Cocoloba

Cocoloba is an erect  shrub which belongs to the plant family Polygonaceae. The shrub grows to a height of 1-2.5 meters and is heavily branched. The outstanding feature of the stem is that it is flattened like the body of flatworms and hence the species name, platyclados. The leaves are simple, alternate, lanceolate, 0.5 to 2 cm. wide and 2 to 5 cm. long. The unisexual cluster of flowers with greenish white perianths are borne in the axils. The fruits which are somewhat round in shape are classified as berries and turn red when ripe.
Most kidney stones contain a substance called oxalate,and the tendency to form stones is often due to faulty oxalate metabolism. Oxalate occurs naturally in a range of foods, including wheat bran,nuts, tea, chocolate, spinach, and beetroots. Those prone to stones, which may be hereditary, should avoid oxalate-rich food.
 
MEDICINAL USE:
*Scorpion sting.
*Centipede bite.
*Bruises.
*Swellings.
*Muscle pain.

HOW TO USED:
*Squeeze out the juice from the fresh stem and leaves and apply this over the sting of the scorpion or
  the bite of the centipede. You could also grind the leaves and stem along with 50-70% alcohol and
  apply the same.
*Grind the leaves and stem into a paste and apply this as a poultice over bruises, swellings and painful   muscle.

PARTS USED:
*Leaves and stem.

DOSE:
As recommended above.

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp

1 litre = 7 or 8 cups