Tachia
Tachia guianensis

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

Tachia guianensis is a shrub or small tree in South America that usually grows about 4 m in height. It has hollow and sub ligneous stems. It is not edible but it is a known medicinal plant. it is a very bitter herb used for fevers and abdominal pain. It is also used to improve the appetite and to strengthen the digestive system.

Tachia guianensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Rainforests at low to middle elevations.

S. America - Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 4

Tachia guianensis is a very bitter herb that is highly valued by indiginous peoples for its beneficial effect upon the digestive system, and as a treatment against fevers. All parts of the plant can be used, though the root is most commonly employed. The very bitter root is antiinflammatory, antipyretic, appetizer, cholagogue, febrifuge, stomachic and tonic. A powerful and very effective herb, it is used to treat intermittent fevers. It is also used like gentian to improve the appetite, strengthen the digestive system, relieve abdominal pain and rid the digestive tract of parasites. It is said that there is no better remedy for 'sore stomach' than a tea made from the root. The powdered leaves are to the coca preparation 'to make it taste better'.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.

Appetizer: Improves the appetite

Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating: 0

Other Uses None known

Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

A plant of the moist, lowland tropics.

Propagating it: Seed -

Best place to grow:

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tachia pavonii Gilg