- Region
- South America
- Origin
- From Mexico to Argentina, common in the Andes and the Antilles
South America · Herb · № 896
Ambrosia peruviana
Herb · South America
Altamisa
Ambrosia peruviana
An aromatic, hairy ragweed. In its native range it is used as a painkilling, anti-inflammatory, deworming and antiseptic remedy; good research is lacking.
Safety notes
Do not use internally. Ragweed pollen is a strong allergen, and the leaves too can irritate the skin. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Not internally; poisonous. Pollen and leaves can cause allergy.
- Curanderismo of northern Peru: Not internally; pollen and leaves can cause allergy.
Preparation
Externally: warmed leaves as a rub or compress.
Use in traditions
Markhu or marku in Aymara and Quechua. According to Bastien Kallawaya healers classed the plant as 'hot' and poisonous when taken internally. They rubbed the sun-warmed leaves over painful joints, bones and swollen muscles. Some also gave it against worms, but Florentino Alvarez advised against that.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
For pain in the joints, bones and muscles.
Preparation and amount
Warm the leaves in the sun and rub them over the painful spot.
Caution: Not internally; poisonous. Pollen and leaves can cause allergy.
Curanderismo of northern Peru
Attributed effects
For susto, fungal skin infections and, as a compress on the belly, against cramps after childbirth.
Preparation and amount
Externally: crushed fresh leaves as a compress, or in a bath.
Caution: Not internally; pollen and leaves can cause allergy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Compress, poultice and pasteSteam and bath