Pasuchaca - Diels' Geranium

Common Names: Pasuchaca, Diels' Geranium, alum root, cranesbill, wild geranium, dovefoot, tormentil, storksbill, wild cranesbill, old maid, shameface, chocolate flower, Geranium dielsianum, Geranium, global geranium, South American geranium

Latin Name: Geranium dielsianum

Origin: South America

Short Introduction

This hardy perennial thrives like most species in the Geranium genus. It is also cultivated for its beautiful flowers and leaves. Pasuchaca prefers places with alternating full sun and partial shade, growing best in soil that is both well-drained and moist, with plenty of humus. It tolerates cold winters and can withstand strong winds.

Pasuchaca has a unique seed dispersal mechanism: its fruit forms a capsule resembling a beak, which springs open when mature, ejecting the seeds. The capsule is divided into five compartments, each containing a seed, and together they form a rod-like structure at the plant’s center. The common folk name "cranesbill" refers to this shape, as in some related species the pod resembles the long beak of a crane. However, not all species in the group exhibit this feature.

Detailed Description

A South American herb, traditionally used as a natural antibiotic.

Botanical Information

Pasuchaca is a small, perennial herb with notably flowering foliage, found exclusively in the highland regions of the South American Andes at elevations above approximately 3000 meters. This endemic species is remarkable for its longevity, often living for many years. It typically grows to a height of up to 35 cm. The leaves are lobed, deeply notched like a groove, and are a deep green color. Its flowers are striking, ranging in color from deep purple to orange.

Origin and Distribution

The plant is native to South America. It features dark green leaves and striking blooms that vary in color from pinkish to reddish-orange. Pasuchaca wild populations are mostly found in the northern Andes, especially at elevations from 3000 to 3500 meters. The healthiest populations are located in the provinces of Cajamarca, Piura, Ayabaca, and Chota.

Usage / Dosage

Pasuchaca has gained significant popularity due to constituents that have been shown to have beneficial effects on lowering high plasma glucose concentrations. For this reason, many herbalists recommend it as a supportive phytotherapy to complement conventional medications for diabetes. The active components of Pasuchaca support the function of the pancreas and help protect its cells from damage. Though recommended for diabetes management, it is not a replacement for insulin or other medications.

Pasuchaca is also known to support the immune system. Since diabetes has immune system implications, the herb is traditionally used to help restore lost function and integrity in these tissues. Its constituents offer mild antioxidant effects and help cleanse the blood, with anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly effective against skin inflammation.

In folk medicine, Pasuchaca has a reputation as a mild but effective broad-spectrum antibiotic, inhibiting the growth and spread of bacteria. It also acts as an antifungal and is astringent, making it suitable for certain types of adult diarrhea, depending on the underlying cause.

Indigenous peoples of the Andes traditionally used a decoction of the herb's root for dysentery, heavy menstruation, internal bleeding, as well as for gastric catarrh or ulcers (associated with bleeding), bleeding gums, or externally for burns, poorly healing wounds, warts, or swollen fingers.

In modern herbalism, its use has broadened considerably; herbalists may recommend Pasuchaca for the treatment of hemorrhoids, malaria, cholera, and as supportive therapy for Crohn's disease and tuberculosis. As a mouthwash, it can be helpful for sore gums, toothaches, sore throat, or hoarseness.

Active Compounds

The therapeutically valuable part of the plant is the dried root, which contains the highest concentrations of active ingredients. Harvesting is performed just before the flowers open. The root is rich in tannins, starch, polysaccharides, pectin, and gallic acid.

Traditional Dosage

Boil 1 tablespoon of dried root in 1 liter of water over low heat for approximately 15 minutes, strain, and drink 1 glass of the decoction 3 times a day.

Alternatively, boil 5-10 grams of the root in 1 liter of water until the volume reduces by half, and then drink 100 ml every 2 hours.

Another method suggests boiling 2 grams of the herb in 700 ml of water for 5 minutes and drinking this infusion 3 times daily. For powdered root, 5-10 grams boiled for 10-15 minutes in two cups of water is recommended, consumed in 3 portions per day.

The decoction can be used as a gargle up to 4 times daily and as a topical wash up to 6 times daily. It should not be used for longer than 5 weeks. Due to insufficient data, Pasuchaca is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children under three years of age.