- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Mountain forests from Costa Rica to Bolivia
- Traditions
- Curanderismo of northern Peru
South America · Herb · № 914
Corynaea crassa
Herb · South America
Huanarpo
Corynaea crassa
An unusual parasitic plant without chlorophyll that lives on the roots of trees and shrubs; only a club-shaped flower spike appears above ground. Little is known about its effect in people.
Safety notes
Different plants are sold under the same name, including species of the spurge family that can be poisonous. Alcohol-based remedies are not for pregnancy, breastfeeding or liver disease, and not for children. Impotence can point to heart or vascular disease: have a doctor check this. 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)
- Curanderismo of northern Peru: Poisonous plants are also sold under this name. Not in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or with liver disease.
Preparation
Pieces of the dried plant, steeped in wine or cane spirit, usually with other 'strengthening' plants.
Use in traditions
Sold on Peruvian markets as a tonic and for impotence; in the trade it is also called 'Peruvian Viagra'. According to Bussmann and Sharon, healers distinguish huanarpo macho for men and huanarpo hembra for women. They steep the plant in a bottle of wine with palo huaco, chuchuhuasi, cinchona bark, honey and pollen, among others, and drink small glasses of it for infertility and fatigue. Other plants are also sold under the name huanarpo.
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.
Curanderismo of northern Peru
Attributed effects
Small glasses for infertility, impotence and fatigue; 'macho' for men, 'hembra' for women.
Preparation and amount
Steep pieces of the dried plant for a week in a bottle of wine, with other strengthening plants, honey and pollen.
Caution: Poisonous plants are also sold under this name. Not in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or with liver disease.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- TinctureSyrup, honey and oxymel