(Bugambilia)
This perennial shrubby vine is native to Brazil and Peru. Bougainvillea favors growing in dry and hot climates but also thrives in tropical climates. It is drought resistant, making it not only a sustainable ornamental plant but also a sustainable garden medicine.
I am accustomed to seeing Bougainvillea flowers used in herbal blends in Mexico for respiratory conditions. They are used for sore throats, coughs, flu, asthma, bronchitis, and for folks with diabetes. These rich purple and red flowers have also been used in other parts of the world for other ailments. In Nigeria, Bougainvillea flowers are used to treat pain and inflammation. In Thailand, they are recommended for stomachaches and nausea.
The parts used from this plant are both the flowers and bracts. These are also called the flowers, although, the flowers are in the middle of the colored paper-like bract. Actions found from working with this plan are antihyperlipidemic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant.
Bougainvillea leaves, bracts, and flowers have all been studied and shown to have a range of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, blood sugar and cholesterol regulating actions. Some compounds found in Bougainvillea are tannins, quinones, betacyanins, pinitol, quercetin, volatile oils, saponins, and glycosides. They are rich in micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and sodium.
Bougainvillea bracts and flowers contain betalains, which is what gives them their color. They are an antioxidant found in beets, prickly pears, and dragon fruits. They are shown to reduce LDL levels and induce cell apoptosis, supporting out cardiovascular and immune system. In bougainvillea, betalains, were shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi found in respiratory conditions. The extract inhibited the growth of staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, bacillus cereus, and bacillus subtilis. These bacterias have caused a range of other symptoms/conditions such as, UTI’s, diarrhea, earaches, pneumonia, as well as skin conditions like MRSA.
Other compound findings:
Pinitol - insulin regulating actions, making plants with this compound a go to for folks with diabetes.
Linalool - a terpene, also found in lavender and cannabis, reduces inflammation, pain associated with joints, migraines, anxiety, neurological benefits, and antimicrobial.
Quercetin - a strong anti-inflammatory indicated for arthritis, allergies, and lowering blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Overall, more studies are needed but the ones that are out there focus on Bougainvillea’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fertility, which all support many of the traditional applications found around the world.
Recommended Dosage:
Bracts and Flowers:
Dried: 1 tbsp per 8oz, 2-3x/day.
Fresh: 2 - 3 tbsp per 8 oz, 2-3x/day.
I like to make a big pot with a handful of fresh flowers. Make sure to rinse in cold water before steeping. Bring water to a boil, add flowers, and steep for 20 mins. For chronic conditions, consume 3x a day until symptoms alleviate.
Contraindications:
It may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
Resources:
Bougainvillea glabra Choisy (Nyctinaginacea): review of phytochemistry and antimicrobial potential
A narrative review on the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. and its various applications
Author links open overlay panel
Linalool as a Therapeutic and Medicinal Tool in Depression Treatment: A Review
Antifertility Effect of Bougainvillea spectabilis or Paper Flower
Related Posts
