- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Central and southern Chile, also Peru and Bolivia; along streams and forest edges
- Traditions
- Kallawaya healing knowledge, Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 856
Grimolobium glandulosum (syn. Otholobium glandulosum, Psoralea glandulosa)
Herb · South America
Culén
Grimolobium glandulosum (syn. Otholobium glandulosum, Psoralea glandulosa)
A shrub of the pea family with glandular, fragrant leaves. Traditionally used for digestive complaints, diarrhoea and on wounds; good 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 (2)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Not in pregnancy. Have persistent diarrhoea assessed by a doctor.
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Not with blood thinners and not in pregnancy.
Preparation
Leaves and twigs as a tea or decoction; externally as a wash.
Use in traditions
The name comes from Mapudungun (kulen). A valued medicinal plant even before the Spanish arrived. Tea of the fragrant leaf was drunk for a heavy stomach, diarrhoea and diabetes, and used to wash wounds. The plant was also added to fermented drinks.
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 tea after meals and for diarrhoea; as a wash on wounds.
Preparation and amount
Steep a few leaves for 5 to 10 minutes; for a wash, boil longer and let it cool.
Caution: Not in pregnancy. Have persistent diarrhoea assessed by a doctor.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
For a heavy stomach and intestinal worms; baths for rheumatism; flowers for diarrhoea.
Preparation and amount
Steep the leaves lukewarm; boil a generous amount for a bath.
Caution: Not with blood thinners and not in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionSteam and bath