- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Southern Chile and Argentina, as far as Tierra del Fuego
- Traditions
- Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 862
Fuchsia magellanica
Herb · South America
Chilco
Fuchsia magellanica
The wild fuchsia, with drooping red and purple flowers. Traditionally as a diuretic and for fever; 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 or with diuretic medicines.
Preparation
Leaves, bark or flowers as a tea; the ripe berries are eaten.
Use in traditions
The name comes from Mapudungun (chillko). Tea of leaf and bark was used as a diuretic and for fever. The berries are edible but not very tasty, and a black dye was made from the wood. From Chile the plant became a beloved garden plant in Europe.
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 a diuretic and for fever.
Preparation and amount
Steep leaves or flowers for 5 to 10 minutes.
Caution: Not in pregnancy or with diuretic medicines.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)