In Peru, it occurs in the muddy surroundings of rivers, but we can also find it in the Andes at altitudes of 2,700 - 3,300 m.n.m. An annual, shrubby plant with an intense aroma. Stems up to 2 meters long are covered with fine hairs, the leaves are oval, up to 10 cm long, the flowers are white or yellowish. In phytotherapy, broths from the aboveground part of the plant are used.
Important ingredients
Essential oils, alkaloids, monosaccharides, benzopyranones, sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene diols, lactones, tetrahydroambrosine, peruvinin, peruvins, psychostachyin B and C and mineral salts.
It has tonic, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties. It stimulates the psyche and reduces muscle tension. Decoctions of this plant are recommended especially for headaches and migraines, as a tonic to calm the nervous system, for neuralgic problems and for hysteria. It also helps in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, colds and painful periods. Decoction in the form of compresses brings relief from inflammation, rheumatism and muscle cramps. You can find Marco in multiple products o Inca Botanica, in both - herbal mixture as well as extracts.
According to the experience of traditional medicine and contemporary science, it is used in:
migraines
headache
rheumatism
inflammation of the joints
muscle cramps (also as compresses)
neuralgia
hysteria
cold
bronchitis
asthma
to calm down
in support of Parkinson's disease
As an interesting feature:
The Incas used this plant to embalming the bodies of the dead.
It is currently used by shamans as a magic plant.
Steam coming from the decoction and smoke from the burnt plant is an insect repellent.