Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is a plant native to tropical coastal areas. The entire plant is used to produce an herbal supplement used in teas, capsules, liquid extracts, and tablets.
The herb is believed to have health benefits in treating ulcers, urinary tract stones, and various conditions related to the kidneys, liver, and digestive system. Due to a lack of research, there is incomplete evidence of its safety and effectiveness for human use.
The herb contains phytochemicals that may increase urine flow, destroy harmful bacteria and viruses, and reduce inflammation.
Health Benefits
As an herbal medicine, chanca piedra is believed to be effective in treating various conditions of several body systems. However, more research needs to be done.
1. Urinary Tract Stones
Chanca piedra earned the name “stonebreaker” for its potential as a cure for kidney stones. The herb has alkalizing properties that may help prevent gallstones and acidic kidney stones from forming.
2. High Blood Sugar
One health benefit of chanca piedra is that its antioxidants may improve fasting blood sugar levels in certain animals. While this effect can help manage hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in animals, more human studies are needed.
3. Gout
A buildup of uric acid in the blood supply from kidney stones can cause gout flare-ups. It has been found that chanca piedra may help balance out uric acid and prevent gout attacks. Animal studies show that chanca piedra supplements may decrease uric acid levels in humans.
4. Liver Disease
Chanca piedra’s antioxidant properties may improve liver function. It may also help protect your liver from cellular damage caused by free radicals, which can cause damage when they reach high levels in your body.
Animal and test-tube studies show that the herb may also help treat hepatitis B, an inflammatory viral infection of the liver. However, more human studies are needed to determine the effects of chanca piedra on liver health.
Content created and supplied by: GanyoEdem (via Opera
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