Chanca piedra tea is brewed using the leaves and stems of the plant bearing the same name. Chanca piedra is an annual herb that grows worldwide in tropical climates and tends to invade the area if the growth is unregulated. Further study is needed, but there is some evidence that the herb is a diuretic, antispasmodic, antibacterial and promotes hypoglycemic activity. Nutritionally, chanca piedra contains vitamin C, tannins, flavonoids, lipids and alkaloids. It is most commonly used to treat kidney stones, liver diseases and viral infections.
Heat water to boil in your tea kettle. Pour the hot water into your cup.
Place dried chanca piedra leaves into the tea ball. Add any other herbs into the tea ball, if desired.
Add sweetener or another flavoring to the water. Stir in the sweetener with your spoon.
Place the filled tea ball in water. Steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove the tea ball from the water. Allow the tea to cool slightly, then stir again.
Tips
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Drink one to three cups of chanca piedra tea per day for best results.
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Use chanca piedra tea at a ration of 4 cups of water to 1 tbsp. of dried herb.
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Supplementing your diet with extra magnesium and vitamin B6 may enhance the effects of the tea.
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Drink one glass of water per one glass of tea to counteract the diuretic effects.
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You can purchase chanca piedra tea bags online, making the tea ball unnecessary.
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Other ingredients that can be added to chanca piedra tea with good effects include vanilla bean, goji berries, cat's claw, mangosteen and honey.