The carqueja, scientific name Baccaris trimera, It is a shrub that usually grows wild in South American countries. It is also known as “bacanta”, “bacárida” and “jaguareté ka’a”. Its stems and leaves are green and it is estimated that it can reach up to one meter in height.
For years, the plant has been used for medicinal purposes, as it is attributed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and protective properties. This, according to the a review disclosed in Chemical-biological interactions, it is due to its concentration of pharmacological compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes and chlorogenic acids. What are the main uses?
Uses and benefits of carqueja
In traditional medicine, carqueja has been used since ancient times as a supplement to fight many diseases. Even so, its use is currently suggested with caution, since evidence of its properties remains limited. Let’s see in detail what it is for.
Diabetes
Due to its flavonoid content, among which apigenin, luteolin and quercetin stand out, carqueja helps control glucose levels. A study disclosed in Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine concluded that the hydroethanolic extract of this plant acts as a protector against diabetes.
In particular, it regulates glucose metabolism and reduces insulin resistance, facilitating the control of high blood sugar. However, further studies are needed to evaluate and corroborate these effects.
Blood pressure
There are several reasons why carqueja is believed to help lower high blood pressure. First of all, its diuretic action, which favors the elimination of liquids in the body and reduces the volume of liquids in the blood vessels.
On the other hand, as detailed by one publication in Communications on natural products, It has a vasorelaxant effect which gives it this antihypertensive property. In general, ingesting its infusion promotes circulation and decreases the effort made by the heart in pumping blood.
Immune system
A to research inflammation exposes it carqueja promotes the functions of the immune system, thanks to its contribution of antioxidants, such as flavonoids. These in particular stimulate the production of White blood cellswhich are essential to prevent and fight infectious processes in the body.
liver health
The antioxidant action of this plant also has a positive impact on liver health. A research disclosed in Inflammatory mediators it claims it extracts from Baccaris trimera have a hepatoprotective action reduces the oxidative stress caused by the damage induced by paracetamol overdose.
For his part, A i study in Journal of Ethnopharmacology details that this plant has the potential to protect the liver from injury caused by multiple risk factors, such as high-cholesterol diets and cigarette consumption, among others.
Inflammation
One of the more popular uses of this shrub has to do with inflammation control.. through the Journal of Medical Plants its flavonoid content (rutin, luteolin and apigenin) has been reported to confer anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, it decreases the production of prostaglandins and cytokines.
Other possible advantages of carqueja
Thanks to its composition rich in antioxidants, carqueja is conferred other possible benefits. Anyway, it should not be considered a first choice treatmentas there is not enough evidence.
You must consult a doctor before using it for the following purposes:
- Gastritis, indigestion, constipation and other digestive disorders.
- Chest pain (angina).
- Intestinal parasites.
- Overweight and obesity.
- Water retention.
- Skin wounds.
Risks and contraindications of carqueja
Just like unmask the American corporation WebMD, there isn’t enough reliable information to determine whether carqueja causes side effects. However, it is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Children.
- Allergy to ragweed, daisies or related plants.
- People who are being treated for diabetes. Simultaneous consumption with these drugs can cause significant hypoglycemia.
- People who are about to undergo surgery.
The general recommendation before ingesting carqueja in any of its presentations is to consult a doctor specialized in medicinal plants. The practitioner will determine whether or not it is convenient for you to ingest it as a complement.
Dosage and preparation
Currently, A single dose for safe consumption of carqueja has not been established.. This can vary depending on the person’s age and state of health, among other characteristics.
The ideal is to read the product label and respect the recommended dose. To try it in tea you can consider the following recipe.
ingredients
- 1 liter of boiling water.
- 2 tablespoons of carqueja sticks (30 grams)
mode of preparation
- First, bring the liter of water to a boil. Once the boiling point is reached, add the carqueja sticks and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
- Filter the drink and consume it. You can drink up to 3 cups a day.
What should you remember about the carqueja?
The carqueja is a shrub with a long history in natural medicine. It stands out for its significant concentration of antioxidants, which give it benefits for the health of the heart, liver and metabolism. While some studies support their effects, more research is needed to confirm them in human health.
Therefore, it should not be used as a first choice treatment for diseases. Its use should be supervised by a general practitioner or plant specialist. It is necessary to keep in mind its contraindications and possible drug interactions.
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