Herb
Chanca Piedra
A traditional South American herb sometimes used to support the body's handling of gallstones.
⤢📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 54/100Tap to see the breakdown
🌱 What it is
Chanca piedra ('stone breaker') is a small tropical plant long used in traditional South American herbal medicine.
📜 Where it comes from
Chanca piedra, whose name means stone breaker, has been used for generations in traditional herbal medicine across South America, particularly in the Amazon region, where healers used it for kidney and liver complaints. Its reputation for supporting the body during gallstone issues spread into Western herbal circles as interest in South American traditional plants grew.
✨ Why it's good for you
- Traditional herbal support for gallbladder wellness
- Simple tea preparation
- Long history of traditional use
🥄 How to use it
Steep 1-2 tbsp dried leaves or powder in 1 cup boiling water for 10-15 minutes; strain and drink twice daily.
How much: 1 cup teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea →, twice daily.
Why it works: Chanca piedra has a long history of traditional use for stones, though the evidence that it dissolves existing gallstones is limited and it should not replace medical evaluation.
⚠️ Cautions
- Not proven to dissolve existing gallstones — this is traditional use, not established medical treatment; get gallstones properly diagnosed and monitored by a doctor
- Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding
- May interact with diabetes or blood pressure medications — check with a doctor
- Discontinue and seek care if you have severe abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice
📚 Learn more
Chanca piedra is a traditional South American herb with a fairly thin outside literature trail in English, so the preparation notes here on this page are the fullest account available.
💬 Ask Remy about Chanca Piedra
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
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