You can say what you will about the Coralita vine and its hustling tendencies, but, you can never say it’s a hideous vine or ‘bush’.  To be sure, the Coralita has heard it all. It knows that it is pretty- what with those green heart-shaped/arrowhead leaves and profusion of tiny pink or white flowers. And, it knows that it’s pretty invasive- what with those same leaves and flowers capable of carpeting an area in very quick time. (I’ve seen one or two abandoned houses quickly taken over and covered by this vine)

Like a true hustler, the Coralita has many aliases: hearts on a chain, love vine, mountain rose, confederate vine, coral bells, Mexican creeper, chain of love, coral vine, queen’s jewels, and etc. (I’ve also heard it referred to as the “grave vine”, probably because in some places it was and still is thrown onto the top of coffins in a grave to diminish the noise which accompanies soil being thrown in to cover the coffin.)

And, just like the truest of hustlers, it can thrive in the least friendly of conditions. So, while your other plants- rose bush and all- take to bed despite all the TLC you shower them, the vexing Coralita vine will be up and about without as much as 0.02 percent of the same care.

One day a small patch of green and pink/white- the next day a large area of green and pink/white, the Coralita, like any hustler, will bring visitors to your fence, garden or neighbourhood.  Think visitors of the bee-ish sort. This would explain another alias of this vine- the Bee Bush.  Bees just can’t seem to get enough of this vine which provides them with nectar all year round. It's enough to make you question whether or not, besides leaves and flowers, the Coralita also produces bees.

But, to be sure, the vine isn’t all about being a pest to some gardeners who’d rather see their rose bushes bloom so profusely. This is a blog about ‘bush medicine’ or natural remedies, and the Coralita redeems itself nicely by being a plant also cherished for the remedies it provides for a few ailments.

There’s what it can do during the cold and flu season. In the past (and up to present day), many took to making a tea from the vine’s leaves or blossoms to combat cold and flu-related pains and aches. This tea was also taken to relieve menstrual cramps.  In addition, many also praised this tea, maybe to their doctor’s chagrin, as a treatment for diabetes and hypertension.

And…that’s not all.  The tea was also regarded as a great tonic for the heart.  And curiously, the leaves of this Bee Bush, when crushed, were also used as a poultice against stings and for relief from boils and swelling.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELLE WOULD!)