Chalchupa / Hierba cancerina

Mayan Name: Cabamuc

Scientific Name: Rauvolfia tetraphylla L.

Plant Family: "be still tree"

Part Used: Raíz, hojas, flores, tallo y frutos, látex o savia, corteza

Geographic Location: The chalchupa plant (Rauvolfia tetraphylla) is found in dry or damp scrubland, abandoned fields, and roadsides, up to altitudes of 2,000 meters above sea level. It is common in tropical America, including the southern coast of Guatemala, where it is widely used. It can be found in various tropical and subtropical ecosystems, and its distribution includes areas in Asia, Africa, and tropical America.

Description

A semi-woody shrub, 1 to 4 meters tall, branched, finely pubescent, with abundant latex (milky sap). The leaves grow in whorls (groups of 3-5). Its flowers are very small, and the fruit is a subglobose drupe, red in color, turning black when ripe.

Key Properties & Benefits

It contains alkaloids (ajmalicine, ajmaline, reserpine, yohimbine). It is used as an antihypertensive, sedative, to treat fever (febrifuge), and to disinfect wounds.

Basic Uses

Internal use: Treatment for malaria, fever, hypertension, toothaches, gonorrhea, syphilis, and gastric ailments. External use: Cleaning of wounds and ulcers. Root: Used in decoction to treat malaria, snakebites, stomach aches, lower blood pressure, and as a blood purifier and fever reducer. Leaves: Used in infusion to treat dysentery and malaria, and also have proven anti-inflammatory activity. Stem and fruit: Used topically in poultices for wounds, snakebites, wasp and scorpion stings, as well as to treat ulcers, scabies, and other skin diseases. Latex or sap: Used to treat dropsy, chronic cough, eye inflammation, edema, tooth decay, strengthen gums, as eye drops, and for wound healing. Bark: Used to dissolve teeth and in topical treatments for scabies and skin conditions.

Cultural Significance

It is considered a natural resource of great importance within popular culture and regional ethnobotany, especially in areas like Guatemala and other Latin American countries where it grows and is traditionally used. The chalchupa plant possesses significant cultural value due to its extensive traditional medicinal use, its role in healing various illnesses, and its integration into cultural and ceremonial practices in the communities where it grows.

Spiritual & Ceremonial Use

Its role in ceremonies is linked to respect for its healing properties and to the belief in its ability to influence the emotional and spiritual balance of people in the communities that use it.

Preparation Methods

External use: The leaves are boiled in water and used to cleanse wounds. An infusion of the leaves is also used as a healing agent. Internal use: The root or bark is used in decoctions or tinctures.

Dosage Guidelines

The recommended dosage for medicinal use of the chalchupa plant (Rauvolfia tetraphylla) is generally 2 to 4 grams, 2 or 3 times a day. 2-4 g of dried plant in an infusion 2-3 times a day. 2-4 ml of tincture (1:10 in 35% alcohol) 2-3 times a day.

Precautions & Warnings

It should be noted that the plant may have abortifacient effects and should not be used by pregnant women without medical supervision. Also, acute toxicity is low up to high doses, but caution and professional monitoring are always recommended when using it.

Ethical Harvesting

It is obtained by harvesting from the wild. Proper management is recommended to ensure a sustainable supply.