Lipstick Tree Leaves. Giambrone, Gia. (2013).

Ancient Mayan texts claim the pulp, roots, young leaves, and seeds of the tree can be used to prepare medicines. The Oaxaca people would put the leaves over wounds to prevent scar formation. The people in the Yucatan used it as an antidote for poisoning from the seeds of Jatropha Curcas. Those who wore the body paint made from the seeds claimed it was an insect repellent, an antiseptic and alleviated discomfort during extreme temperatures.

Not surprisingly, these ancient techniques have been found to have real scientific merit.

The roots and leaves of the plant have been used to treat sore throat, jaundice, dysentery, gonorrhea, and liver diseases. It has also been used as a diuretic and antipyretic agent. Studies have been done proving the plant possess antivenin, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, analgesic and antidiarrheal, enzyme inducing, hypoglycemic and antimutagenic activities. The pulp that covers the seeds has been used topically to reduce pimple redness, reduce burns, sooth vaginal infections and act as insect repellant.