The Latin name for this plant is Neurolaena lobata.  There are numerous common names including Mano de lagarto, Tres puntas (Spanish) and An-mank (Kekchi Maya).

It is found everywhere in Southern Belize in roadsides, fields and pastures.  They grow to about 3 metres tall and they are characterised by their alternate tri-lobed leaves.  They have distinctive, bright yellow flowers which grow in compact groups at the end of the branches and all parts of the plant are bitter tasting.

In Belize, I have mostly seen the use of this plant for skin conditions including sores, fungal and bacterial conditions.  It is also used for cold sores (Varicella zoster) with good anecdotal evidence.  Furthermore, it is used as a “blood cleanser” and is usually drunk in a form of daily Jackass bitters tea to cleanse and purify.  As a general rule of thumb, bitter substances act by stimulating the gall-bladder to contract and this may be the reason for its depurative action.

There have been no clinical trials on this plant and so far, the research has been in the field of in vitro and animal studies.  In these studies, evidence has been found to collaborate with ant-bacterial, anti-malarial and anti-helminthic activity.  Also, positive anti-ulcer activities have been seen.  Other significant data shows that there is a hypoglycaemic effect on mice at certain dosages which may indicate that it can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.  There is even a study on mice which have been invenomated by the Tommygoff snake (Bothrops sp.) and in this research, jackass bitters has shown evidence of anti-venom activity.

Jackass bitters can be used in the form of a tea.  When you drink it, it really feels like you are drinking medicine.  It has such a bitter taste, I would not consider the use of this herb for culinary purposes.  Furthermore, the use of this “tea” can also extend to external conditions such as ulcers, wounds and infections.  The medical properties are certainly beneficial and that is why we have developed a tincture for use in skin conditions.

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