Carqueja
Scientific names: Baccharis trimera, Baccharis genistelloides, Baccharis triptera, Baccharis trinervis, Baccharis cylindrica, Baccharis myriocephala, Baccharis milleflora, Baccharis crispa, Baccharis gaudichaudiana
Family: Asteraceae/Compositae
Alternate names: Bacanta, Cacalia Amara, Caclia Doce, Cacalia-Amarga, Cacalia-Amargosa, Cacliadoce, Carqueja Amara, Carqueja-Amargosa, Carqueja-Do-Mato, Carquejilla, Carquejinha, Chinchimani, Chirca Melosa, Condamina, Cuchi-Cuchi, Quimsa-Kuchu, Quina-De-Condamiana, Quinsu-Cucho, Tiririca-De-Balaio, Tres-Espigas, Vassoura
Actions: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Snakebite treatment properties, Spasmolytic
Background
Carqueja is an herb. People dry the parts of the plant that grow above the ground and use them to make medicine.
People use carqueja for many conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.
People use carqueja for many conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if carqueja is safe or what the side effects might be.
Allergy to ragweed, daisies, and related plants: Carqueja may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking carqueja.
Diabetes: Carqueja might lower blood sugar levels. Using carqueja along with diabetes medications might make blood sugar levels drop too low. Monitor blood sugar levels closely.
Surgery: Carqueja might affect blood glucose levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using carqueja at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if carqueja is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Allergy to ragweed, daisies, and related plants: Carqueja may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking carqueja.
Diabetes: Carqueja might lower blood sugar levels. Using carqueja along with diabetes medications might make blood sugar levels drop too low. Monitor blood sugar levels closely.
Surgery: Carqueja might affect blood glucose levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using carqueja at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Pain.
- Indigestion.
- Water retention.
- Constipation.
- Protecting the liver.
- Diabetes.
- Chest pain (angina).
- Improving circulation.
- Intestinal worms.
- Wounds, when applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of carqueja depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for carqueja. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Carqueja can decrease blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking carqueja along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Carqueja might lower blood sugar levels. Using it along with other herbs or supplements that have this same effect might cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Some herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar include alpha-lipoic acid, bitter melon, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others. Monitor your blood sugar if you use carqueja with any of these.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Carqueja contains chemicals that might relieve inflammation (swelling), improve blood flow, and protect the liver.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/10/2023 11:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
