- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Dry mountain slopes of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile and north-western Argentina
South America · Herb · № 915
Krameria lappacea (syn. Krameria triandra)
Herb · South America
Rhatany (ratania)
Krameria lappacea (syn. Krameria triandra)
A low shrub that is partly parasitic on the roots of other plants. The red root is rich in tannins and is therefore astringent. In Europe rhatany root is listed in the pharmacopoeia and used in mouthwashes and gum remedies.
Safety notes
Because of the tannins, do not take internally for longer than a few weeks; it can irritate the stomach and reduce the uptake of iron and medicines. Not in pregnancy. The wild shrubs grow slowly. 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)
- Curanderismo of northern Peru: Not internally for longer than a few weeks; not in pregnancy.
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Bleeding from the belly or bowel needs a doctor.
Preparation
Root and leaves boiled as a tea; in Europe the tincture of the root to dab on the gums.
Use in traditions
In Peru used for inflammation of the kidneys, ovaries, bowel and bladder, and traditionally for diarrhoea and bleeding. The root was also used to dye wool and leather red. The Spanish botanist Hipólito Ruiz brought the plant to Europe at the end of the eighteenth century, where rhatany became a well-known remedy for inflamed gums and a sore mouth.
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.
Curanderismo of northern Peru
Attributed effects
For inflammation of the kidneys, ovaries, bowel and bladder; traditionally also for diarrhoea.
Preparation and amount
Boil root and leaves for a few minutes.
Caution: Not internally for longer than a few weeks; not in pregnancy.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
For diarrhoea, bleeding gums and haemorrhoids (as a wash); the powder on small wounds to stop bleeding.
Preparation and amount
Boil the root into a decoction; dried root as a powder.
Caution: Bleeding from the belly or bowel needs a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTincturePowder and kitchen