Kalanchoe pinnata (Miracle leaf)
I’ve been trying to find out medicinal properties for the plants ‘Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (flap jack)’ and ‘Kalanchoe tomentosa baker (chocolate soldier)’. Any possible medicinal uses would be appreciated! Mark H.
Hi Mark,
I have not been able to find medicinal properties for either of the two species that you mentioned. However, I did find some information on the medicinal use of Kalanchoe pinnata. Here is what I’ve been able to find. Please let me know if your search has unearthed more information on the two species you mentioned. I have tried to link the articles but if that doesn’t work, just copy and paste into your browser.
“Review of Traditional Herbal Medicines Used to Treat Malaria”
Willcox M, Bodeker G. Traditional herbs for malaria BMJ. 2004;329:1156-1159.
Here is a b
rief excerpt: “The proportion of patients using traditional herbal remedies for malaria ranged from 0% to 75%, with an overall average value of 20%. More than 1,200 plant species from 160 families have been used to treat malaria or fever. Many plant species were mentioned only once in the literature, but 11 plant species were repeatedly described for use as antimalarials by patients in all three tropical continents. The 11 species were soursop (Annona muricata), mango (Mangifera indica), cathedral bells (Kalanchoe pinnata), bitter melon (Momordica charantia), purging nut (Jatropha curcas), castor (Ricinus communis), coffee senna (Senna occidentalis), sickle-pod senna (Senna tora), arrow-leaf senna (Sida rhombifolia), velvet leaf (Cissampelos pareira), and ginger (Zingiber officinale).
The International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy wrote an article on the properties of Kalanchoe pinnata which I’ve attached here.
I’ve attached a link to the USDA’s Conservation Resources Plant database: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=kapi
Finally, Also, there is a book by Leslie Taylor entitled “The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals”. The book includes methods of preparing herbal remedies and recipes, properties and actions of rainforest plants, herbal treatment of specific diseases and disorders, and more. In the book she talks about Kalanchoepinnata).
Jayne Tamburello
Jayne Tamburello has a master’s degree in Herbal Medicine from MUIH and is founder of Invibe Herbal– where organic herbal teas are created based on your specific needs. Please visit our website at: www.invibeherbal.com. Jayne is also a licensed nutritionist (LDN), a certified nutritionist (CNS) and a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild, RH(AHG). She can be reached at customercare@invibeherbal.com
