Rainforest Remedies… The Pheasant’s Tail

The Pheasant’s Tail is a beautiful plant native to Belize. This exotic tropical plant is widely grown for its striking leaves. While not something to serve during your holiday meal, it has been known to offer relief from an aching back.

This rainforest plant was commonly used by the ancient Mayan culture in Central America to treat pain. Several leaves were picked and boiled in water to create a soothing bath to offer relief from swelling in muscles and joints, rheumatism and backaches. Often times leaves will be mashed to create a poltice which is applied to the body and heated using wraps soaked in warm water. The Maya Indians in Belize still use the leaves in their steam bath rituals.