Carqueja: Practical Guide to Uses, Tea, Dosage and Safety
Heard of carqueja and wondering if it’s worth trying? Carqueja (Baccharis trimera) is a South American herb used traditionally for digestion, mild liver support, and to ease fluid retention. People usually take it as a tea, tincture, or capsule. Below you’ll find clear, no-fluff advice on how to use it, what to expect, and when to skip it.
What carqueja is used for
People brew carqueja to help with bloating, slow digestion after heavy meals, or mild water retention. Many herbalists also use it as a supportive herb for everyday liver care—think of it like a gentle digestive tonic, not a cure. Because it can act as a mild diuretic, some folks notice fewer puffiness and lighter ankles after short use. If you have a specific medical condition, talk with your clinician before trying it.
How to prepare and typical doses
Carqueja is easy to prepare at home. For a basic tea: steep 1–2 teaspoons (about 1–2 grams) of dried leaves in 200–250 ml of hot water for 8–10 minutes. Drink 1–3 cups a day after meals. For capsules, common commercial doses range from 300–500 mg taken 1–3 times daily—follow the product label. Tinctures vary, but a typical herbalist dose is 20–40 drops (about 1–2 ml) two to three times a day. Start low—try one cup of tea daily for a few days to see how you react, then increase if you tolerate it well.
Keep your uses realistic: carqueja can help digestion and mild fluid balance for some people, but it’s not a replacement for prescribed medicines for liver disease, diabetes, or heart failure.
Safety first: don’t use carqueja if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless a trusted clinician says it’s okay. Because it can change blood sugar and act like a diuretic, avoid it if you take diabetes meds, blood pressure drugs, or blood thinners without medical advice. Stop and check with your provider if you get stomach pain, severe diarrhea, or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing).
Where to buy: look for products labeled Baccharis trimera at reputable herbal shops, health-food stores, or well-reviewed online herb suppliers. Prefer brands that list origin, batch testing, and clear dosing. Organic or wild-harvested labels can be helpful but read reviews and check return policies.
Final tip: keep a short journal while you try carqueja—note dose, how you prepare it, and any changes in digestion, sleep, or swelling. That record makes it easier to talk with your healthcare provider and decide if carqueja is a good fit for you.
