60 MEDICINAL PLANTS of PERU and what they are for - complete GUIDE

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Did you know that in Peru there are a large number of plants used in medicine? At Ecologista Verde we consider that it is important to get to know the different medicinal plants from around the world to know what benefits they can bring us if taken properly, both to improve specific health problems and to strengthen general health, feel better and avoid some conditions.

If you are interested in knowing what is in Peruvian medicinal herbalism, keep reading this interesting article about 60 medicinal plants of Peru and what they are for some of them.

List of medicinal plants of Peru - common and scientific names

What are the Peruvian medicinal plants? It is true that today in this country there are a large number of plants that are used for medicinal purposes and that not all are originally from Peru, but are currently used both from the place itself, as some that were introduced a long time ago and are currently cultivated in the region, as regularly imported from other parts of the world.

Here we leave you one list of medicinal plants of Peru, both original, including medicinal plants of the Peruvian Amazon, as widely used in this place even if they are not native.

• Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
• Broom (Broom)
• Achiote (Bixa Orellana)
• Sacha inchi or jíbaro peanut (Plukenetia volubilis)
• Hercampuri (Gentianella nitida Y Gentianella alborosea)
• Cocona (Solanium sessiliflorum)
• Black sprocket (Jatropha gossypifolia L.)
• White pinion or tempate pinion (Jatropha curcas)
• Cashew, cashew or cashew (Anacardium occidentale)
• Caigua (Cyclanthera pedata)
• Chancapiedra (Phyllanthus niruri)
• Graviola or soursop (Annona muricata)
• Bruise (Lepidium peruvianum Y Lepidium meyenii)
• Grade blood (Croton lechleri)
• Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius)
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
• Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
• Verbena (Verbena officinalis)
• Ungurahui (Oenocarpus bataua)
• Tahuari or pau d'Arco (Handroanthus serratifolius)
• Tamamuri (Brosimum acutifolium)
• Ayrampú or sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
• Caspi lizard (Calophyllum brasiliense)
• Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia)
• Amasisa (Erythrina)
• Rose armhole (Tagetes erecta L.)
• Ayahuasca or yagé (Banisteriopsis caapi)
• Clavo huasca (Mandevilla scabra)
• Paico or epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides)
• Cow tit (Solanum mammosum)
• Toé (Brugmansia suaveolens)
• Muña (Minthostachys mollis)
• Hiporuro (Alchornea castaneifolia)
• Abuta (gender Abuta)
• Ñucño pichana (Scoparia dulcis L.)
• Copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii)
• Garlic sacha (Mansoa alliacea)
• Sacha cilantro or cimarrón coriander (Eryngium foetidum)
• Sacha mango (Grias neuberthii)
• Mullah bag (Physalis angulata)
• Plantain (Plantago major)
• Malva (genus Mallow)
• Ojé (Ficus insipida)
• Cocoa (Theobroma cacao)
• Cedar (Cedrus)
• Ubos or joo (Spondias mombin)
• Wild cane (Arundo donax)
• Guayusa (Ilex guayusa)
• Capirona (genus Capirona)
• Chambira (Astrocaryum chambira)
• Chiric sandano (Brunfelsia bonodora)
• Stew or turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• Huacapu (Minquartia guianensis Aubl.)
• Holy grassPiper auritum)
• Basil Pichana (Ocimum micranthum)
• Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus laevis)
• Pampa oregano (Lippia alba)
• Pandisho (Artocarpus altilis)
• Potato (Momordica charatia L.)
• Yahuar piri piri (Bulbous eleutherine)

Next, we will see the properties and benefits of some of the Peruvian herbal medicine plants.

Cat's claw: medicinal plant native to Peru

You enter the Peruvian medicinal plants and known throughout the world highlights the cat's claw plant or Uncaria tomentosa. It is usually taken as a decoction, tincture, capsules, pearls, tablets and powder, both from its bark and from its leaves and flowers. Contains alkaloids such as hirsutin, rhinophyllin, mitrafilin, also tannins and heterosides. Thanks to this composition, these are the properties, benefits and uses of cat's claw.

Properties of the cat's claw plant

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Immunostimulant
• Antiviral

Benefits and uses of cat's claw

• Thanks to the high content of alkaloids, vitamins, tannins and acids, it has strong immunostimulating and antioxidant properties, which is why it is used to improve defenses or immunity, both for prevent infections how to treat them, and also to help reduce cancerous tumors.
• Due to these same properties and because it is especially powerful against viruses, accelerating their cycle until they are eliminated or preventing them from entering and affecting the body, it is used to treat and prevent viruses. It is used to help treat the flu, herpes, and even as an adjunct to the treatment of AIDS symptoms.
• Due to its high content of antioxidants, its powerful anti-inflammatory effect and its ability to stimulate immunity, it is also used to relieve osteoarthritis pain, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, gastritis and gastric ulcers. If in your case you suffer from osteoarthritis, we recommend this other article by Green Ecologist about The best medicinal plants for osteoarthritis.

Medicinal properties of epazote or paico

The medicinal plant Dysphania ambrosioides or Teloxys ambrosioides it has more common names, besides paico or epazote. Some of the best known in America are:

• Skunk epazote
• Purple epazote
• White epazote
• Green epazote
• Smelly herb
• Chimi
• Alskini
• Tijson
• Yepazotli
• Kuatsitasi

To take the epazote or paico as one of the medicinal plants of Peru it is prepared in tea or infusion of its root, its branches and its leaves or various parts of the plant are crushed. It should be noted that its consumption is not recommended to pregnant or lactating women. The properties and medicinal uses of epazote are as follows:

Properties of epazote as a medicinal plant

• Antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Painkiller
• Antispasmodic
• Pain relieving
• Digestive
• Antiemetic
• Carminative
• Emmenagogue
• Vermifuge
• Diuretic
• Hepatoprotective
• Antifungal

Medicinal uses of epazote or paico

• Muscle pains
• Stomach aches
• Diarrhea
• Intestinal parasites
• Vomiting
• Scanty or retained menstruation
• Premenstrual discomfort
• Menstrual cramps
• Yeast infections
• Inflammation of the skin
• Ovarian inflammation
• Swollen prostate

Maca: medicinal properties

One of the Peruvian medicinal plants best known throughout the world is maca o Lepidium meyenii or Lepidium peruvianum. It is a native plant of the Peruvian Andes, which is why it is also known as Andean maca or Peruvian maca and, in addition, it has other common names such as maino, maca-maca, ayak willku, ayak and chichira.

Its root is usually used to benefit from its properties and its active principles are: alkaloids, amino acids, fatty acids, ascorbic acid or vitamin C, group B vitamins, saponins, riboflavin, thiamine, terpenoids, sterols, tannins and mineral salts (phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, potassium and sodium). If you want to know them more, pay attention to the medicinal properties of maca and its benefits.

Maca properties

• Antianemic
• Remineralizing
• Emmenagogue
• Stimulating
• Energetic or tonic
• Aphrodisiac
• Antiviral
• Antibacterial
• Antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Sacainte
• Antiallergic
• Vasodilator
• Antithrombotic
• Antioxidant
• Antimutagenic
• Antineoplastic

Benefits and medicinal uses of maca

• It is used as an energizer and to prevent or treat anemia due to its high content of iron, protein and various vitamins.
• It provides energy by containing carbohydrates and proteins, but it does not produce hypertension, which is why it is used both to have more energy during the day, as well as to avoid fatigue and stress, thanks to its antioxidant vitamin content.
• It is used as a natural alternative to artificial anabolics, as it helps increase muscle mass.
• It is widely used as an aphrodisiac and to stimulate libido (in both women and men) and this property is due to the fact that it contains methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate.
• It increases fertility, so it is taken in case of problems to conceive, especially in cases where there is sterility caused by a deficiency of some nutrients such as vitamin B12, some amino acids and zinc.
• Maca is used to reduce the annoying symptoms of menopause because it contains steroids and glucosinolates, which act as hormonal regulators.
• It is high in calcium and boron, which is why it is used to reduce the progression of osteoporosis and prevent it from appearing prematurely.
• It is taken as a supplement to facilitate treatment against some types of cancer.

Purslane, one of the most used Peruvian medicinal plants

This plant is known throughout the world and is one of the most used medicinal plants in Peru. Its scientific name is Portulaca oleracea L. and it contains vitamins A, B and C, saponins, omega 3 type fatty acids, mucilage, mineral salts and calcium oxalate. It is usually taken as an infusion and extract, as well as eaten fresh. Take note of the properties, benefits and medicinal uses of purslane:

Medicinal properties of purslane

• Diuretic
• Purifying
• Laxative
• Vermifuge
• Digestive
• Hypoglycemic
• Demulcent
• Anaphrodisiac
• Hepatoprotective
• Anti-inflammatory
• Painkiller
• Febrifuge
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Antioxidant
• Vasoconstrictor
• Antihemorrhagic
• Pain relieving
• Bronchodilator
• Mild muscle relaxant.

Purslane: benefits and medicinal uses

• It is a powerful natural vermifuge, which is why it is used to eliminate worms and other intestinal parasites.
• Due to its diuretic properties, this plant is good for purifying the body, eliminating retained fluids and stimulating urination in those who have difficulties with it.
• It is consumed to help protect the liver, which is why it is taken both to prevent liver problems and to help treat them.
• Topically, this plant is used to improve dermatitis, dermatosis and accelerate the healing of burns.
• Thanks to its hypoglycemic properties, it is used to treat diabetes, so if medical treatment of insulin injections is already used, it should not be combined (you should always consult your doctor first).
• It is used to lower the tenths of fever.
• For its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, purslane is also used to relieve migraines.
• It is a good remedy to treat constipation.
• It is also used as an aid to eliminate kidney stones, when they are not calcium.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory effect and other properties, it can be used to reduce inflammation of the gums and stomach.
• Because it is a good plant as a bronchodilator, it is used to improve problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

If you want to learn more about purslane, its properties and what it is for, we suggest this other post and also watch this video about purslane.

Valerian, what is it for?

We continue with the list of medicinal plants of Peru and we stop to talk about the famous valerian, one of the most used. It contains active principles such as essential oil with valerate, camphene, pinene, limonene, valeranone, valepotriates, bornyl acetate, valerianic and formic acids and alkaloids. Valerian or Valeriana officinalis L. It is taken as a decoction or infusion (maximum of 3 cups a day), powders, tincture, fluid extract, pills and essential oil. These are the medicinal properties of valerian, its benefits and uses:

Medicinal properties of valerian

• Sedative
• Muscle relaxant
• Hypnotic
• Hypotensive
• Painkiller
• Antispasmodic

Uses and benefits of valerian

• One of its most widespread benefits and uses is that of a natural sedative and tranquilizer for cases of high stress, anxiety, insomnia, nervous irritability and migraines.
• When the aforementioned problems are accompanied by muscle contractures, this remedy is also effective to reduce them, since in addition to being a sedative, it is a natural muscle relaxant.
• Due to these properties and because it is hypotensive, this plant is used as a treatment for high blood pressure and tachycardia (as long as no medication is taken for it).
• Being hypnotic, relaxing and sedating, it is used for mild epileptic episodes and seizures.
• In addition, it is not only used for muscle contractures, but because it is a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, it is also prescribed for low back pain, sprains, pulled muscles, and premenstrual and menstrual pain.

Achiote, one of the best-known medicinal plants of Peru

The achiote or Bixa orellana It is well known, especially in Latin America, and has other common names such as:

• Achihuite
• Achote
• Acosi
• Aisiri
• Apijirí
• Deetane
• Huantura
• lpak
• lpiácu
• Kachapo
• Masce
• Maxe
• Potsote
• Rucu
• Shambre
• Shambu
• Sacha achote
• Shambu huayo
• Shambu quiro
• Urcu
• Urucú
• Urucum
• Urucuzeiro
• Urcu achiote
• Yetsop
• Mashú
• Potsoti
• Tie
• Mashe
• Joshin mashe
• Koeswe
• Kuswé

This medicinal plant has a very characteristic deep red or orange pulp. This pulp and its leaves are used in natural medicine because they have very interesting medicinal properties. Achiote has the active principles: flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins of the complex B, A and C, leutein, pectin, norbixin and apigenin glucoside.

Achiote properties for health

• Expectorant
• Cardiotonic
• Stomach tonic
• Digestive
• Diuretic
• Purifying
• Mild sedative
• Hypotensive
• Muscle relaxant
• Hepatoprotective
• Healing
• Antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mild febrifuge

Achiote: benefits and medicinal uses

• Conjunctivitis
• Sore throat
• Asthma
• Tonsillitis
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Heavy digestions
• Kidney pain
• Hemorrhoids
• Hemorrhage
• Wounds and scars
• Helps in treating malaria
• Insomnia
• Stress and anxiety
• Hypertension
• Muscle contractures
• Accumulation of toxins
• Fluid retention
• Fat accumulation
• Liver problems
• Tenths of fever
• Skin inflammations
• Minor burns

Turmeric, stew or toothpick

Scientific name Curcuma longa L., this is another of the medicinal plants most used in Peru. Turmeric is known by other names, such as:

• Stew
• Toothpick
• Bighorn saffron
• Saffron from India
• Ginger amarelo
• Mandiwinshi
• Hawahawa
• Porenki
• Pwalojir-pagi
• Crown

Among its main components it has curcumin, curcumoids, resins and essential oil with zingiberene and tumerone. Its root or rhizome can be consumed fresh or in powder, tincture, decoction or infusion and fluid extract. Take note of the properties, benefits and medicinal uses of turmeric:

Medicinal properties of turmeric

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Choleretic
• Hepatoprotective
• Lipid-lowering
• Antispasmodic
• Antiseptic
• Antibiotic or bactericidal
• Healing

Turmeric: benefits and medicinal uses

• Helps cure hepatitis
• Stimulates the elimination of gallstones
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Gastrointestinal spasms
• Belly aches
• Intestinal inflammations
• Difficult digestions
• Helps prevent premature aging
• Arteriosclerosis
• Activates circulation
• Thromboembolism
• Muscle pains
• Tendinitis
• Sprains
• Rheumatic pain
• Arthritic pain
• Low back pain
• Sciatica
• Helps take care of eyesight
• Psoriasis
• Mushrooms
• Eczema
• Improves breast milk production

If you liked knowing all these medicinal plants of Peru and what are they forWe suggest that you learn about these 50 Mexican medicinal plants and what they are for.

If you want to read more articles similar to 60 medicinal plants of Peru and what they are for, we recommend that you enter our category of natural remedies.

Bibliography

• Cebrián, J., (2012), Dictionary of medicinal plants, Barcelona, Spain, Integral RBA Libros.
• Learn about the various medicinal plants that Peru offers, Peru Info.
• Medicinal plants (General information), Peru Information.
• CASTAÑEDA, C. B., RAMOS, L. E., and IBÁÑEZ, V. L. (2008). Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of 7 Peruvian medicinal plants. Medical Horizon, 8 (1).
• KVIST, L. P., ORÉ-BALBÍN, I. C., GONZALES, A., & LLAPAPASCA-SAMANIEGO, D. C. (2001). Study of medicinal plants in the Peruvian Amazon. Amazon folia, 12(1-2), 53-73.
• Pinedo Panduro, M., Rengif.webpo Salgado, E. L., & Cerrutti Sifuentes, T. (1997). Medicinal plants of the Peruvian Amazon, study of their use and cultivation.