Calaguala

Campyloneurum angustifolium (en verwante varens, o.a. Polypodium)

A narrow-leaved fern that grows on trees and rocks. The rhizome has been traded as a medicine for centuries; good research on its effect in people is lacking.

Safety notes

Not in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Kidney complaints and skin diseases need a doctor. 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)

Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Not in pregnancy.

Preparation

Simmer a piece of rhizome gently for 10 minutes.

Use in traditions

The name comes from Quechua and is also written kalawala or callawalla; an extract of the fern goes by the same name. In Central and South America people drink a decoction of the rhizome for stomach and bowel complaints, cough, rheumatism and kidney complaints, and use it as a compress for bruises and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Severino Vila counts kalawala among the warm remedies, like matiku and mulli. Louis Girault names the Kallawaya species Polypodium pycnocarpum.

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 lung complaints; with other plants against intestinal worms; dried and ground on animals' wounds.

Preparation and amount

Boil pieces of rhizome, in water or in milk.

Caution: Not in pregnancy.

Sources

All herbs from South America →