- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Chile, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, from sea level to high in the Andes
- Traditions
- Kallawaya healing knowledge, Mapuche medicine
South America · Herb · № 871
Quinchamalium chilense
Herb · South America
Quinchamalí
Quinchamalium chilense
A semi-parasitic herb with orange-yellow flowers in heads. Traditionally for wounds and colds; research is lacking.
Safety notes
Not in pregnancy, because the plant was considered to bring on menstruation. 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 (2)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Not in pregnancy.
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Malaria needs a doctor. Not in pregnancy.
Preparation
The herb as a tea or decoction; externally as a wash.
Use in traditions
A favourite remedy of herb women, used to heal wounds, cleanse the blood and bring on menstruation. In the mountains the decoction was drunk for flu and colds.
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
As a wash on wounds; drunk for flu and colds and as a blood cleanser.
Preparation and amount
Boil the herb briefly; let it cool for a wash.
Caution: Not in pregnancy.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
To help bring on menstruation, as a 'blood purifier' in malaria, and externally on swellings and bruises.
Preparation and amount
Steep the herb; boiled as a compress; with fat as an ointment.
Caution: Malaria needs a doctor. Not in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionSalve and balmCompress, poultice and paste