 In Brazil, Ccontrayerva is used as an antiseptic, diuretic, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic for a wide range of ailments including diarrhea, dysentery, ear infections, fever, gastritis, leucorrhea, malaria, rheumatism, skin disorders, snakebite, and typhoid.In Mexico it has been used as a diaphoretic, stimulant, tonic against fever, inflammation, snake bite, toothache, and tumors.The first description of the plant, root and its medical usage in Mexico is said to have been made by the Spanish naturalist and physician Francisco Hernández de Toledo in the 16th century