Origin: Mexico

Botanical Family: Smilacaceae

Common Names: Greenbrier, sarsaparilla, smilax

What parts of the cocolmeca plant are used?

Herbalists use the roots and the underground stems, otherwise known as the rhizomes (which are edible). Some species of cocolmeca are even found in American Root beer.

How do you identify cocolmeca and where is it grown?

Cocolmeca is a woody climbing vine plant—that many cultures believe to be a miracle plant. It flowers, has heart-shaped leaves and its small red berries make it a favorite choice of food for birds in the winter. It is native to Central America, Mexico and in temperate, tropical locations around the world.

How many varieties of cocolmeca are there?

Cocolmeca belongs to a genus of around 400 species. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses many varieties of this herb, and has been for thousands of years. There are 80 different species grown in China alone.

Directions: 

Take 1 or 2 tea bags and add it to 8 ounces of hot water.  Steep for 5-10 minutes. Allow tea to cool down and enjoy!

Usually Prepared With:

Herbs that Cocolmeca combines with include Burdock root, Chaparral, Cleavers, Dandelion root, Pau d'Arco, Poke root, Red Clover blossoms, Yellow Dock root among others.