Aztec Sweet Herb (Phyla dulcis also known as Lippia dulcis)
Aztec Sweet Herb (Phyla dulcis also known as Lippia dulcis) is a perennial herb from the Lantana family Verbenaceae. The plant is native to the region from Mexico to Venezuela and the Caribbean.
The leaves and flower buds from Phyla dulcis have historically been used as a natural sweetener by the Aztecs.
🌷THE PLANT
It is a herbaceous plant up to 0.5 m tall with creeping or mat-forming growth habit. It has strongly sweet scented leaves with prominent nerves and toothed margins. The leaves may turn brown-purple under full sun. Tiny, white flowers are arranged in a circle at the top of a round to oblong inflorescence.
🌷CULTIVATION
It grows best in well-drained soil that is allowed to mostly dry before re-watering.
🌷THE SWEETENER, OTHER USES AND SIDE-EFFECTS
Aztec Sweet Herb leaves contain hernandulcin, a compound that is 500 times sweeter than table sugar. Although some people add the leaves to drinks and salads, the leaves also contain camphor which is toxic when consumed in large quantities.
The plant has also been used in the treatment of cough and bronchitis, but should be avoided by pregnant women because of its abortifacient properties.
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