All herbs

Ẹyìn Olóbẹ̀

Stonebreaker / chanca piedra

Phyllanthus amarus

Small roadside herb long used in Yoruba practice for the liver, urinary tract and stones.

Cautions

  • May lower blood sugar and blood pressure
  • Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Existing liver or kidney disease requires medical supervision

Known interactions: Antidiabetic drugs, Diuretics, Lithium

Nutritional value

  • Not nutritional — a medicinal herb

Traditional healing uses

  • Traditionally used to support the liver and jaundice recovery
  • Used for urinary discomfort and kidney or gallstone complaints

Preparation

  • Infusion of the whole aerial plant, short courses under guidance

Spiritual & cultural meaning

Named for its power to break what is hard, it carries the idea of dissolving obstruction — in the body and in one's path.

Shared as cultural tradition, not as a medical claim.

This profile supports — and does not replace — medical care. Speak with a health worker before combining herbs with medicine, in pregnancy, or for a child.