Espina de la Cruz Andina
Colletia hystrix
About Espina de la Cruz Andina
Espina de la Cruz Andina (Colletia hystrix) is a herb used in the Andean & Incan Medicine tradition to help with Arthritis, Fever, Inflammation, and Pain. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Espina de la Cruz Andina in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Espina de la Cruz Andina into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Espina de la Cruz Andina into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Espina de la Cruz Andina or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Espina de la Cruz Andina.
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Espina de la Cruz Andina in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
Warnings
⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Espina de la Cruz Andina in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Andes Mountains — Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile
Climate
High-altitude tropical
Habitat
Andean highlands (altiplano), cloud forests, and valley farmland of the Andes
🌿 To see Espina de la Cruz Andina growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
- Farmers markets with herb vendors
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Espina de la Cruz Andina, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.