Hierba Luisa
This is a tropical species with fragrant leaves containing essential oils, largely terpenoid. It forms a perennial grass up to 70 cm in height, in low hummocks. The leaves are linear, 50-70 cm long, 1.5-2 cm wide, and glaucous-green in color. Flowers are rarely produced.
In Ecuador the plant is cultivated, and recommended as a drink to allay abdominal pain, rheumatism and ulcers.
The Quichua utilize it for headache and stomach pain by infusing several leaves in a large amount of water, and drinking one cup as necessary. The root is also employed by grating it to make an infusion, of which 1/2 cup is drunk.