Escorzonera

Perezia multiflora (en verwante soorten)

A low, prickly herb with toothed leaves and yellow or white flower heads. Contains phenols, flavonoids and saponins; in the laboratory the leaf inhibits some bacteria. Research in people is limited.

Safety notes

Little studied; not in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Asthma and persistent fever need 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)

Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Persistent sore throat and fever need a doctor.

Preparation

Steep a handful of leaves for 10 minutes.

Use in traditions

In Peru and Ecuador people drink an infusion for sore throat and tonsillitis, asthma and fever, as it is said to make one sweat. In Bolivia the plant is called chancoroma or sutuma. According to Girault the Kallawaya drink the leaves with wamanripa and marshmallow root for cough and bronchitis, lay boiled leaves on swellings and on the throat for quinsy, and use a decoction for liver and womb complaints.

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 cough, bronchitis and sore throat; boiled leaves on swellings.

Preparation and amount

Steep the leaves, or boil them and lay them lukewarm on the throat.

Caution: Persistent sore throat and fever need a doctor.

Sources

All herbs from South America →