Chanca piedra (stonebreaker)

Phyllanthus niruri (en P. stipulatus, P. urinaria)

A small herb with rows of fine leaflets and tiny fruits beneath them. In experiments it inhibited the formation of kidney stone crystals and acted as a diuretic; small studies in people do not yet give clear evidence.

Safety notes

Diuretic, and can lower blood sugar and blood pressure; take care with diuretics, blood pressure medication, diabetes medication and lithium. Not in pregnancy. A kidney stone with fever or severe pain needs 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)

Curanderismo of northern Peru: Not in pregnancy; take care with diuretics and blood pressure or diabetes medication.

Preparation

The whole herb boiled briefly as a tea, in Peru often with horsetail, linseed and boldo.

Use in traditions

The name means 'stonebreaker'. In Peru one of the best-selling remedies, for kidney and bladder stones, gallstones, inflammation of the liver and kidneys and to 'detoxify' the blood. The herb has also become known outside Peru as a tea and in capsules.

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

For kidney, bladder and gallstones, inflammation of the liver and kidneys and to 'detoxify' the blood.

Preparation and amount

Boil the herb briefly, often with horsetail, linseed, boldo and overo.

Caution: Not in pregnancy; take care with diuretics and blood pressure or diabetes medication.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)

Sources

All herbs from South America →