Gaultheria insipida

Gaultheria insipida
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Gaultheria
Species: G. insipida
Binomial name
Gaultheria insipida
Benth.[1]
Synonyms

Brossaea insipida Kuntze[2]

Gaultheria insipida, called chichaja in Spanish,[3] is a flowering shrub of the plant genus Gaultheria. The species is native to the Andes; specimens have been found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

This semi-hardy shrub grows to a height of 1.8–2.4 m (5.9–7.9 ft). Its long, thin branches bear bright green leaves, which may grow up to 7.6 cm (3.0 in) long. In autumn, the leaves turn a burgundy colour, and the shrub's pink flowers mature into small, white berries topped with five red spots.[4]

Two varieties have been described: G. insipida insipida[5] and G. insipida peruviana.[6] James Francis Macbride found the latter in the Huánuco Region of central Peru, and published his description in 1959.[7]

Inga traditional medicine

In the Putumayo department of southwestern Colombia, the Inga people treat chronic pain[3] and other conditions with a drink by simmering the root of the plant in water for several hours.[8]

For myalgia (body ache), low energy/motivation, and hypersomnia, the patient drinks an infusion of chichaja. The infusion is also said to cleanse the blood and to help prevent disease. In cases of rheumatism, chronic fatigue, or hemorrhoids, the patient drinks the infusion hot.[9]

For malaise, the patient drinks a decoction of granicillo, guayabilla (Eugenia victoriana), chichaja, azul tugtu (a Rubiaceae species), Peperomia, and chamomile three times per day.[9]

When cooked and consumed, the plant acts as a gastrointestinal purgative. Alternatively, to promote the purging of toxins through the sweat glands, the Ingas prepare an infusion of conejo guasca, azul tugtu, and chichaja.[9]

In Colombia, chichaja is sometimes called yagé hembra ("female ayahuasca"),[8] whereas in Peru this nickname describes Diplopterys cabrerana.[10]

References

  1. ↑ "Gaultheria insipida". National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
  2. ↑ International Organization for Plant Information (IOPI). "Plant Name Search Results" (HTML). International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  3. 1 2 Estrella, Eduardo (1995). "Diagnóstico de la industria farmacéutica basada en las plantas medicinales" [Diagnostic of the Pharmaceutical Industry Based on Medicinal Plants]. Plantas medicinales amazonicas: realidad y perspectivas [Amazonian Traditional Plants: Reality and Perspectives] (in Spanish). Lima: Tratado de Cooperación Amazónica. OCLC 36017730. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  4. ↑ Bentham, George (1873). "Gaultheria insipida". Curtis's Botanical Magazine. Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust. 99: 246–247. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  5. ↑ "Variety: Gaultheria insipida insipida". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  6. ↑ "Variety: Gaultheria insipida peruviana". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  7. ↑ International Organization for Plant Information (IOPI). "Plant Name Search Results" (HTML). International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  8. 1 2 Rodríguez Pérez, Leonardo; Murcia, Sonia Patricia (2011). Chichaja: The Female Ayahuasca (PPTM). Breaking Convention. London.
  9. 1 2 3 Giraldo-Tafur, Clara (2000). "Medicina tradicional de la mujer Inga" [Traditional Medicine of the Inga Women] (PDF). Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. 24 (90): 5–23. ISSN 0370-3908. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  10. ↑ "El Jardin de Luis y Meche Flores". Intermundos. Retrieved 25 March 2013.

External links

Further reading

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