The carqueja, Baccharis trimera, is also known by the names: tres-ears, bacanta, cacaia, cacalia, bitter, condamina, iguape, tyririca-de-balaio, broom, among others. It belongs to the Asteraceae family.
With a cycle of approximately two years, it is found in tropical regions of Latin America. It is shrubby, but can reach up to two meters in height.
It grows best in humid places with direct sunlight, but is often found in more extreme places, such as dry, rocky places. It reproduces through seeds or seedlings made from the branches of the adult plant.
It has in its composition lactones, flavonoids, pectins, vitamins and essential oils. It is used to treat liver and stomach problems, as well as flu, diarrhea, anemia and kidney stones. It eliminates worms and is effective in controlling diabetes, rheumatism, gout, leprosy, sores, asthma, hypertension and obesity. It has diuretic and depurative power.
For treatment, tea is usually required from its stems, in the proportion of 20 grams for each liter of water. Five cups a day is enough. Compresses and gargles can also be done in cases of localized or sore throat.
The use is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and people with hypoglycemia and low blood pressure, without medical advice.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
