- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Chile and Argentina, on dry Andean slopes
- Traditions
- Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 870
Fabiana imbricata
Herb · South America
Pichi
Fabiana imbricata
A small shrub of the nightshade family that looks like a conifer. Traditionally for bladder and urinary complaints and for digestion; laboratory research points to a stomach-protecting effect.
Safety notes
Not in pregnancy or with kidney disease without advice. Have bladder or kidney 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 or with kidney disease. Cystitis with fever or blood in the urine needs a doctor.
Preparation
Twigs as a tea or decoction.
Use in traditions
A Mapuche name that is also common in Chilean Spanish. The decoction of the resinous twigs was drunk for cystitis, kidney complaints and sluggish digestion. Farmers also used it against parasites in sheep.
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 cystitis, kidney complaints and sluggish digestion.
Preparation and amount
Boil a few twigs for 10 minutes.
Caution: Not in pregnancy or with kidney disease. Cystitis with fever or blood in the urine needs a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Decoction