CHILCUARA: CHARACTERISTICS, PROPERTIES, INTAKE - ECONOMÍA - 2025

The chilcuara or ragwort (Baccharis latifolia) is a wild shrubby plant traditionally used for its healing properties as a medicinal plant. It is known according to each locality as azumiate, yellow jara, chilcuara, chilca, chilkha, chilca amarga, yerba del jaguar or cucamarisha.

It is a natural species of temperate and dry regions that grows near water sources, such as rivers and lakes. It is common to find it in areas ranging from the southern United States and Mexico, to the temperate areas of Chile and Argentina.

Inflorescences of Baccharis latifolia. Source: Dick Culbert from Gibsons, BC, Canada, via Wikimedia Commons In traditional culture the chilcuara or chilca are attributed different curative and medicinal properties. Since ancient times it has been used topically or as an infusion to alleviate and cure different ailments and diseases.

A decoction of clean and fresh chilcuara leaves is effective for the treatment of gastrointestinal and liver ailments. Likewise, as an infusion it has antiparasitic and antidiabetic properties, cures insomnia and rheumatism, and has expectorant functions.

External applications of the macerate of leaves, stems and flowers are also used to alleviate inflammations and abrasions of the skin. In fact, it calms internal pain or discomfort in the stomach - such as diarrhea, colic and gas - and inflammation of the liver.

On the other hand, wild crops are favorable for beekeeping thanks to the abundant flowering that attracts these pollinators. The bees group around the chilca plants, preferring their nectar to that of other floral species.

characteristics

The chilcuara is a highly branched and dense shrub species that can reach 1 or 2 meters in altitude. It has a deep taproot with numerous secondary roots, which allows it to keep the plant hydrated in times of drought.

Being a shrubby plant, it develops various stems that branch from the base; These are thick, woody in consistency and rough in appearance. The filiform glabrous leaves are toothed and lanceolate, 10-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, and bright green.

Flowering

The vegetative period is continuous throughout the year and flowering begins during the wet months, from November to March. The tiny male and female flowers are grouped in panicle-shaped inflorescences, have reddish tones and white spots.

The ovoid and hairy fruits similar to small nuts are grouped into numerous clusters; they are differentiated by the filaments that cover the fruit. Likewise, the seeds are very small and light.

Reproduction

Reproduction can be carried out sexually through seeds, or asexually through rooted basal branches. The traditional way of reproducing this species is through juvenile individuals obtained from the mother plant.

However, in various areas it is classified as an invasive plant. Indeed, under favorable conditions it adapts rapidly, replacing native species and altering local ecosystems.

Applications

This species contains essential oils and phenolic compounds that alleviate various ailments when used topically or taken in infusions. The leaves can be applied on wounds or skin conditions, and infusions of the leaves alleviate digestive problems.

The flavonoid content of chilcuara allows it to be used in the industrial field as a natural colorant. The leaves of the plant macerated and boiled in water are used as colorants of yellow and green tones.

Taxonomy

Kingdom

Plantae.

Subkingdom

Viridiplantae.

Infrakingdom

Subdivision

Class

Magnoliopsida.

Superorder

Asteranae.

Order

Asterales.

Family

Asteraceae.

Gender

Baccharis L.

Species

Baccharis latifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.

Chilca plant (Baccharis latifolia). Source: Mariopl15, from Wikimedia Commons

Properties

Chilca is a shrubby plant that is frequently used for medicinal purposes. As a poultice, it is used to soothe external inflammations such as fractures and dislocations. In infusions it relieves ailments of the digestive, liver and respiratory systems.

Skin

The clean, macerated leaves are used to soothe a skin rash caused by heat or insect bites.

Stem and flower decoction baths with the addition of bicarbonate soothe skin eruptions caused by chicken pox, lechina or measles.

Bruising

Topical applications of macerates of fresh leaves with alcohol allow to soothe bruises and inflammations caused by falls or blows.

Inflammation

Chilca is effective for treating external or internal inflammations. When external inflammations are present in which lumps or abscesses are appreciated, the crushed leaves can be applied on the affected area.

In the case of internal inflammations, cooking of branches and leaves are a good remedy to relieve pain. Likewise, it is effective to improve ailments and discomforts related to the locomotion system, such as rheumatism.

Stomach

Prevents infections and stomach pain when applied directly to the belly, or taken as an infusion on an empty stomach

Liver

For liver ailments or inflamed liver, it is recommended to consume on an empty stomach with pineapple and lemon juice.

For this, fresh and clean leaves are liquefied with pieces of pineapple and a few drops of lemon.

Form of intake

The way of preparation and application of chilcuara is determined by the type of ailment and the medicinal property that you want to take advantage of:

Infusions or tea

The fresh leaves and branches prepared in infusion with water at a concentration of between 5 and 10% are a restorative with a bitter taste. This infusion is used to calm coughs, relieve intestinal and liver problems, and as an antidiabetic.

Chilcuara or chilca infusions relieve various ailments. Source: pixabay.com

Juices

Strains based on fresh leaves with pineapple and lemon juice are used to alleviate liver discomfort.

Creams

Topically, macerated or crushed - using water or alcohol as a solvent - are used to relieve ailments and inflammations.

Bathrooms

Sitz baths of decoctions of leaves and branches are used to alleviate menstrual ailments and rheumatism problems.

Contraindications

- Despite the innumerable medicinal benefits of this plant, its consumption is restricted in pregnant women and nursing mothers.

- If you are under medical treatment for any disease, you should consult your doctor to rule out possible interactions.

- Patients with allergic problems to certain components (such as phenols or flavonoids) may suffer skin irritation in case of topical applications.

- Recent studies have not determined collateral effects; However, as with any medicinal product, its intake must be notified to the doctor.

References

1. Baccharis latifolia (2018). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: wikipedia.org
2. Cacasaca A., Rosio M. (2012) Industrialization of Chilca (Baccharis latifolia) in the municipality of La Paz. (Degree Thesis) Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. Faculty of Engineering. Industrial engineering. Thesis. 167 p.
3. Chilca del Campo (2018) Medicinal Plants. Recovered in: Plantasmedicinales10.com
4. Fernández C., Doris S. (2014) Study of the hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory action of Chilca (Baccharis latifolia) in the Province of El Oro. (Graduate Thesis) Technical University of Machala. Academic Unit of Chemical and Health Sciences. Biochemistry and Pharmacy. 106 p.
5. Ortiz, LS, & Vega, GRA (2011). Use of Baccharis latifolia (Chilca) in La Paz, Bolivia Use of Baccharis latifolia (Chilca) in La Paz, Bolivia. Biofarbo, 19 (1), 59-63.