Our founder, Michael Van der Linden, first learned about Chanca Piedra herbal tea when he had Lyme disease. After suffering from Lyme for almost four years, he drank the tea three times a day for three months to support his fight against the disease. Today, he no longer has Lyme.
Chanca Piedra tea did not cure him of the disease. However, this healthy tea — possibly the healthiest tea in the world — provides exceptional support to almost all body systems. Below, I’ll summarize some of its benefits and the science behind those benefits.
Health Benefits
Below, I’ll summarize some of the many health benefits of Chanca Piedra herbal tea.
Phytochemically Rich Antioxidant Properties: Chanca Piedra tea is a phytochemically rich antioxidant. These powerful antioxidant properties inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, stimulate the body’s production of superoxide dismutase, lower lipid peroxidation, and scavenge free radicals. Its bioactive compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and coumarins) include a unique phytoprotein. Together, these compounds protect against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cell damage, oxidative damage. They also stimulate repair mechanisms. (Read one of the studies.)
Improved Cognition: Phyllanthus niruri may help with age-related cognitive issues and disorders. In a murine study, Phyllanthus improved memory scores of young and older mice. It also reduced brain acetylcholinesterase activity. (Read one of the studies.)
Digestive and Intestinal Support: It may promote healthy digestion and address digestive disorders. It is used for constipation, irritable bowel system, ulcers, vomiting, intermittent fever, kidney stones, sores, chronic dysentery, jaundice, and hemorrhoids. It may maintain regular elimination, helping to clear accumulated toxins in the gut. (Read one of the studies.)
Heart Health: Chanca Piedra herbal tea supports the natural removal of the body’s toxins and improves digestion. It may boost metabolism and improve energy. It supports a healthy cholesterol balance and may reduce hypertension, helping to support heart health. (Read one of the studies.)
Healing and Rejuvenation: It’s valued for its healing and rejuvenating powers. Therapeutic uses include strengthening and nourishing the joint tissues and supporting the proper function of the colon, lungs, liver, and spleen. (Read one of the studies.)
Protection Against Illnesses and Diseases: It’s thought to be effective against a large variety of illnesses and diseases, including bronchitis, leprosy, malaria, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis, herpes, and anemia. (Read one of the studies.)
Hepatoprotective Effects: It has been reported to be effective against Hepatitis B and other viral infections. Research has highlighted its liver-healing properties. (Read one of the studies.)
Inhibition of HIV Replication: Chanca Piedra herbal tea is reported to have an inhibitory effect on retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus. (Read one of the studies.)
Immune System Balance and Stress Relief: It is a member of a rare and remarkable group of plants called adaptogens, which help the body adapt to physical, chemical, biological, emotional, and environmental stress. It may help the body deal with oxidative stress, hypertension, and inflammation related to immune system imbalance.
It has one of the largest varieties of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and glycosides of any plant in the world. These chemical compounds give adaptogens their health benefits. Panax Ginseng, the most famous adaptogen, contains 28 types of saponins. It contains 168 different active compounds (6 times as many). (Read one of the studies.)
Anti-Inflammation: It’s considered cooling and anti-inflammatory, promoting a healthy inflammatory response. (Read one of the studies.)
Healthy Renal System and Healthy Kidney Stones: Chanca Piedra tea is often used to help eliminate kidney stones and gallstones. It has been used to support the renal system, promote urinary discharge, and promote healthy water elimination. (Read one of the studies.)
Reduced Cholesterol: It may lower elevated levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). (Read one of the studies.)
Anti-Diabetic Activity: It may reduce blood sugar. (Read one of the studies.)
Muscle Relaxing Agent: Its strong antispasmodic activity may serve as a relaxing agent for muscles, which may enable it to help expel kidney stones and gallstones. (Read one of the studies.)
Not All Chanca Piedra Tea Is Created Equal
Phyllanthus niruri grows naturally along the Amazon river in Peru. The plants grown in China and India are a different species (Phyllanthus urinaria, Phyllanthus amarus, and others). Many suppliers call what they’re selling “Phyllanthus niruri” because they don’t know the difference or understand why terroir matters. Choose your source wisely by asking these questions:
- Does your Chanca Piedra tea come from the Amazon region of Peru?
- Are your plants grown in their natural environment through wildcrafting?
- Are you ensuring proper species identification since many plants look alike?
That’s Some Good Tea!
Obviously, we love our Chanca Piedra tea. It’s our flagship product, as well as the reason Michael Van der Linden started the company in the first place. We encourage you to learn more by visiting our Chanca Piedra FAQ.