Stonebreaker - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Since ancient times, the Ayurvedic and Unani medical systems have relied heavily on the herb stonebreaker, which has its origins in both India and South America. Its widespread use in the management of kidney stones is the source of its common name, stonebreaker. It is also known as Chanca piedra.

About stonebreaker plant

The plant can go as tall as 2 feet (61 cm), and it has slender branches covered in leaves. Because its seed pods, which blossom into tiny green flowers, grow beneath the leaves, it is known as "seed-under-leaf."

The entire plant is utilised to create supplements, including the leaves, stems, and flowers.

Health benefit of stonebreaker:

The stonebreaker plant has long been used medicinally for a number of ailments. Its antilithic and antiviral qualities allow for the following therapeutic applications:

1. Removing gallstones and kidney stones: The herb known as stonebreaker helps stones move through while simultaneously preventing their development, living up to its name.
   
   
2. Hepatitis B treatment.:According to preliminary research, stonebreaker properties can both safeguard the liver and prevent the replication of this virus.
   
   
3. Stonebreaker characteristics have been employed in Ayurvedic traditional medicine to cure a wide range of illnesses, from leprosy to hiccups. It is also a well-known plant in the Unani school of medicine, where it is used to treat jaundice symptoms and treat wounds and ulcers.

How does it work?

The most researched component of stonebreaker is phyllanthin, a significant bioactive lignan. Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects have all been noted.

However, nirtetralin, a different significant lignan, is assumed to be in charge of the antiviral effects of stonebreaker. Research has shown that it can prevent the hepatitis B virus from replicating and reduce its antigens, facilitating a quicker recovery. Before employing nirtetralin to treat other viruses, more analysis is required.

By changing the structure and composition of the lignans in stonebreaker, uric acid levels in the blood can be reduced, which aids in preventing crystal formation.

Additionally, the stonebreaker plant's anti-inflammatory properties help relax the urethra, facilitating the transit of stones.

How to consume stonebreaker?

Due to the herb's harsh flavour and lack of recognised culinary use, stonebreaker is primarily used medicinally.

The herb stonebreaker can be ingested in supplemental forms, which concentrate its therapeutic powers, but the majority of its health benefits can be received from home-made preparations.

Dried Natural Forms A number of DIY medicines can be made from stonebreaker stems and leaves.