Ohuaxocoyolin is referred to as a "native bitter herb," the root of which is dried and ground and applied to the eye after the removal of fleshy growths.

The Badianus manuscript gives an overview of Aztec herbal medicine at the time of the Conquest. Even though it shows no traces of European influence, the text in some aspects resembles late medieval European medical treatises. Notable similarities include formulas for the preparation and application of herbal drugs as well as the belief in the medicinal power of animal body parts and precious stones.

THE BADIANUS MANUSCRIPT: AN AZTEC HERBAL OF 1552. Codex Barberini,
Latin 241. Facsimile. (Washington University, Becker Library)