Cockscomb plant: origin, medicinal benefits, how to care and more!

With a curious name, the Crista-de-Gallo plant is a plant originally from the African continent, which looks similar to a cock’s crest (hence its characteristic name). Its flowers call attention for the vibrant colors they carry, but not only for that. This part carries medicinal properties for human health.

In addition to the advantages that the plant brings to the functioning of the human body, it has other very interesting uses, such as biological control, for example. That is, it is a plant with benefits for both humans and nature.

In the next topics, you will learn a little more about this plant that is rarely used here in Brazil, but is growing in the field of natural medicine. You will also find out how to take care of this little plant to make it beautiful and healthy. Continue reading and find out everything!

With significant versatility, the Crista-de-Gallo plant is great for use in cooking as a medicinal plant and even for biological control. But not only that. See below interesting aspects about the Crista-de-Gallo!

The Crista-de-Gallo plant is the popular name by which it is known. However, its scientific name is Celosia Argentea, and it belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It has several benefits and utilities, ranging from the culinary area to the medicinal sphere, bringing a series of advantages to human health.

The Cockscomb has its African roots, but although it originated in Africa, it has spread to all tropical regions of the world. Today, it can be found in countries in South America, Asia and even here in Brazil. Regardless of location, this plant has unique characteristics and properties.

The ease of cultivation and the vibrant color of the Crista-de-Galo plant are the points that most attract the attention of growers. The stem of the plant is made up of a straight, thin stem. The leaves are elliptical and long, with terminal inflorescences in pink, white, red or hybrid colors.

The flowers have a good duration. They last around 60 days and are capable of producing up to 1500 seeds per gram. Seeds are formed at the end of flowering and usually appear between spring and summer. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height.

In addition to the Cockscomb attracting attention for its vibrant colors, it has antiseptic properties and provides a series of benefits for human health. It has an average growth of 30 to 80 cm, but can reach up to 1 meter in height. It blooms only at the end of the first and in the middle of summer.

The plant adapts very well to the tropical climate, which is perfect for the Brazilian territory. Therefore, the need to keep watering the plant all the time is non-existent. Cockscomb seeds act as a preventative for many eye-related diseases.

As it is very versatile, the Crista-de-Galo plant can be used in cooking, medicine and biological control. In food, the plant has several health benefits, ranging from preventive action against diseases to the treatment of various health conditions.

In addition, it can also be used as a decoration, as long as it receives enough sunlight. Despite being resistant and with great durability, if well cared for, the plant cannot fail to receive the sun’s luminosity directly on it. Therefore, the outdoor area, such as a veranda, is a good place to stay. But check out the main uses of the rooster crest below.

Fans of the Crista-de-Galo plant in Brazil are still quite absent. Many Brazilians prefer to use the plant only as a decoration or in the treatment with phytotherapists. But in Nigeria, the Cockscomb is the most consumed vegetable among the population. Nigerians use the leaves in stews and soups.

Countries in South America, Asia and Africa often grow the plant as a vegetable as well. The seeds are excellent sources of natural edible oil and are sold as pseudocereals. Although, in Brazil, the plant is used more as a medicinal treatment, many benefits for the body can be seen with its use in food.

Treatment with medicinal plants has been used by many people as an alternative to avoid the strong side effects of drugs. The Crista-de-Gallo plant, for example, is great for taking care of the diuretic tract, serves as an immunostimulant and has antimetastatic effects.

In addition, in many other cultures, Cockscomb is used to reduce envenomation from snakebites. It is also excellent for treating some health conditions such as eye stroke, myopia, cataracts, astigmatism and farsightedness. However, it is worth noting that only a herbalist can prescribe the plant for medicinal purposes.

In addition to its medicinal and culinary use, the Crista-de-Gallo is widely used in biological control, which, in general terms, consists of placing an organism to attack another that is causing damage to the plantation. Therefore, it can be inserted into crops to eliminate certain pests.

This is because this type of plant tends to attract certain elements, such as slugs, spider mites and fungi, which destroy many crops. But do not worry. Even if these pests appear on your little plant at home, there are effective methods for eliminating them and keeping the plant healthy. Proper watering and fertilization are great ways to care for the Cockscomb.

The benefits of the Crista-de-Gallo plant serve for the better functioning of the organism as a whole. But, as a medicinal use, the plant gains special prominence. See below the main advantages!

Both the leaves and the stem of the Crista-de-Galus plant can be used to treat burns and wounds. Unlike other medicinal plants, it fights infection more quickly, contributes to skin healing and wound closure, and also relieves burn pain.

Another interesting point of the plant is that, if used in food, it has the power to strengthen the immune system, which, consequently, will affect the treatment of skin eruptions. Therefore, it is a great element to have at home, especially in times of emergency.

Anyone who has suffered from inflammation knows how uncomfortable it is. Regardless of the reason, inflammation can be accompanied by injuries and a lot of pain. The Cockscomb plant does not have the power to cure the cause, but it is very potent in relieving an inflamed region. Very quickly, the pain subsides.

However, even if you use the Cock’s Crest to relieve inflammation, be sure to seek a doctor, as the clinical condition is just a symptom of something bigger. Check what’s behind that burning so that the painting doesn’t get worse and it’s too late.

The Crista-de-Gallo plant can be used as a complement to other medications to treat nosebleeds. The plant’s juice is very powerful to stop the blood and thus revert the condition. As it is an additive, it optimizes the action of remedies, accelerating the healing process.

However, nosebleed is a serious condition that requires professional supervision. If you want to use the plant as a supplement, talk to your doctor about the possibility and see what he has to say. Depending on the drug interaction, the clinical condition may worsen. So be careful.

Indian medicine has widely used the Cockscomb plant in the treatment and prevention of diabetes. The seeds of the plant release a natural oil that acts on the body, taking care of the disease. Generally, these seeds are included in the diet of diabetics or included in the diet of those who want to have a healthier life.

But it is important to say that diabetes has several types. Depending on the level, more intense treatment will need to be used to treat the condition. However, discuss with your doctor the possibility of inserting Cockscomb seeds in your diet, as each organism works in its own way.

The benefit of the Cockscomb plant in relieving fever has yet to be studied. Even so, some countries use the plant to alleviate this health condition. Although it has not been confirmed by scientific research, many people claim that the Cockscomb has a high potential to alleviate the feverish condition.

Fever signals something wrong in the body. Therefore, even if you use the plant to relieve the symptom, be sure to see a doctor to find out what is causing the problem. You don’t play with your health, and there’s little care to avoid causing further harm.

With life increasingly connected to cell phones and computers, taking care of eye health has become fundamental. The Crista-de-Gallo plant has the power to contribute to the better functioning of this region, acting with preventive action against various diseases related to the eyes, such as astigmatism and cataracts, for example.

Thus, the seed of the Crista-de-Gallo is what will act in the health of the vision. From this part of the plant, the body absorbs a natural oil that acts directly on the corneas, protecting and caring for the region. The seeds are often sold under the name of pseudocereals and can be consumed in vitamins.

They say that the liver is the second heart of the human body. If it is functioning well, all the other organs in the body will also perform an excellent function. Therefore, it is necessary to take very good care of this precious organ for the body to function properly.

Thus, the Crista-de-Gallo plant is ideal for improving the performance of the liver and preventing problems related to this region. It optimizes the performance of the organ, which contributes to the improvement of the whole organism. For those who are already facing a clinical condition in the liver, the plant benefits the organ.

Cockscomb is very potent for treating diarrhea, but not only that. The plant has been widely used in conditions such as leukorrhea, hemorrhoidal bleeding and bloody stools. She acts at the root of the problem, improving the functioning of the intestine and eliminating the symptoms mentioned.

This is because the flowers and seeds of the Crista-de-Galo act directly on the digestive system, the region that causes the main problems of diarrhea. However, it is necessary to observe the performance of the plant in the body. If you have diarrhea or…