Hoja Leaves

Botanical Name: Piper Auritum
Common Names: Hoja, Hinoja, Eared Paper, Anise Pepper, False Kava

Hoja is a small, soft wooded, aromatic tree. It comprises of slender and long flowering internodes. Leaves are ovate or oblong- or elliptic- ovate; spikes creamy or light yellow; fruit small, glabrata and trigonous. The leaves vary considerably in size.

Dried hoja leaves are used in dried arrangements. The most fascinating thing about hoja leaves is its usage in mexican cooking as a strong flavoring agent. Dried form is also used to stop bleeding and as a component in beverages. They make fragrant wrappers for grilled or steamed fish dishes. As a home remedy it is considered anti-flammatory and prepared as a tea for stomach cramps and as a poultice for skin irritation.