Baccharis trimera
StarBaccharis trimera
Synonyms: Baccharis genistelloides var. trimera, Molina trimera, Baccharis trimera var. carqueja
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In South American (especially Brazilian) folk medicine, carqueja is one of the most widely used medicinal plants. A decoction or infusion of the bitter winged stems is taken for liver and digestive disorders, stomach ache, indigestion and as a bitter tonic, and it has also been used for diabetes and as a diuretic. Its medicinal status is reflected by its inclusion in the first and fourth editions of the Brazilian Pharmacopeia, and pharmacological studies document hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity for the species (de Oliveira et al., 2018; Brazilian Pharmacopeia).
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Botanical Description
Baccharis trimera, known in Brazil as carqueja, is an erect, much-branched perennial subshrub of the family Asteraceae, typically reaching 0.5 to 1 metre tall. Its most distinctive feature is the conspicuously winged, flattened green stems: three longitudinal, membranous, photosynthetic wings run along each branch, so that the plant appears almost leafless, the true leaves being reduced or absent and photosynthesis carried out largely by the cladode-like stems. The species is dioecious, bearing small whitish to cream discoid flower heads clustered along the wing margins; the seed-like cypselae are tipped with a fine bristly pappus that aids wind dispersal. Native to South America, carqueja is widespread across Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia, growing in open grassland, pasture, roadsides, fields and disturbed ground, often in moist sunny sites. It is intensely bitter to the taste, a quality that underlies its long use as a folk medicine and bitter tonic throughout its range.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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