- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Andes of Peru and Bolivia, at 2,500 to 4,000 metres
- Traditions
- Kallawaya healing knowledge
South America · Herb · № 894
Mutisia acuminata
Herb · South America
Chinchircuma
Mutisia acuminata
A climbing shrub with tendrils and striking orange-red flowers. Quercetin and arbutin are among the compounds found in it; its effect in people has not been studied.
Safety notes
Heart complaints need a doctor. 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)
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Heart complaints need a doctor. Not in pregnancy.
Preparation
One flower or a few leaves as a tea; externally as a wash.
Use in traditions
Hummingbirds visit the flowers; the Aymara name luriwichu refers to them, and in the Andes a hummingbird is a sign of good luck. In Peru the plant is used for wounds, cramps, wind, stomach complaints and rheumatism. According to Bastien Kallawaya healers drank a tea of the flower for palpitations and persistent cough, and massaged the legs of children who were late to walk with the leaves.
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 palpitations and persistent cough; the leaves to massage the legs of children who are late to walk.
Preparation and amount
Steep one flower for 10 minutes.
Caution: Heart complaints need a doctor. Not in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)