- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Andes of Peru and neighbouring countries; common along roads and fields
- Traditions
- Curanderismo of northern Peru
South America · Herb · № 883
Desmodium molliculum
Herb · South America
Manayupa
Desmodium molliculum
A low plant of the pea family. Traditionally used for inflammation and wounds; research is limited.
Safety notes
Little studied; not in pregnancy. Have persistent kidney or abdominal complaints assessed by 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)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Not in pregnancy. Have persistent complaints assessed by a doctor.
Preparation
The whole herb as a tea; externally as a wash.
Use in traditions
In Peru also called pie de perro or pata de perro, 'dog's paw'. One of the best-selling plants in the markets of the north, used for inflammation of the kidneys and ovaries, stomach ache and diarrhoea, and as a wash to clean wounds.
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
For inflammation of the kidneys and ovaries, stomach ache and diarrhoea; as a wash on wounds.
Preparation and amount
Steep a small handful of the herb for 5 to 10 minutes; boil longer for a wash.
Caution: Not in pregnancy. Have persistent complaints assessed by a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)