Cactaceae
Night Blooming Cereus
Selenicereus grandiflorus
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Mexico, Central America, Caribbean
Also known as: Queen of the Night, Large-flowered Cactus, Sweet-scented Cactus
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
StemFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Cardiac insufficiency with functional palpitations, angina, left ventricular weakness, cardiac neurosis, urinary retention. Specific Eclectic herb for heart conditions with constriction sensation in chest.
Herbal Actions
Cardiotonic, diuretic, antispasmodic, nervine
Active Constituents
Tyramine, hordenine, grandiflorum, quercetin, isorhamnetin, cactine (alkaloid)
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Not applicable — poor water extraction |
| Tincture | 0.5–2 ml (1:10, 60% ethanol) — VERY LOW DOSE, 3x daily |
| Notes | LOW DOSE HERB — start at 5 drops. Classic indication: sensation of iron band around heart. Combine with hawthorn for heart support. Professional guidance recommended for cardiac conditions. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid with cardiac medications without professional guidance. Avoid with MAOIs (tyramine content).
Side Effects: GI upset. Dizziness. Cardiac effects at high doses. Generally safe at low therapeutic doses.