Chanca Piedra is the Spanish name given to the small herb Phyllanthus niruri that is native to the Amazonian region of South America. The benefits of consuming this herb affect many parts of the body. It is able to help encourage kidney, gallbladder, bladder and liver health. It also holds antioxidant properties and may be deadly against certain harmful organisms. The term “Chanca Piedra” literally means “to break stone” which reflects its traditional use in treating kidney stones and gallstones. It has been used in holistic medicine systems around the globe, including traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Western herbalism. As well as working wonders on the urinary system, chanca piedra is thought to support liver tissues by reducing oxitive stress and promoting antioxidant activity.
This natural remedy has sparked the interest of researchers around the world, and since the 1960’s over 300 studies have been carried out. The researchers summarized their research stating, “Pre-clinical and clinical studies carried out with the
extracts and purified compounds from these plants support most of their reported uses in folk medicine for the treatment of a wide variety of pathological conditions.”
Traditional Chinese medicine has always cited chanca piedra as a herb that supports liver health. The Department of Chemistry at Bose Institute in India conducted a study that investigated the liver protecting action of chanca piedra against acetaminophen toxicity. The results showed that a protein in chanca piedra protects liver tissues against oxidative stress, probably by increasing antioxidant defences. Study results from the Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research suggest compounds in chanca piedra may be a valuable component to a multi-herb, liver-support formulation.
Chanca piedra has been evaluated for antioxidant activity and its response to high blood pressure and high blood sugar. The high phenolic content of chanca piedra has shown antioxidant activity, which has been found to support balanced blood sugar and normal blood pressure. This has created excitement about the potential of chanca piedra during times of distress. In one study researchers noted that chanca piedra engages an enhanced antioxidant defence system.
Heath Benefits of Chanca Piedra
- Natural Gallstone & Kidney Stone Breaker
- Diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory agent for kidneys
- Liver tonic and blood purifier
- High blood sugar & pressure regulator
- Bacterial and viral infections
- Diabetes
- Colds and flu
- Indigestion
- Liver protection
- Spasms reduction
- Antibacterial
- Helps with pain relief