It has had a place in Brazilian traditional medicine for many years. Dr. G. L. Cruz, a leading Brazilian practitioner and herbalist, nicknamed it “vegetable insulin” in 1965. Dr. Cruz noted in his book Livro Verde das Plantas Medicinais e Industriais do Brasil that “one uses all parts of the plant in infusions, decoctions or extracts to combat diabetes. Specialists that have made careful study of medicinal plants affirm that the regular use of this plant produces surprising results in the treatment of this ailment, as in a short space of time the sugar disappears from the urine. Hence the name ‘vegetable insulin.’” Even 30 years later, Dr. Cruz and other Brazilian researchers and practitioners are recording the actions and uses of pedra hume caá for diabetes in much the same manner. It remains a very popular natural remedy for diabetes throughout South America; the traditional use is a simple leaf tea with a pleasant, slightly sweet taste. It is also used for diarrhea, hypertension, enteritis, hemorrhages, and mouth ulcers.