> Supplement Index > Agave / Agave americana / Century plant / Maguey / Lechuguilla / Mescal / Metl / Tlacametl / Teometl > Agave General Information Agave Uses & Scientific Evidence For Agave Dosage Information Agave Safety & Interaction Information Buy Products That Contain Agave - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Agave General Information Agave is a succulent perennial with large rosettes of sharply-toothed leaves that can reach six feet in height. Native American legend says the plant lives for hundreds of years before it flowers, which is why it is named Century plant. The Aztec and Mayan Indians used the sap of Agave with egg whites to bind powders and gums in pastes and poultices for use on wounds. The Aztecs also used it for diarrhea and dysentery. Agave is a close relative to aloe vera and each can be used as a substitute for the other when the need arises. Agave is also the source of tequila, pulque, and mescal, but has also been used a source of food and medicine. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, diuretic, laxative, and restorative properties. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Agave Uses & Scientific Evidence For The demulcent properties of Agave help protect the mucous membranes and encourage healing. This plant is used to treat ulcers and other inflammatory ailments of the intestines, stomach, and mouth. It also works well in treating eye inflammations, bronchitis, arthritis, and heavy menstrual flow. Poultices of Agave can be used to treat skin infections and inflammations, and the juice can be applied directly to cuts, sores, and wounds to aid in healing. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Agave Dosage Information Agave comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For best results, read and follow product label directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Agave Safety & Interaction Information Agave is generally regarded as safe for consumption and for use as a medicine; however, exceeding the recommended doses of this plant can cause stomach upset. Exceeding the recommended doses for a prolonged period can lead to liver damage. For those with sensitive skin, using Agave topically can cause irritation. Do not use Agave internally if you are pregnant. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - Buy Products That Contain Agave Below