Matico

Matico - History

Matico has a long tradition of medicinal use for a number of conditions. It has been reported to be very effective in staunching bleeding and is much respected in this regard in South America. [2] [3] Its nickname "Soldier's Herb" stems from an old tale that it was discovered by a wounded soldier (whose name was Matico).

In the 19th century Matico came to the attention of the medical profession in the USA and was reported to be used effectively for numerous conditions. I can find no earlier reference to the plant than 1839, and it seems unknown how much before this time it was first employed by the indigenous people of Peru.

Is Matico an Aphrodisiac?

It is generally stated that Matico was introduced to the pharmacopoeia in the 1839 by a Dr. Jeffreys - and by the end of that century was regarded as one of the most effective treatments for haemmorhage. It was considered useful for wounds: The leaves were dried, powdered and applied to wounds in order to assist their healing. Jonathan Pereira's 1854 "The Elements of materia medica and therapeutics, Volume 2" [4] gives a good description of the plant, and in addition to listing many reported medicinal qualities, states that the native Peruvians used an infusion of it as an aphrodisiac. This report is also found, presumably copied, in several other medical texts of the 19th century. It was, interestingly, said by this text that Matico has an aroma similar to that of cubeb (Piper cubeba) - another plant for which aphrodisiac qualities have been claimed. Neither of these similarities is perhaps altogether surprising when considering that both these species of Piper.

A more detailed report appears in the "Chemical Gazette" of 1843: [5]

Some scientific research has been done into the medicinal qualities of Matico and a few studies appear. [6] [7] Many of these appear to investigate antimicrobial or antifungal properties of rhe plant; however none of the scientific studies listed by either [6] or [7] investigated the alleged aphrodisiac qualities of the plant. [7] states that there was also a tradition of use as an aphrodisiac in Haiti.

As this is perhaps a more "obscure" herb, it appears that little scientific research into safety has been done - although none of the 19th century medical investigations or other reports I consulted, noted any negative effects - and many stated that the plant worked successfully without undesirable effect. In conclusion, this would appear to be a plant with great medicinal potential, however its aphrodisiac effects appear to be currently within the realm of the anecdotal. More research is needed to confirm or deny.