traditionally used for skin infections, inflammation and stomach problems.
Safety at a glance
- PregnancyNothing recorded
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Firebush?
- Plant family
- Rubiaceae, the coffee family
- Parts used
- The leaves
- Where it grows
- Florida, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean
- Genus
- Hamelia
- Species
- patens
Also called
Scarlet Bush, Hummingbird Bush
Traditionally used for
- Skin infections
- Inflammation
- Stomach problems
Traditionally described as
- Contains alkaloids and flavonoids
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Firebush has traditionally been used for skin infections, inflammation and stomach and gut problems.[1]Study
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
A water extract of the leaves, made the traditional way, contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and other plant compounds.[1]Study
In short
No studies in people or safety studies were found.
Sources
- [1] Traditional Aqueous and Ethanol Maceration of Hamelia patens Leaves: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Exploration · DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_152_25Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.