Medicinal Plants of Peru

Medicinal Plants of Peru continue to be a secret for medicine and every year many biologists and botanists are surprised by the great biodiversity of the flora of Peru and its different regions.
But what some people didn’t know is that there are a wide variety of rare Peruvian plants that are known for their powerful medicinal properties.

Medicinal plants of Peru have been used for a long time since ancient civilizations to cure a series of diseases such as: Infertility, anxiety, cancer and even AIDS, these medicinal plants are capable of treating all types of human diseases. To give you an idea, here we leave you a list of the most surprising medicinal plants of Peru.

Uña de Gato (Uncaria guianensis)

Uña de Gato This famous plant called cat’s claw is an Amazonian herb that takes its name from the curved thorns that grow on its vines. However, don’t be fooled by the threatening name and appearance, cat’s claw is known to have several beneficial medicinal properties.
These include boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, curing gastrointestinal problems, and slowing the spread of viruses.

Pichuberry (Physalis angulata)

This plant and fruit at the same time is very small. But within its small body, the pichuberry contains a large amount of vitamins A, B and C, phosphorus, niacin, thiamine and antioxidants, all of which give it incredible beneficial health effects.

Thanks to all those nutrients, this little berry has been shown to help treat asthma and other respiratory conditions, stop the development of certain types of cancers, lower blood sugar and stimulate insulin production in diabetics, increase production of red blood cells, improve liver health and increase fertility.

Achiote (Bixa Orellana)

Achiote Achiote is a small tree that grows in the Amazon and part of the coast below 1400 meters above sea level. This shrub has been cultivated since pre-Columbian times in Peru.
The seeds and powder of the plant are good for digestion and have also been used to treat asthma and as an anti-malarial medicine. The fruits and seeds can be consumed in a tea infusion that is usually taken to control headaches.
The leaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can prevent prostatitis which could later lead to prostate cancer. The crushed leaves can be used for the relief of respiratory problems, throat infections, fever, dermatitis, skin infections, diarrhea and vomiting and conjunctivitis.

Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis Linnaeus)

Sacha Inchi, also known in Quechua as mountain peanut, is a tree that grows in the Amazon of Peru. The seed of the plant is eaten raw as a nut or in the form of extra virgin oil.
It is known for its incredibly high levels of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, even more than fish oil. It also contains vitamins A and E and amino acids. The health benefits of Sachi Inchi are numerous, including regulating blood pressure, preventing certain types of cancer, hormonal balance, relieving cardiovascular problems, and reducing bad cholesterol.

Muña (Minthostachys mollis)

Muña Muña is a plant that grows in the high Andean regions of Peru and has a flavor like mint. It is easy to find muña growing in the Andes, where it is popularly served as herbal tea along with coca tea, mostly offered for altitude sickness.

It has high levels of calcium and phosphorus, which makes it good for teeth and bones, preventing osteoporosis. Muña also helps digestion and stomach pains and can treat intestinal infections and inflammation.

Hoja de Coca (Erythroxylum coca)

Hoja de Coca The coca plant has played an important role in the religion of the pre-Inca and Inca cultures in Peru and the Andes and continues to be used today in sacred rituals by the Andean peoples. Aside from its religious uses, coca leaves have fourteen alkaloids whose benefits include improved cognitive function, suppression of thirst and hunger, better digestion, and increased energy and stamina.

It also helps blood oxidation, making it easier to breathe at high altitudes and constricts blood vessels to slow and stop bleeding. It is an extremely high source of calcium, which promotes strong teeth and bones.
The famous coca mate is a tea made from coca leaves that is widely consumed in the Andes and is offered to help against altitude sickness, although the most effective way to experience these benefits is by chewing the leaves.

Your personal guide will be able to share more with you on the plants and herbs of the Peruvian Amazon during your private Peru vacation.