Agave Americana initially grows in Central America, especially Mexico. It is also known as the Century plant, American Century plant.

Some people call it maguey, flowering aloe, American aloe, metland even spiked aloe. However, it is not in the same family as aloe vera.

The Agave Americana belongs to the Asparagaceae family.

About Agave Americana

“Agauos” means proud in Greek and this plant is named as the proud plant as per the Greek word.

Agave Americana has large leaves that are either gray-green or gray-blue. The leaves can grow up to 1.75 meters in length and 20 cm in breadth.

As it is a beautiful plant, it is grown for ornamental purposes in all parts of the world, particularly in India, Africa and Southern parts of Europe.

When the tree flowers, it has pale yellow flowers. It takes up to 10 to 15 years to flower. It has been known to have taken up to 50 years in some parts of the world.

Uses of Agave Americana

Like the coconut in India, all the parts of the Agave Americana are used by the local people. The leaves are used to make mats. The pointed and sharp ends of the leaves are used as nails and needles. Soaps, as well as alcoholic beverages, are made from this plant.

Health Issues Cured by Agave Americana

Supplements: Agave Americana is rich in vitamins B1, B2, C, D and K, and pro vitamin A. It’s juice also has estrogen-like isoflavonoids, alkaloids, coumarin. This makes the herb very good for supplements that are essential for the body.

External use: This herb had antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is applied to minor burns, cuts, and bruises.

Wounds: The Aztecs, a tribe from Central America, makes poultices of this plant and applies it to deep wounds. It helps in the healing of injuries and wounds.

High fever: As the plant increases the temperature of the body, it induces sweat, which is an excellent treatment for high fever.

A toothache: A toothache can be cured when a poultice of Agave Americana is applied on the aching tooth.

Constipation: It is an excellent herbal remedy for constipation caused by weak digestion. It works as a good laxative.

Diarrhea and dysentery: Surprisingly, Agave Americana also works in the treatment of dysentery and cases or diarrhea.

Steroid: This drug is used in making many steroids as well.

Precautions and Side Effects

• Pregnant women should avoid agave Americana. They may apply it on the skin for minor wounds but should not ingest it.
• If this herb is taken in a large quantity, it can irritate the digestive system and damage the liver to some extent as well.
• Agave Americana is known to trigger allergies in some people. Itching, swelling, rashes over the skin and body parts are some common problems related to it. This herb has very sharp edges, and so it should be collected very carefully.

Even though Agave Americana is useful in many instances, one should always consult a doctor before using it.