MinerAlert
Packera candidissima
Asteraceae
Chucaca, chukaka, chichaka, chicúa, chucá,“miracle tea” (Quattrocchi, 2012; White, 2002; Cardenal-Fernández, 2007).
*Based on the plant’s origin and main distribution, we propose this vernacular designation. To our knowledge, there are no common names for this species in English.
Lechuguilla de la sierra, lechuguilla, pies de gato, “té milagro” (Quattrocchi, 2012; White, 2002; Cardenal-Fernández, 2007)
Another closely related species, P. bellidifolia, also known by the common name of “chukaka”, possesses very similar therapeutic properties. It is sometimes included along with Chihuahua groundsel in an herbal combination available in the Ciudad Juarez and other Mexican markets under the name of “té milagro” or “miracle tea” (Fregoso-Serrano et al., 2012; Quattrocchi, 2012; Bah et al., 1994).
This perennial plant has yellow flowers and grows in the Tarahumara mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico. Diverse species of the Packera genus are found various regions in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States (Allred and Ivey, 2012; Quattrocchi, 2012; Mabberley, 2008; Cardenal-Fernández, 2007).
The whole plant.
The entire plant is steeped in hot water to make a tea (infusion). Additionally, the dried plant is boiled in water (decoction) and taken as a tea or applied externally (Cardenal –Fernández, 2007; Pereda-Miranda, 1995).
The entire plant is decocted in water and applied externally in poultices and washes or added to creams in order to treat contusions or various skin problems, including infections, mange, and boils. The decoction is applied as a vaginal douche to treat fungal and other infections. In addition, pieces of the root are applied to the teeth to combat cavities and toothaches. Internally, the bitter-tasting tea is taken to treat stomach problems, ulcers, kidney problems, and venereal diseases. The tea also has cathartic (purgative) properties (Quattrocchi, 2012; Cardenal-Fernández, 2007; Pereda-Miranda, 1995).
Using various chemical analytical methods, very high levels of nitrogen-containing compounds known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been detected in certain species of the genus Packeria (P. candidissima and P. bellidifolia) which are included in a commercial herbal supplement known as “té milagro” or "miracle tea" (Pereda-Miranda, 1995; Bah et al., 1994). In animal models, these compounds are known to be liver toxic, as well as potentially carcinogenic, especially if consumed for prolonged periods of time. Even though intoxications due to these plants have not yet been reported in humans, they have not been studied in depth in relation to their potential human toxicity, especially with prolonged ingestion. For this reason, their internal as well as external uses are not recommended (Roeder et al., 2015; Samuelsson and Bohlin, 2015; Teschke and Eickhoff, 2015; Pereda-Miranda, 1995).
Safety/Precautions:
Before you decide to take any medicinal herb or herbal supplement, be sure to consult with your health care professional first. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication: Always be on the safe side!