The chilcuara or chilcaBaccharis latifolia) is a wild shrubby plant traditionally used for its healing properties as a medicinal plant. It is known according to each locality as azumiate, yellow jara, chilcuara, chilca, chilkha, chilca amarga, yerba del jaguar or cucamarisha.
It is a natural species of temperate and dry regions that grows near water sources, such as rivers and lakes. It is common to find it in areas ranging from the southern United States and Mexico, to the temperate areas of Chile and Argentina..
A decoction of clean and fresh chilcuara leaves is effective for the treatment of gastrointestinal and liver ailments. Likewise, as an infusion it has antiparasitic and antidiabetic properties, cures insomnia and rheumatism, and has expectorant functions..
External applications of the maceration of leaves, stems and flowers are also used to alleviate inflammations and abrasions of the skin. In fact, it calms internal pain or discomfort in the stomach -such as diarrhea, colic and gas- and inflammation of the liver..
On the other hand, wild crops are favorable for beekeeping thanks to the abundant flowering that attracts these pollinators. Bees group around chilca plants, preferring their nectar to that of other floral species.
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The chilcuara is a highly branched and dense shrub species that can reach 1 or 2 meters in altitude. It has a deep taproot with numerous secondary roots, which allows it to keep the plant hydrated in times of drought.
Being a shrubby plant, it develops various stems that branch from the base; These are thick, woody in consistency and rough in appearance. The filiform glabrous leaves are toothed and lanceolate, 10-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, and bright green..
The vegetative period is continuous throughout the year and flowering begins during the humid months, from November to March. The tiny male and female flowers are grouped in panicle-shaped inflorescences, have reddish tones and white spots..
The ovoid and hairy fruits similar to small nuts are grouped into numerous clusters; they are differentiated by the filaments that cover the fruit. Likewise, the seeds are very small and light..
Reproduction can be carried out sexually through seeds, or asexually through rooted basal branches. The traditional way of reproducing this species is through juvenile individuals obtained from the mother plant.
However, in various areas it is classified as an invasive plant. Indeed, under favorable conditions it adapts rapidly, replacing native species and altering local ecosystems..
This species contains essential oils and phenolic compounds that alleviate various ailments when used topically or taken in infusions. The leaves can be applied on wounds or skin conditions, and infusions of the leaves relieve digestive problems.
The flavonoid content of chilcuara allows it to be used in the industrial field as a natural colorant. The leaves of the plant macerated and boiled in water are used as colorants of yellow and green tones.
Plantae.
Viridiplantae.
Streptophyta.
Embryophyta.
Tracheophyta.
Spermatophytin.
Magnoliopsida.
Asteranae.
Asterales.
Asteraceae.
Baccharis L.
Baccharis latifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.
Chilca is a shrubby plant that is frequently used for medicinal purposes. As a poultice, it is used to soothe external inflammations such as fractures and dislocations. In infusions it relieves ailments of the digestive, liver and respiratory system.
The clean and macerated leaves are used to soothe a skin rash caused by heat or insect bites..
Stem and flower decoction baths with the addition of bicarbonate soothe skin rashes caused by chickenpox, lechina or measles.
Topical applications of macerates of fresh leaves with alcohol allow to soothe bruises and inflammations caused by falls or blows.
Chilca is effective to treat external or internal inflammations. When external inflammations are present in which lumps or abscesses are appreciated, the crushed leaves can be applied on the affected area.
In the case of internal inflammations, cooking branches and leaves are a good remedy to relieve pain. Likewise, it is effective to improve ailments and discomforts related to the locomotion system, such as rheumatism..
Prevents infections and stomach pain when applied directly to the belly, or taken as an infusion on an empty stomach
For liver ailments or inflamed liver, it is recommended to consume on an empty stomach with pineapple and lemon juice..
For this, fresh and clean leaves are blended with pieces of pineapple and a few drops of lemon..
The way of making and applying chilcuara is determined by the type of ailment and the medicinal property that you want to take advantage of:
The fresh leaves and branches prepared in infusion with water at a concentration of between 5 and 10% are a restorative with a bitter taste. This infusion is used to calm coughs, relieve intestinal and liver problems, and as an antidiabetic.
Strains based on fresh leaves with pineapple and lemon juice are used to relieve liver discomfort.
Topically, macerated or crushed - using water or alcohol as a solvent - are used to relieve ailments and inflammations..
Sitz baths of decoctions of leaves and branches are used to alleviate menstrual ailments and rheumatism problems.
- Despite the innumerable medicinal benefits of this plant, its consumption is restricted in pregnant women and nursing mothers.
- In case of being under medical treatment for any disease, the doctor should be consulted to rule out possible interactions.
- Patients with allergic problems to certain components (such as phenols or flavonoids) may experience skin irritation in case of topical applications..
- Recent studies have not determined collateral effects; however, as with any medicinal product, its intake must be notified to the doctor.
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