In the rainforests of the Amazon grows a small, shrub-like herb called chanca piedra . It has powerful therapeutic properties. Chanca piedra, also known as “stonebreaker” is used traditionally in Peru and Amazonia to treat kidney stones and gallstones. Recent research has proven that it is also utilized to treat ailments like ulcers and hepatitis B.


Always consult your doctor before taking herbs or supplements. Then, consider the ways this herb may help you:


Kidney-Stones

Chanca piedra reduces urinary oxalate levels and uric acids, which may help to lower the risk of developing kidney stones. One of the first studies on chanca piedra discovered that people who drank a traditionally-brewed tea for one to 3 months showed an impressively lower rate of kidney stones. A second study showed that an extract, rather than tea, stopped the development of calcium oxide crystals which are the substances that cause kidney stones. Studies have also revealed that various forms of health benefits Chanca piedra may hinder the growth of new stones and encourage the passing of old stones.


Stomach Problems and Ulcers

Recent studies have shown that chanca piedra is effective in treating gastric (stomach), infections. This includes helicobacter Pylori (H.pylori), which is a kind of bacteria that is associated with the growth and development of ulcers. It is important to note that, unlike antibiotics or other drugs typically used to treat H. Pylori infections chanca piedra does not interfere with Lactobacillus acidsophilus or other beneficial bacteria.


Make sure you protect your liver

The ancient cultures of the world utilized chanca piedra to safeguard and treat liver disease, and current research is focused on its capability to treat effectively and safely hepatitis B virus (HBV). There is a possibility that chancapiedra can also make carriers of the virus immune to it, so they won’t be in a position to transmit it. It could be used to treat the hepatitis C virus, to slow the development of fatty liver disease, and assist with other health issues.


Cardiovascular Health

Chanca piedra contains geraniin an ingredient that’s linked with reduction in high blood pressure. One study found that people who suffer from high blood pressure had significant blood pressure reductions when they took Chanca piedra benefits, a leaf powder. This was in addition to an increase in sodium excretion. Recent research has also pointed to the cardioprotective benefits of chanca piedra. These include the reduction of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.


Blood-Sugar Stability

Certain ingredients in chanca pidra support balanced blood sugar, and studies show extracts of the herb reduce an increase in blood glucose following a high-sugar meal. In other research, chanca piedra significantly reduced blood sugar levels after people took the herb for 10 days, and studies suggest it may aid in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.


Pain Relief

Chanca piedra has been utilized for hundreds of years to alleviate pain, reduce muscle spasms and stop inflammation. Geraniin one of the active compounds in chanca piedra, appears to inhibit neurotransmitters that relay pain signals. Research indicate that it is seven times as potent as aspirin or acetaminophen in alleviating pain.