World of Peruvian Herbs

some medicinal plants of the Andes and the Amazon

Traditional use:

| | | | | | | |
                                                                  


 

  MARCO 
 

LATIN NAME: Ambrosia peruviana

USED PARTS OF THE PLANT:

the over-ground part

CURATIVE PROPERTIES: 

anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, tonifying the nervous system, antalgic, sedative anti-fever, anti-asthmatic

USE IN TRADITIONAL PERUVIAN MEDICINE:
  • Rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis
  • Bronchitis, asthma
  • Mental problems, neurosis, hysteria, anxiety, angst
  • Migraine, headache
  • Regulating period, menstruation cramps
  • Stomachache, intestinal parasites
  • As support in case of Parkinson, SM, and Alzheimer

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT AND ITS PRESENCE

Marco has been known in Peru as a ritual plant for many centuries. Its distinctive feature is intense smell. It is an annual plant that grows up to 50-100cm high. The stems are covered with thin hair, the leaves are oval, up to 10 cm long, the flowers are white or yellowish. Its favorite habitat in Peru is the muddy vicinity of rivers, but it can also be found in the Andes at the altitude of 2700-3300 meters above the sea level, and also in the outskirts of the forests. 
In some regions of Peru, Marco is still used today for the ritual, spiritual and physical cleansing which is a part of the local culture. Marco used to be reliable “companion” during journeys in case of a sickness that strikes as we cover the distance. Its distinctive smell, not only scares away the annoying insects, but – what is more important, it has beneficial impact on our health.
The plant is also known as Altamisa, Artemisa, Marrco, and Marcju.


MORE INFORMATION

The traditional Peruvian medicine recommends drinking Marco extracts for headache, migraine, painful muscle cramps, as a means of tranquilizing and tonifying the nervous system, as well in the case of hysteria, neurosis, and neuralgia. 
It also helps with treating bronchitis, a cold, the flu, fever, cough, and asthma. In those cases, the decoction can also be used for inhalation.
Marco can be effectively used for rheumatism, arthritis, muscle cramps, and painful periods.
The recent research carried out by a team of scientists, shows that the substances present in Marco can help to cure neuro-degenerating diseases such as Parkinson, Alzheimer, or SM. The extract or decoction from Marco is also advisable for the inflammation of the skin.
Ointment form Marco is used in Peru with the anti-inflammatory or anti-rheumatic intention, as well as for cramps. The vapor from the decoction, and the smoke from the burning plant is an insect repellent, and can disinfect the room. The bath with addition of the extract soothes sore feet, and has antiseptic properties. Compression bring relief in case of inflammation, rheumatic pain, or cramps of the muscles.
In the local alcohol market, Marco is added to alcohols.


USE AND MOST COMMON DOSAGE

3-5 g of herbs pour over with 700ml of cold water and cook  for 5-10 minutes on small fire since boiling. Drain. Drink one glass three times a day.