Maqui

Aristotelia chilensis

A shrub with dark purple berries rich in anthocyanins. The leaf was traditionally used for wounds and sore throats. Health claims for 'superfood' products are unproven.

Safety notes

The berries are eaten as food. Little is known about concentrated extracts or use in pregnancy.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Healing traditions of the Americas: The berries are food; little is known about extracts or use in pregnancy.

Preparation

Berries fresh, dried or as juice; leaves as a decoction to gargle or crushed onto wounds.

Use in traditions

Maqui is the Mapuche word for the berry; the shrub itself was called külon. After the canelo it is one of the sacred plants of the Mapuche, a sign of peace: branches are taken to gatherings and decorate the rewe. The berries are eaten fresh in summer, dried for winter and made into a fermented drink. Strips of bark were made into rope. Leaves and berries were used for fever, sore throat and diarrhoea and on 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

The berries as food and a cooling drink; the leaf decoction for sore throats and on small wounds.

Preparation and amount

Eat the berries fresh or press them; boil a handful of leaves for 10 minutes to gargle with.

Caution: The berries are food; little is known about extracts or use in pregnancy.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Compress, poultice and paste
Recipes: Maqui drink

Sources

All herbs from South America →