Medicinal Plants In Peru
1.- HISTORY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN PERU
In order to know the history of Medicinal plants in Peru we must go back in time, millennia ago when the first men inhabited these lands took advantage of all the resources they could find at their disposal and reach, including one or another Plant medicine in Peru that helped to cure diseases and preserve health, although of course at that time it was not known the importance and impact it would have with the passage of time.
History tells us that to get to where we are today there was a social, cultural and historical process but in each case the tradition that was inherited by generations was always present. One of the civilizations that contributed in an impressive way about the knowledge of the Medicinal plants in Peru were the Incas who discovered in a deeper way the properties of the Medicinal plants in Peru that grew in the surroundings. It came to the point that every Plant medicine in Peru became part of their daily life, coming to be used not only as remedies but also in religious ceremonies, such as coca leaf, maca, muña and others.
muña medicinal plants in peru
By the XVI century, when the Spaniards arrived there was a mixture of knowledge in which European medicine included some Andean practices, thus giving rise to alternative medicine in which plants are still used as a form of treatment.
| “Fill your life with reasons to travel.” |
2.- COMMON MEDICINAL PLANTS IN PERU
Medicinal plants in Peru are very varied and have multiple uses, in some cases they are so beneficial that they are very precious and the most characteristic of the Medicinal plants in Peru is that they can only grow in certain territories, some of the main Medicinal plants in Peru are:
2.1.- Cat’s Claw (Uncaria Guianensis)
Also commonly called Cat’s claw, this peculiar plant medicine in Peru grows mainly in the Amazonian area of the country. The name comes from the shape it has, curved spines that simulate a claw. Its bark and root have been consumed for many years thanks to the levels of alkaloids it contains and it activates in an impressive way the immune system, reduces inflammation, protects against tumor growth and prevents genetic mutations. Other people use this Plant medicine in Peru to treat gastrointestinal problems, it also has antiviral properties. To be able to consume it, it is rested as a drink, although with technology it has been created as concentrated capsules for daily doses.
Cats Claw
2.2.- Achiote (Bixa Orellana)
It is a very small tree that grows mainly in the Amazon region and on the coast. Its seeds are very useful for digestion, although due to its properties it also helps to fight asthma. In the case of the fruits that come out of this Plant medicine in Peru is to control headaches. Its leaves have other components that are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, they can even prevent prostatitis, on the other hand if you crush the leaves are used to treat respiratory problems and infections, fever, dermatitis, diarrhea and vomiting.
achiote
2.3.- Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis Linnaeus)
Its name derives from a Quechua word that means Mountain Peanut, this Plant medicine in Peru is also a species that grows in the Amazon. Its seed is consumed directly as a nut or processed as oil. It contains high levels of fatty acids such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 (higher than those contained in fish). It also has among its properties vitamins A, E and amino acids. It is mainly consumed to regulate blood pressure, prevent cancer, balance hormones, alleviate cardiovascular problems and reduce cholesterol.
sacha inchi
2.4.- Muña (Minthostachys Mollis)
It is one of the most popular Medicinal plants in Peru, it grows mainly in the areas of Cusco, Puno and Ayacucho. Its flavor is quite pleasant and very similar to mint. During the visit to the Andes this is one of the Medicinal plants in Peru that you can find more easily, it contains a high percentage of calcium and phosphorus which makes it a very valuable resource useful for teeth and bones, it fights osteoporosis and it is also used for digestion, stomach pains and even for intestinal treatments and inflammation.
muña
2.5.- Maca (Lepidium Meyenii)
This Plant medicine in Peru is one of the most desired, it is a root also known as Peruvian Ginseng thanks to the similar properties it contains (although it does not belong to the Ginseng family), it can be found mainly in the high altitudes of the Andes. It contains energizing and invigorating properties, mainly used to treat anemia, depression and fatigue, as well as to improve memory. However, it also has aphrodisiac properties which increases libido in men and women. It is mainly consumed in drinks and smoothie mixes.
maca
2.6.- Coca (Erythroxylum Coca)
Undoubtedly the most important plant medicine in Peru for centuries, used by the Inca culture as part of their daily routine but also for important moments such as religious ceremonies (it is still used in this way by Andean priests). It contains alkaloids that give it beneficial properties for the body in cognitive functions, suppress the need for hunger or thirst, improves the oxygenation of the body, besides being an incredible source of calcium which improves the development of bones and teeth, mainly consumed in mate or directly as a chewing gum.
coca
3.- COMMERCIALIZATION AND REGULATIONS
The commercialization of Medicinal plants in Peru has increased in the last years, having an impulse of external origin to see that the interest of foreign visitors for Medicinal plants in Peru and natural products is increasing.
3.1.- Rules and regulations
Currently it is the entity of DIGESA (National Health Authority) and the Ministry of Agriculture who are responsible for supervising and regulating this entire sector, which involves quality standards, good agricultural practices and registration of medicinal product.
3.2.- Domestic Market
The domestic market is by nature the main consumer of Medicinal plants in Peru, mainly new supplies are supplied in markets, specialized stores for sale or even on the street, people from the countryside can come to sell products directly.
3.3.- Exportation
Medicinal plants in Peru are part of the main products that are exported abroad mainly to the USA, Europe and Asia. The main products exported are sangre de grado, uña de gato, chuchuhuasi and others.
4.- TRADITIONS INHERITED BY GENERATIONS
“When visiting high altitude places in the Peruvian Andes it is common to feel symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, dizziness or even shortness of breath, for this it is useful to know the Plant medicine in Peru inherited by generations, the coca leaf is very useful to help your body to relieve these ailments you can consume it in the form of mate or directly if you want to feel a new sensation.”
5.- BIODIVERSITY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN PERU
Peru being a diverse country in culture, history and nature has an incredible amount of medicinal plants that have varieties depending on where they are harvested. In each of the 3 regions there can be a different variety due to altitude, climate, environment, predators and more.
5.1.- Coastal Region
An extensive region that is located on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, at sea level has a drier and warmer climate, arid for harvesting in large quantities, however here you can find some Medicinal plants in Peru that have adapted to the conditions, among the main ones you can find:
- Molle (Schinus Molle): It is used to relieve digestive and respiratory problems.
- Elderberry (Sambucus Peruvian): Used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
molle
5.2.- Andean Region
The Peruvian Andes are the highest area of the whole country, thanks to its climate you can find a lot of Medicinal plants in Peru. Here you can find mainly:
- Maca (Lepidium Meyenii): Used for its energizing and hormonal
- Muña (Minthostachys Mollis): Used for digestive and respiratory
maca
5.3.- Amazonian Region
It is part of the most biodiverse regions of the world, contains the largest amount of Medicinal plants in Peru thanks to the climate and temperature, the main thing you can find is:
- Cat’s Claw (Uncaria Guianensis): Used to strengthen the immune system and is anti-inflammatory.
- Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis Caapi): Mainly used in traditional and mystical ceremonies focused on self-reflection.
ayahuasca
Now you know how to make your 2024 trip safer, there are many ways in which you can benefit from Medicinal plants in Peru. Auri Peru makes all designed experiences unique and now is the time to start yours. Contact our experience designers, they will be more than happy to help you.
“Traveling and changing places revitalizes the mind.”
