Traditional Uses: Traditionally used for over 1,000 years by indigenous South American tribes (including the Inca, Guarani, and Tupi) as a tea or poultice to treat gastrointestinal ailments, skin ulcers, wounds, infections, inflammation, fever, malaria, and rheumatologic conditions.
Potential Benefits: May exhibit antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral), anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties; preliminary research suggests potential for supporting gastric ulcer healing, reducing pain from menstrual cramps, and preventing oral mucositis during radiotherapy, though high-quality human trials are lacking.
Warnings: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding (may cause fetal harm and reproductive toxicity); use cautiously with anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications (may increase bleeding risk); high doses can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and internal bleeding; avoid use at least 2 weeks before surgery.
