- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Chile, from Atacama to Valdivia, and southern Argentina
- Traditions
- Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 857
Centaurium cachanlahuen
Herb · South America
Cachanlagua
Centaurium cachanlahuen
A small bitter herb with pink flowers, related to the European common centaury. Traditionally for fever and digestion; clinical research is lacking.
Safety notes
Bitter; not with a stomach ulcer. Consult a doctor if you take medication for diabetes or high blood pressure. 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 with a stomach ulcer. Fever with chest pain needs a doctor.
Preparation
The whole aerial herb as a tea or decoction; externally on the skin and scalp.
Use in traditions
The name comes from Mapudungun kachanlawen, 'remedy for a stitch in the side'. The Mapuche used it mainly for fever with chest pain and for pneumonia. It later became a well-known bitter remedy throughout Chile to stimulate the appetite, strengthen the stomach and bring on sweating.
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
For fever, poor appetite and to bring on sweating.
Preparation and amount
Briefly boil a small bunch of the herb; it is bitter, so it is often sipped.
Caution: Not with a stomach ulcer. Fever with chest pain needs a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Decoction