Tola

Parastrephia quadrangularis (syn. Lepidophyllum quadrangulare, P. lepidophylla)

A resinous shrub up to two metres tall with small, scale-like leaves; typical of the dry high plateau.

Safety notes

The smoke irritates the airways. 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)

Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Not in pregnancy. Smoke from burning tola irritates the airways.

Preparation

Do not prepare it yourself; in the Andes it is mainly used as fuel and in rituals.

Use in traditions

On the Altiplano tola has long been the main fuel besides dried llama dung; according to Bastien the shrub was even burned in Bolivia's steam locomotives. Llamas graze its leaves. In north-western Argentina the smoke of the burning leaves was used to speed up childbirth. Healers on the high plateau use tola for diarrhoea, in childbirth and on wounds; Kallawaya healers, Bastien writes, used it less, among other things for toothache.

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.

Kallawaya healing in Bolivia

Attributed effects

For toothache; on the high plateau also for diarrhoea, in childbirth and on wounds.

Preparation and amount

Do not use internally; for toothache lay a leaf on the tooth.

Caution: Not in pregnancy. Smoke from burning tola irritates the airways.

Sources

All herbs from South America →