Chanca piedra has remained undiscovered for a long period of time, in spite of its widespread usage for ayurvedic and amazonian medicines. Although its name means "stone breaker" the herb can also be utilized to defend the liver, decrease inflammation, treat diabetes and combat infections. Learn more about the side effects and benefits of this herb, and the possibility of removing kidney stones.

What Is Chanca Piedra?

Chanca piedra is a part of Phyllanthus, a large plant genus. The plants are found throughout tropical regions of the world from China up to India to the vast and largely unexplored forests in the Amazon. Phyllanthu simply refers to a flower and leaf, because the flower of these plants is paired by the leaves.

The many Chanca piedra's traditional uses are a reflection of the incredible variety of herbs and geographical range.

The "Stone Breaker"

Chanca piedra is well-known for its use to dissolve kidney stones. It can also aid in fighting liver infections and protect it. Additionally, it has potentially cancer-fighting compounds, which are yet to be fully explored.

Brazilian researchers have recently conducted medically focused studies in the field of Stone breaker tea. They wanted to know more about the indigenous uses of the plant. They were unable to discover any evidence of Amazonian people using this plant.

Chanca Piedra Health Benefits

Dissolving Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are the result of a build-up of salts and minerals in the kidneys and urinary tract. Clinical studies have revealed that with over 200 kidney stones the chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) helped to reduce kidney stones and helped eliminate salt and minerals deposits.

Protection of the Liver

In clinical trials with more than 3.5k individuals, Phyllanthus niruri benefits blocked the development and division of hepatitis B virus, reduced virus levels in blood (HBsAg) and improved liver function.

In a number of studies with over 1K people with the hepatitis B, antiviral drugs worked better than chanca piedra .

A study on the clinical side of 100 patients with hepatitis C discovered that chanca piedra significantly raised the levels of several important antioxidant compounds (superoxide dimutase and catalaseas well as glutathione, vitamin C as well as vitamin C and vitamin E). It also decreased oxidative stress and prevented liver damage.

Guarding the Heart

Studies conducted on clinical studies with more than 1K participants demonstrated that Chanca piedra reduced high blood pressure.

This benefit was explored thoroughly in animal studies. Chanca piedra was able balance lipids in mice and rats. It decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol. Balanced blood lipid levels are key to preventing heart disease.

Other studies with rats, rabbits and even cells have revealed that chanca piedra lowered blood pressure, slowed platelet clumping and relaxed blood vessels. It also improved heart function.

Overall the chanca piedra plant is beneficial for your heart. It could lower blood pressure, cholesterol and heart-related damage, while relaxing and protecting blood vessels. However the clinical trials are insufficient.