Cassava (Manihot esculenta)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Common Names: Cassava, Manioc, Yuca, Tapioca
• Parts Used: Roots, leaves

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Description

Manihot esculenta is a tropical root crop native to South America, now cultivated worldwide. While primarily known as a staple food source, cassava also possesses medicinal properties, particularly for digestive health, wound healing, and inflammation.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in South American and African traditional medicine for digestive support.
• Employed as a poultice for wounds, ulcers, and inflammatory skin conditions.
• Traditionally consumed to provide nourishment and energy.
• Used in some regions as a remedy for fevers and joint pain.

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Constituents

• Starch
• Cyanogenic glycosides (in raw form)
• Proteins
• Vitamins (C, B-complex)
• Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron)

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Actions

• Demulcent
• Anti-inflammatory
• Nutritive
• Emollient
• Antidiarrheal
• Wound healing

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Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Health:
Cassava starch is traditionally used to soothe gastric irritation and diarrhea.

2. Skin and Wound Healing:
Applied externally as a poultice for burns, wounds, and ulcers.

3. Energy and Nutritional Support:
Consumed as a high-energy food, particularly for recovery from illness or malnutrition.

4. Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief:
Used in folk medicine for joint pain, swelling, and arthritis.

5. Fever Reduction:
Cassava leaf preparations have been traditionally used to reduce fever.

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Preparation and Dosage

Cassava Flour (Internal Use):

• Used in porridge or soups for digestive support.

Poultice (Topical Use):

• Crushed fresh leaves or grated root applied to wounds and inflamed skin.

Decoction (Tea):

• Boil cassava leaves for use as a mild anti-inflammatory remedy.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Raw Cassava Toxicity: Contains cyanogenic glycosides that must be removed by proper cooking or processing.
• Thyroid Concerns: May interfere with iodine absorption in high amounts.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Consult a healthcare provider before medicinal use.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional South American Herbalism: Used for nourishment, wound healing, and digestive support.
• African Traditional Medicine: Applied as a fever remedy and skin treatment.
• Ayurveda: Considered grounding and strengthening; primarily balances Vata and Pitta but can aggravate Kapha in excess.

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Combinations

• For Digestive Support: Combine with plantain and marshmallow root.
• For Wound Healing: Combine with turmeric and aloe vera.
• For Inflammation Relief: Combine with ginger and boswellia.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Roots are harvested year-round in tropical climates.
• Drying: Processed cassava is dried into flour or starch.
• Storage: Store dried cassava products in airtight containers away from moisture.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Manihot esculenta’s nutritional value, wound-healing properties, and potential for digestive support, reinforcing its traditional applications.

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Cassava remains an important medicinal and nutritional plant, particularly for digestive health, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory support.