World of Peruvian Herbs

some medicinal plants of the Andes and the Amazon

ALCACHOFA | AGUAYMANTO | ACHIOTE | ALGARROBO | ANONA GRAVIOLA | CACAO - KAKAOVNÍK | CAIGUA | CAMU CAMU | CANCHALAGUA | COLA DE CABALLO | CUTI CUTI | FLOR DE ARENA | HERCAMPURI | HIERBA LUISA | CHANCA PIEDRA | CHIA | CHUCHUHUASI | JUAN DE ALONSO | LUCUMA | MACA MAKA | MAIZ MORADO | MANAYUPA | MARCO | MUŇA-MUŇA | NOPAL | PASUCHACA | SACHA INCHI | SANGRE DE DRAGO | TAHUARI | UBOS | VILCACORA | WIRA WIRA | YACON |
World of Peruvian Herbs   /   CANCHALAGUA

Traditional use:

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CANCHALAGUA 
 

LATIN NAME: Schkuhria pinnata (Lam.)

USED PARTS OF THE PLANT:
dried stems

CURATIVE PROPERTIES:  
antibacterial, antimycotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, purification of blood, liver healing properties

USE IN TRADITIONAL PERUVIAN MEDICINE:
  • Liver, bile ducts, urinary ducts
  • Regulating menstrual period
  • Skin stains, eczema, skin inflammation, pimples, acne
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT AND ITS PRESENCE

Canchalagua grows in abundance in the Andean valleys of Peru. It is a inconspicuous plant that grows up to 70cm high. What makes it different from other plants is its thin, straight stems that seem to be dry, and also small, yellow flowers. Its properties have been known for many generations, and it has been commonly used in traditional medicine both fresh and dried. 

MORE INFORMATION

The precious properties of Canchalagua have been known to local residents for many generations, and the plant has been commonly used in traditional medicine both fresh and dried. It has been used for many different diseases. That small plant resembles dried sticks, and has anti-bacterial, antimycotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria properties. It purifies blood and liver, and is great for healing process. It is also used for regulating the menstrual period (it helps to regulate late periods which are cause by the disorder of the function of ovaries).
Toxins that circulate in the blood are often a cause of different skin issues (acne, skin inflammation, eczema, stains). In those cases Canchalagua proves to be very helpful both externally and internally.
In the traditional Peruvian medicine, Canchalagua is used for purifying blood, acne reduction, eczema treatment, minimizing the stains on skin, and other skin issues. It also supports digestion, sooths nausea, regulates menstrual period, helps with inflammation. It helps with liver issues and problems with gall bladder, bacterial infection of urinary ducts, blastomycetes infection, mould. It is used for diuretic purpose, and promotes urinating. It is used in malaria treatment.

USE AND MOST COMMON DOSAGE

3-5 g pour with 700ml of cold water, then boil and cook on small fire for 5-10 minutes, then drain. Drink the brew 3 times a day
For the external use for stains, eczema, rash -  prepare the decoction in a similar way but with less water.
NOTE: exceptionally sensitive users can have photodynamic reaction similar to one after hypericum. 

FUN FACT

In some parts of South America the dried, and ground into powder Chanchalagua is used for fighting and eradication of fleas and lice.