We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Treatments

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Medical Uses of Aguamiel?

By Deborah Walker
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 8,279
Share

Agave is a genus of a perennial, succulent plant in the Agavaceae family and is native to semi-arid regions of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America. Its nectar, or aguamiel, has been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine particularly as an antibacterial and gastrointestinal tonic. It has a low glycemic index, and some diabetics find that it makes a good substitute for sugar. The nectar that is pressed from the plant and heated until it achieves a honey-like consistency may be available at health food stores, markets, or online.

This drought-tolerant succulent can reach a height of 6-10 feet (1.8-4.3 meters). It grows best in U.S. Hardiness Zones 9-11, which means that the plant will survive in temperatures as low as 20° Fahrenheit (-6.6° Celsius). Agave prefers full sunlight and soil with a pH level between 6.1-8.5, which is mildly acidic to alkaline. In late winter and early spring, the Agave plant produces bright yellow blooms. This plant has very sharp spines or edges, so anyone handling it should wear gloves and use caution.

Anthropologists think that aguamiel may have been used by the Aztecs in Central America during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. Artifacts suggest that the Aztecs used the nectar to sweeten food. It may have also been mixed with salt and used as a poultice to speed healing.

Pus-producing skin bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, as well as bacteria in the intestinal tract, appear to die off in the presence of the phytochemical components of aguamiel. The antibacterial action of aguamiel seems to increase when it is mixed with salt, thus lending some credence to the Aztec's medicinal use of the nectar. Aguamiel derived from the blue agave species may be useful in treating irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis; more research needs to be done to verify these hypotheses, however.

Keeping blood sugar stable is a primary concern for diabetics. To help them make better food choices, many diabetics rely on the glycemic index, which is a measurement of how fast carbohydrates raise blood sugar. The lower the glycemic index score, the better the food is for keeping blood sugar relatively consistent. Aguamiel has a glycemic index of 20, which is about 50 points lower than table sugar. This means that it will break down slowly and the user will not experience a sugar rush or crash.

Aguamiel is usually sold in powder or syrup form from which a tincture or tea may be made. The syrup may be available with amaretto, hazelnut or other flavors added. Consumers may purchase it from local grocers, health food stores, ethnic food markets, or on the Internet.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-the-medical-uses-of-aguamiel.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.