Huamanpinta

Chuquiraga spinosa (en C. rotundifolia)

A prickly shrub with hard, pointed little leaves and orange-yellow flower heads. Contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids; animal studies point to an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.

Safety notes

Not in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Kidney, liver and prostate complaints and venereal disease 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: Not in pregnancy. Urinary complaints need a doctor.

Preparation

Steep a teaspoon of leaves or flowers for 10 minutes.

Use in traditions

In Peru the plant is used to purify the blood, as a diuretic, and for inflammation of the kidneys, liver and prostate. According to Girault, who calls it wamanpinta, the Kallawaya give a decoction of the leaves as an enema for bowel fevers, drink the flowers as an expectorant for bronchitis, and use an infusion for difficult urination and venereal disease.

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 bronchitis, difficult urination and bowel fevers.

Preparation and amount

Steep a teaspoon of leaves or flowers for 10 minutes.

Caution: Not in pregnancy. Urinary complaints need a doctor.

Sources

All herbs from South America →