🎥 The Holistic Minute with Michelle — Episode 5
You’ve probably seen Kalanchoe on a windowsill or in a grocery store flower section. What most people don’t know is that this common succulent has a rich history in traditional medicine across Africa, Latin America, and Asia — and that we actually grow it here at Oceanside Alternative Medicine. Watch Michelle break it down.
@botanicalbodymichelle
We Grow It Here
At Oceanside Alternative Medicine, we grow Kalanchoe on-site. For us, this plant isn’t just an academic interest — it’s something we tend, observe, and work with directly. Growing our own botanicals gives us a firsthand relationship with the plant that informs how we think about it, talk about it, and incorporate it into our wellness practice.
Most apothecaries source everything from distributors. We believe there’s something fundamentally different about working with a plant you’ve watched grow — and we’re excited to share more about our Kalanchoe as it makes its way into our offerings.
What Is Kalanchoe?
Kalanchoe is a genus of succulent plants in the Crassulaceae family, with over 120 species native primarily to Madagascar and tropical Africa. Several species — most notably Kalanchoe pinnata (also known as Bryophyllum pinnatum), Kalanchoe daigremontiana, and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana — have been extensively used in traditional healing systems and are increasingly the subject of phytochemical and pharmacological research.
In Brazilian folk medicine, Kalanchoe pinnata is called "folha da fortuna" (leaf of fortune) or "planta milagre" (miracle plant). In West African traditional medicine it is used topically and internally for a wide range of conditions. In Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal traditions, related species have long been documented for their healing properties.
Key Medicinal Properties
Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Multiple studies have identified significant anti-inflammatory compounds in Kalanchoe species, including bufadienolides, flavonoids, and triterpenes. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to inhibit inflammatory mediators in laboratory settings, providing a biochemical basis for the plant’s traditional use in conditions involving inflammation — including joint pain, skin inflammation, and respiratory irritation.
Immune Modulation
Kalanchoe pinnata has shown immunomodulatory activity in research settings, meaning it can help regulate immune function rather than simply stimulating or suppressing it. This bidirectional quality — supporting immune response when needed and moderating excessive immune activity — is a hallmark of true immune adaptogens and is what makes Kalanchoe particularly interesting to researchers studying autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Properties
Topical application of Kalanchoe leaf preparations has a long history in traditional medicine for wound care, burns, skin infections, and ulcers. Research has supported these uses, demonstrating antimicrobial activity against several bacterial and fungal pathogens, as well as promotion of tissue regeneration. The mucilaginous quality of the fresh leaf creates a natural protective barrier while active compounds support healing.
Antioxidant Protection
Kalanchoe species are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds with documented antioxidant activity. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich botanicals helps neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and support long-term cellular health — foundational goals in any preventive wellness approach.
Respiratory Support
In Brazilian and Caribbean folk medicine, Kalanchoe leaf preparations — often prepared as a syrup with honey — are traditionally used for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and upper respiratory infections. Preliminary research has identified bronchodilatory and expectorant properties in certain Kalanchoe extracts, lending some scientific support to these traditional uses.
Kidney and Urinary Tract Support
Kalanchoe pinnata has a particularly well-documented traditional use for kidney stones and urinary tract health in Brazilian folk medicine. Research has explored its ability to inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate crystals — the most common component of kidney stones — though clinical trials in humans remain limited.
Anxiolytic and Sedative Properties
Several Kalanchoe species have demonstrated mild sedative and anxiolytic effects in animal studies, attributed to flavonoid compounds that interact with GABA receptors — the same receptor system targeted by conventional anti-anxiety medications, but through gentler botanical pathways. This supports the plant’s traditional use for nervousness, insomnia, and stress-related conditions.
How Kalanchoe Is Traditionally Used
Traditional preparation varies by region and intended use:
- Fresh leaf juice — applied topically to wounds, burns, insect bites, and skin inflammation
- Leaf decoction — simmered and consumed as a tea for internal inflammatory, respiratory, and urinary conditions
- Leaf syrup — combined with honey for respiratory use, particularly for children in Brazilian folk medicine
- Poultice — fresh or heated leaves applied directly to affected areas for pain and inflammation
Important Considerations
While Kalanchoe has a strong traditional use record and promising preliminary research, a few cautions apply:
- Cardiac glycosides: Some Kalanchoe species contain bufadienolide compounds that can affect heart rhythm at high doses. These plants should not be consumed in large quantities, and those with cardiac conditions or taking heart medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.
- Pregnancy: Kalanchoe has demonstrated uterotonic activity in some studies and is traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy.
- Drug interactions: As with any bioactive botanical, potential interactions with medications — particularly cardiac drugs, sedatives, and immunosuppressants — should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
What’s Next
We’re working on bringing our on-site Kalanchoe into our product offerings. In the meantime, stay tuned — we’ll be sharing photos of our plants and updates on how we’re incorporating this remarkable botanical into Oceanside Apothecary’s lineup.
Curious about the botanicals in our current blends? Explore the full Oceanside Apothecary collection and find the blend that’s right for your wellness goals.