Chanca Piedra, Gale of the Wind, or Stonebreaker is an herb that grows in tropical areas, like the rainforests of South America mostly. It gets the name “seed-under-leaf” because its seed pods, which bloom into small green flowers, grow beneath the leaves. The entire plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, is used to make chanca piedra supplements.
As a supplement, chanca piedra is reported to help with a variety of conditions related to the digestive system, liver, and kidneys. Supposedly, it contains phytochemicals or plant compounds, that increase urine flow, kill harmful bacteria and viruses, and relieve inflammation. Chanca piedra is best known as a potential kidney stone cure, which is how it earned the name “stone breaker.”
The herb is alkaline, so it prevents acidic kidney stones. It’s a cheaper, over-the-counter alternative to prescription potassium citrate, an alkalizing agent commonly used to prevent acidic kidney stones.
It may also make you urinate more. In animal studies, chanca piedra antioxidants improved fasting blood sugar levels, which can help with blood sugar management.
For the same reason, it may help with kidney stones. Chanca piedra’s alkalizing properties may also prevent gallstones. It’s used as a gallstone treatment.
Due to its antioxidant content, chanca piedra may improve liver function and protect the liver from cellular damage caused by free radicals. These are unstable compounds that can cause damage when they build up in your body at high levels. The herb also appears to treat hepatitis B, an inflammatory viral infection of the liver.
Some research indicates that chanca piedra may help relax blood vessels, which could reduce blood pressure. To use this herb properly, cook it in water and drink it twice a week when it’s warm. It can also be infused into local alcohol to improve sexual performance and blood circulation.
