Bitter carqueja ( Baccharis trimera ) is a small shrub, which can reach up to 80 cm in height, has a woody, winged stem with tiny and oval leaves; its flowers are born in groups, forming balls and are yellow in color. Learn about the benefits of bitter carqueja tea and how to use it. The gorse tea again became widely used by diabetics patients. Belonging to the compound family, other names also know this plant: bacanta, bacárida, cacliia-doce, carquejinha, carqueja-do-mato, and others.
It is a Brazilian plant that prefers mountainous regions with a mild climate and dry, airy soils. Due to its medicinal properties, bitter carqueja tea can be used in the treatment of several diseases.
Index
medicinal properties
Bitter carqueja has several medicinal properties, namely: Anti-anemic, anti-asthmatic, antibiotic, anti-diarrheal, anti-diabetic, anti-dyspeptic, anti-flu, anti-hydropic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, aperient, aromatic, colagoga, depurative, digestive, diuretic, emollient, eupeptic, liver stimulant, stomachic, febrifuge, liver, laxative, sweating, tenifuge, tonic, vermifuge and others.
The essential oils present in this plant, especially carquejol, act on the hepatocyte, increasing bile production and protecting against lipid peroxidation of the cell membrane. The bitter principles of the plant’s constitution act on the taste buds, increase appetite and produce gastric juice. Bitter carqueja is also used in the beverage industry, replacing hops in beer production.
Benefits and indications for use
Carqueja tea is a stomach tonic that controls appetite; and a diuretic and depurative advised against diarrhea, organic weakness, flu, fever, and constipation.
In addition, the tea from this plant is used in the treatment of other health problems, such as dyspepsia, anemia caused by blood loss, intestinal weakness, gallstones, poor digestion, poor circulation, diabetes, bitter mouth, diseases of the spleen, bladder, liver, and kidneys; sore throat, urinary tract inflammation, loose bowel, pharyngitis, wounds, gastritis, gout, male sexual impotence, and others.
Bitter carqueja tea
First, boil a liter of water. Place 2 tablespoons of the chopped herb in a container and pour the boiling water over the top, smothering for approximately 5 minutes. The indication for consumption of this infusion is 2 to 3 cups a day.
Other ways to use bitter carqueja
In addition to drinking the bitter carqueja tea, there are other ways to use it to enjoy the benefits provided by the plant. Check it out below:
- 2.5% infusion or decoction – In the infusion for external use, 60 grams of the plant are used in 1 liter of water. Apply to affected areas with compresses or partial or complete baths;
- Infuse 10 grams of plant stalks in ½ liter of boiling water. The indication for consumption is 150 ml, three times a day;
- Digestive wine – Macere a tablespoon of stems in ½ cup of brandy for a period of 5 days. Mix the filtered macerate with a bottle of white wine. Take 1 cup before meals.
Side effects and contraindications
The use of bitter carqueja is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Pay attention to the amount used, as this tea can lower the pressure.
Remember that all medications, including natural ones, should only be used under medical supervision.
