Beingindigenous | Magazine

Uña de Gato
English name: Cat’s Claw
Botanical name: Uncaria tomentosa (Willd) DC
Common names: Uña de Gato (Spanish); Kakatao (Chácobo); Tsarutse vekuno (Cavineño); Akuisha shehuiï (Esse Ejja); Vinametidi (Tacana); Uretü (Chimane); Tariponrr (Chiquitano).
This medicinal plant has been known and utilised since ancient times by the natives of Amazonia. This small shrub grows up to a height of 25 metres, and today it is one of the most popular herbal medicines requested world-wide.
The infusion of a teaspoon of dry, chopped cat’s claw bark (twice the amount is required for fresh bark) in 1 litre of water, is a very good remedy for the treatment of growths in the uterus, stomach and lung.
This decoction should be done on low heat, for a period of 30 minutes, allow to cool and sip throughout the day.
According to existing information this infusion has a very good immune stimulating action which helps to prevent HIV from progressing to full-blown AIDS.
The infusion of 1 heaped teaspoon of powdered cat’s claw root in 1 litre of slowly boiling water for 30 minutes is diuretic, sudorific and depurative of the blood. It should be sipped as a cold refreshment during the day to keep blood cholesterol levels low.
This infusion is also very useful for boosting the immune system, to prevent bad circulation and helpful with pre-menstrual syndrome.
Cat’s claw is a good anti-diabetic and taken regularly it can help to prevent the onset of allergies, arthritis and disorders
associated with an inefficient immune system.
The information provided in this feature is only a minute part of the incredible wealth of the traditional herbal and Shamanic practices of Bolivian indigenous healers, of which the Kallawayas are the most prominent group. Their system of healing also encompasses a humoural theory which in addition to the four classical humours of the Greek (that is phlegm, blood, black bile and yellow bile), add ether to complete the way the practitioner looks at the patient. A great deal of importance is also placed on the nine levels of the soul and Mother Earth, the Pacha Mama which forms an integral part of the healing ceremonies.
It is worthwhile to mention that some of the medicinal plants which I have described – such as cat’s claw and basil – are, of course widely available in the U.K., while some of the others may be available in the future, as they are beginning to be ecologically marketed.

Albahaca
English name: Basil
Botanical name: Ocimum micranthum Willd.
Description: Introduced in America during the Spanish conquest, this hierbita –- this aromatic herb – with its wealth of healing and medicinal qualities, spread vastly and now grows wildly throughout the Amazon region of Bolivia.
Therapeutic properties and indications: Traditionally used in Bolivia for the treatment of headaches, an infusion of basil leaves is recommended for the urinary system for the treatment of kidney and bladder diseases, for the female reproductive system to regulate period pains and for the nervous system to help dizziness and the acute pains of neuritis.
The infusion of 5-6 leaves of basil is used for the cardiovascular and respiratory system treatment of hypertension and chest diseases.
An infusion of 3 leaves of basil in boiling milk is a very good tonic for the treatment of astenia, anaemia and vitamin deficiencies
For the treatment of migraines, upon waking take an infusion of 3 bay leaves and three Cerrate puta leaves in a mug of boiling water.
The infusion of a teaspoon of crushed bay seeds in a pint of boiling water is excellent for the treatment of cystitis.
For nervousness, hysteria, anxiety, depression and insomnia take an infusion of 4 basil leaves and a 3 inch piece of bark of sangre de toro in 1 pint of water.
Sipping several times a day an infusion of 6 leaves of basil and a 3 inch piece of lemon peel in ½ litre of water is recommended as a good sedative for the treatment of irritability.
As a treatment for symptoms of heart disease such as palpitations, tightness of chest, shortness of breath and suffocation place 12 leaves of basil in ½ litre of water and boil for 5 minutes. Take one teaspoon in the morning and one teaspoon at night for five or six days.
For heart arrhythmia (change in the frequency and rhythm) boil 10 leaves of basil and one quarter leaf of Ambaibo in ½ litre of water.
Bathing in an infusion of leaves of basil is very beneficial for the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis.
For the treatment of tonsillitis, sore gums and toothache, gargle with an infusion of leaves of basil.
For the treatment of torticolis, rheumatic pains, sprains and cramps, massage with a maceration of 15 leaves of basil in alcohol.
For the treatment of hair loss it is recommended to have daily scalp massage with a 24 hour decoction of 4 leaves of basil.
For lips, hands, feet or cracked nipples prepare an ointment with jojoba and 4 dry leaves of basil.

Cola de Caballo
English name: Horse tail.
Botanical name: Equisetum giganteum L.
Common names: Taikiji kawayu in San Ignaciano.
Description: This plant with many healing properties thrives at river banks and in damp places.
Therapeutic properties and indications: The infusion of a finger-width piece of horsetail in ½ litre of boiling water stops any type of haemorrhage such as menorrhagia (vaginal haemorrhage of uterine origin) and haematuria or blood in the urine.
The same infusion is used to bathe wounds and skin ulceration.
Traditionally known in the Amazonian regions of Bolivia for the treatment of tuberculosis, infections of the gums and oral mucosa.
For the treatment of digestive disorders such as diarrhoea, enterocolitis, jaundice, liver and spleen imbalances.
The infusion of horsetail provides a refreshing cold drink for very hot days.
For bad circulation and arteriosclerosis take the infusion of a large piece of horsetail in 1 litre of water nightly.
For the treatment of hyper-cholesterolemia and high blood pressure take the infusion of 1 piece of horsetail and 1 piece of another plant called suelda con suelda in ½ litre of boiling water.
For weight loss take daily an infusion of horse tail and suelda con suelda, to which a few drops of lemon juice are added prior to its ingestion. Drink this infusion in place of soft drinks during six days and rest for two days, repeat intermittently.
A very good remedy, in infusion, for the treatment of haemorrhoids.
How to make horse tail mother tincture:
Grind the piece of horsetail very finely, place it in a glass bottle and add clear alcohol, in sufficient quantity to cover the plant material completely. Leave to macerate in the sunshine for a period of 15 days. Shake thoroughly each day.

References
1. Radetsky P. (1994) The invisible invaders London, Little, Brown.
2. Abel Malek S, Bastien J., Mahler W. F., Reinecke M. J., Robinson W. E., and Zalles Asin J. (1996) Drug Leads from the Kallawaya herbalists of Bolivia. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology 157-166.
3. Zalles Asin J, De Luca M. (1993) El verde de la salud Bolivia. Punata.
4. Evans S. R., Hofman A. (1992) Plants of the Gods USA, Healing Arts Press.
5. Lunny V. (1997) Aromatherapy London. Salamander.
6. Oblitas Poblete E. (1969) Plantas Medicinales de Bolivia Cochabamba, Amigos del Libro.