The plant known as carqueja-doce is a species that has a trial stem and reaches approximately 70 centimeters in height. With unistratified epidermis and covered by a slightly striated cuticle, the plant has anomocytic stomata and pluricellular glandular trichomes.
With the scientific name Baccharis articulata , carqueja-doce is also known as carquejinha, carqueja-amarga, carqueja-do-mato and many other popular names. It has several medicinal properties that make this plant from the Asteraceae family an excellent natural medicine.
The plant, native to South America, is common in rocky and sandy regions in the south of countries such as Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.
Index
Indications
As stated above, it has medicinal properties that make it useful in combating some diseases and conditions, such as digestive problems, diuretics, organic weakness, anemia, ulcers, gallstones, insufficiency of bile secretion, jaundice, biliary colic, liver cirrhosis and congestion liver.
The presence of a substance called cynarin, makes it act promoting cholesterol reduction and as a hepatoprotectant. It can also act as an aid to inhibit the causative agents of schistosomiasis and Chagas disease, in the treatment of problems in the spleen, bladder, stomach and cases of poor digestion, poor circulation and diabetes. Because it acts as a diuretic, it can increase the excretion of urea in the kidneys and liver and, according to some studies, it can also be used to increase female libido. It can be used as an aid in weight loss, as it acts as a diuretic and detoxifier.
Usage tips
Carqueja-sweet tea has a very bitter taste and, therefore, it is difficult for anyone to consume it daily. It is then indicated for consumption together with some mint leaves, in order to soften the flavor.
How to prepare?
To prepare this tea, you should use the proportion of two tablespoons of chopped carqueja-sweet per 500 ml of water. In a container, boil the water and turn off the heat. Put the herb in a cup, and pour the water over it. Cover and let it rest in a muted state for at least five minutes, straining and consuming only after this period. Intake should be between two and three cups of tea a day.
Contraindications
Before using any medication, even if natural, consult a specialized doctor to find out what is the best treatment for you. When used in recommended doses, the plant has no contraindications or side effects, but when used in excess, it can cause drops in blood pressure.
