Deep in the rainforests of the Amazon grows an herb called chanca piedra, which means “stone breaker” in Spanish. Two different species—Phyllanthus niruri and Phyllanthus amarus—are referred to as chanca piedra or “stone breaker.” Chanca piedra grows in tropical regions all over the world, from China to India to Peru. It has a history of use by the ancient Incans and many other South American tribes.
The small, shrub-like plant is best known for its ability to dissolve kidney stones and gallstones, which is how it earned its name “stone breaker.” But its healing benefits don’t stop there. In this article, we’ll be exploring the health benefits of chanca piedra and why you may want to add it to your health regimen.
The health benefits of chanca piedra
Chanca piedra has been used for centuries in Amazonian and Ayurvedic medicine for a number of health conditions. Here are its top health benefits:
- Dissolves and prevents kidney stones
Chanca piedra has been used for generations by the indigenous people of the Amazon to support the elimination of kidney stones. Scientific research backs up this traditional use, demonstrating its potential to stave off kidney stones, as well as dissolve them. This is thought to be because chanca piedra lowers urinary oxalate and uric acid levels in the body, reducing the risk of kidney stones, as well as dissolves calcium crystals responsible for the formation of kidney stones.
- Dissolves and prevents gallstones
Similarly, chanca piedra has traditionally been used to prevent and dissolve gallstones, which are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. They don’t call it “stone breaker” for nothing!
- Has antiviral and antibacterial properties
A number of studies show that chanca piedra can effectively treat stomach infections, including helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that’s thought to play a major role in the development of digestive disorders, particularly ulcers. Even better, research shows that chanca piedra does not interfere with good bacteria in the gut—it only affects the bad guys!
In addition to inhibiting harmful bacteria, studies have demonstrated that chanca piedra is also effective in treating certain viruses. Research has demonstrated this herb’s powerful ability to block the growth and division of the hepatitis B virus, which can cause a serious liver infection.
- Offers liver protection
Speaking of the liver, in animal and cellular studies, chanca piedra was shown to prevent liver injury caused by toxins, drugs, or alcohol. It’s thought to do this by protecting liver tissues against oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant defenses. Clearing toxins and reducing their impact plays an important role in supporting healthy liver function.
- Protects the heart
In clinical studies, chanca piedra was shown to lower high blood pressure. This benefit was further explored in animal studies which showed that the herb reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). These effects are incredibly valuable, as balanced blood lipid levels are key to preventing heart disease.
- Balances blood sugar
In a few human studies, chanca piedra has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and, as a result, diabetes risk. The same was confirmed in numerous studies involving diabetic rats.
How can chanca piedra be consumed?
Chanca piedra is most commonly consumed in tea form, however, it’s also often found in tincture, capsule, and powder form. At Inca Master Tea Co., we offer 100% natural chanca piedra that can be brewed to make a health-supporting cup of tea. We source our chanca piedra from the rainforests of Peru where it grows natively.
The bottom line
Chanca piedra is a medicinal herb that’s been used for over 2,000 years by Amazonian folk healers and Ayurvedic practitioners alike. Chanca piedra not only helps keep your kidneys and gallbladder free of stones, but also offers a number of other incredible health benefits, from providing liver protection to treating stomach infections. It’s a powerful antioxidant that is backed by many clinical studies, especially when it comes to its “stone-breaking” abilities. Add chanca piedra tea to your health regimen to reap this Peruvian plant many benefits.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21176271/
https://www.scielo.br/j/ibju/a/RpHKxJmzv63t4w3yf8rxSNt/?lang=en
https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v20/i6/1450.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11485076/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20064596/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16718736/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8786163/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8786163/