Overview

Chanca piedra, which means "stone breaker" in Spanish, is a small herb. Both Phyllanthus niruri and P. amarus have been called chanca piedra.

Chanca piedra has traditionally been used for kidney stones. It's thought that chanca piedra contains chemicals that might relieve spasms and increase urine. It is also thought to have activity against bacteria and viruses.

People use chanca piedra for kidney stones. It is also used for hepatitis B, stomach pain, asthma, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Kidney stones. Taking chanca piedra by mouth seems to help clear some kidney stones. But it is unclear which people are most likely to benefit from chanca piedra.

Likely InEffective for

  • Swelling (inflammation) of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (hepatitis B). Taking chanca piedra by mouth does not improve hepatitis B symptoms.
There is interest in using chanca piedra for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Chanca piedra is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. Side effects might include stomach pain and nausea.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chanca piedra is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Chanca piedra is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. Side effects might include stomach pain and nausea.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chanca piedra is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy: Chanca piedra is possibly unsafe when used during pregnancy or by those trying to become pregnant. Taking chanca piedra, especially in high doses, might block pregnancy, increase the risk of low birth weight, or increase the risk of birth defects.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chanca piedra is safe to use while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorder: Chanca piedra might slow blood clotting. Taking chanca piedra might cause bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Chanca piedra might lower blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Chanca piedra might also slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Stop using chanca piedra at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Lithium interacts with CHANCA PIEDRA

    Taking chanca piedra might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CHANCA PIEDRA

    Chanca piedra might slow blood clotting. Taking chanca Piedra along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Norepinephrine (Levophed) interacts with CHANCA PIEDRA

    Chanca piedra contains a chemical that might reduce the effects of norepinephrine. This might increase the risk of blood pressure becoming too low.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with CHANCA PIEDRA

    There is some concern that chanca piedra might cause the body to lose water. Taking chanca piedra along with other "water pills" might cause the body to lose too much water.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with CHANCA PIEDRA

    Chanca piedra might lower blood sugar levels. Taking chanca piedra along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CHANCA PIEDRA

    Chanca piedra might lower blood pressure. Taking chanca piedra along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of chanca piedra might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.