Also known as cockspur, bullhorn acacia gets its name from the enlarged, hollow stipular spines that occur in pairs at the base of leaves and resemble steer horns. It is a small tree that grows to 20 feet tall.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Mexico, Central America, Western India, Bangladesh, Florida, West Indies
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Antivenomous, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, and treats male impotence, infantile catarrh, asthma, cough, lung congestion, poisoning, headache, acne, inflammation of the skin
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For acne and inflammation of the skin, boil a 1-inch by 10-inch piece of bark in 1 gallon water. Cool, and use as a wash for the affected area. For impotence, boil 1-inch by 6-inch strip of bark in 3 cups water for 10 minutes, drinking before meals for 7 days. For asthma, congestion, coughs, headaches, and poisoning, boil 9 thorns in 3 cups water for 10 minutes. Drink 2 cups throughout the day. For snakebites, chew on a strip of bark, swallowing the juices, then apply the remaining fiber as a poultice on the bite.
