- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Central Chile, as far as the north of the Los Lagos region
- Traditions
- Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 860
Cryptocarya alba
Herb · South America
Peumo
Cryptocarya alba
An evergreen tree of the laurel family with fragrant leaves and edible red fruits. Traditionally for liver and joint complaints; research is lacking.
Safety notes
Little studied; not in pregnancy. 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 liver complaints assessed by a doctor.
Preparation
Fruits eaten after soaking in lukewarm water; leaves and bark as a decoction or in a bath.
Use in traditions
The name comes from Mapudungun pengu or pewmu. The fruits have white, oily flesh and were eaten; because they are bitter, they were first soaked in lukewarm water. A decoction of bark and leaves was used for liver complaints and rheumatic pain. The bark was also used to tan leather and dye it orange.
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 fruits as food; the decoction for liver complaints and as a bath for rheumatic pain.
Preparation and amount
Soak ripe fruits in lukewarm water for a while, then eat them; boil leaves and bark briefly.
Caution: Not in pregnancy. Have liver complaints assessed by a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionSteam and bath