What is the Chanca Piedra?
Also known the Phyllanthus niruri, the Chanca Piedra is a popular plant that is common in the Amazon rain forest. It is a widespread tropical plant and is also pretty common in coastal regions. Chanca Piedra is a well-known herb and the entire plant is often used in the production of medicines. These medicines are used to remedy several disorders that involve the urinary tract. Among the disorders that can be treated by Chanca Piedra are kidney stones, urethral or vaginal discharge, inflammation as well as infections. The herb is also used for remedy certain digestive tract disorders such as stomachache, appetite loss, constipation, infections of the intestines as well as dysentery.
How to use Chanca Piedra
As a herb, Chanca Piedra is commonly sold in its dried state. Its application therefore tends to be a little challenging. For the best results, the herb should be brewed into tea and one to three cups of the tea taken on a daily basis on an empty stomach. To prepare the Chanca Piedra tea, boil three or four cups of water, add a tablespoon of Chanca Piedra and let the mixture simmer for a period of about 15 minutes. You should then proceed to strain the resulting mixture. It is now ready and can be cooled to the desired temperature and taken.
It is important to note that product has got diuretic effects. While using it therefore, an individual needs to take a lot of water and the water needs to be free from chlorine. Prolonged use of the product is not often recommended given the fact that it tends to result in hypoglycemia, a condition in which there is a glucose deficiency in the blood stream. To ameliorate this side effect, taking the Chanca Piedra tea prior to bed can be pretty essential. There are however cases in which the hypoglycemia persists, in which case, discontinuing the use is often recommended.
Health benefits of Chanca Piedra
Chanca Piedra is highly rich in organic acids. After it has been ingested, these organic acids go through the kidney where the glomerule rapidly filters them thereby averting its reabsorption. The product works pretty effectively in raising the solubility of alkaline salts. They also aid in the maintenance of normal bacterial levels of the urogenital tracts of a user. The product also has a phenolic component which has been established to be a strong anti-oxidant.
Scientific research shows that Chanca Piedra has antispasmodic, bactericidal, febrifugal, hypoglycemic activity as well as antihepatotoxic effects. Bile production is also thought to be stimulated by the product. Some other health benefits of this product are that it promotes the healthy functioning of the liver, kidney and gall bladder. The herb also exhibits hepato-protector characteristics on herpes, HIV as well as hepatitis type B, C, A.
Chanca Piedra is also effective in remedying gallstones, colic, swine flu, rectal pain, jaundice, malaria, gonorrhea, fluid retention, itching, asthma, bronchitis, fluid, caterpillar stings and several other conditions. Tuberculosis can also be controlled by using this herb.
NOTE: We highly recommend that before using any herbal medications you should consult your health care provider or medical doctor for professional advice.
Disclaimer: All herbs and spices listed on http://islandherbsandspices.com/ or sold for medical and household use only, again we advice that before using any HERBS for medical purposes, please consult your physician.
