Canchalagua

Schkuhria pinnata

A small, finely branched annual herb of the daisy family with tiny yellow flowers. It tastes bitter. There is laboratory research on compounds that act on blood sugar, but studies in people are lacking.

Safety notes

Not in pregnancy, because it is said to bring on menstruation. Never replace diabetes medication. 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)

Curanderismo of northern Peru: Not in pregnancy. No substitute for diabetes medication.

Preparation

The dried or fresh herb as a bitter tea, often mixed with other 'blood-cleansing' plants.

Use in traditions

One of the best-known bitter herbs on the markets of northern Peru. Healers use it to 'cleanse' the blood, for liver and gall complaints, diabetes, bad breath, allergies and late periods. According to Bussmann and Sharon, some healers leave the tea outside overnight before drinking it to cleanse the blood. Their group also studied canchalagua as a remedy for acne. In Latin America the name canchalagua is also used for other bitter herbs.

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.

Curanderismo of northern Peru

Attributed effects

To cleanse the blood, for liver and gall complaints, diabetes, bad breath and acne.

Preparation and amount

Boil the herb briefly, often with other bitter and 'blood-cleansing' herbs.

Caution: Not in pregnancy. No substitute for diabetes medication.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)

Sources

All herbs from South America →