- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Southern Chile and Argentina, along rivers and lakes
- Traditions
- Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 873
Luma apiculata
Herb · South America
Arrayán (Chilean myrtle)
Luma apiculata
The Chilean myrtle, with cinnamon-coloured bark, fragrant leaves and edible black berries. Traditionally an astringent; research is lacking.
Safety notes
Little studied; not in pregnancy. 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 (1)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Not in pregnancy.
Preparation
Leaves as a tea; berries fresh.
Use in traditions
Kelümamüll in Mapudungun, 'red wood', after its orange bark. The Mapuche used the leaf as an astringent and stimulating remedy. The berries are eaten and the flowers give honey.
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.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
As an astringent and stimulating remedy; the berries as food.
Preparation and amount
Steep a few leaves for 5 to 10 minutes; eat the berries fresh.
Caution: Not in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)