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Single Herb Remedies

Calaguala Capsules

(Polypodium leucotomos)



Raintree's Calaguala (pronounced "kallawalla") Capsules combined two species of rainforest ferns (Polypodium leucotomos and Polypodium decumanum). Natural health practitioners in the United States are using calaguala for psoriasis, coughs, bronchitis, chest colds, flu, and disorders of the respiratory tract, skin, and immune systems - much as it has been used in indigenous herbal medicine systems for years.* To learn more about these wonderful rainforest plants, go to the Tropical Plant Database file on Calaguala / Samambaia.

Traditional Uses:* for psoriasis and other skin conditions; for Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and memory problems; for coughs, bronchitis, chest colds, and other upper respiratory problems; for autoimmune disorders; as a general tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions); a cellular-protector, and as an anti-aging aid.

Suggested Use: Take 1 to 2 grams twice daily or as recommended by a health professional.
Contraindications: Reports indicate that these plants may enhance the effects of the heart drug digitalis (a medication commonly used to increase the force of heart contractions in those diagnosed with certain heart conditions). It is therefore contraindicated in combination with digitalis, and persons with any heart condition should seek the advice of a qualified health practitioner prior to using this product.
Drug Interactions: May potentiate the effects of digitalis and/or other digitalis-type prescription heart drugs.


Calaguala Plant Summary
Main Preparation Method: infusion or capsules

Main Actions (in order):
immunomodulator (selectively modulates overactive immune cells), antipsoriatic, neuroprotective (protects brain cells), cough suppressant, anti-inflammatory

Main Uses:

  1. 1. for psoriasis and other skin conditions
  2. 2. for Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and memory problems
  3. 3. for coughs, bronchitis, chest colds, and other upper respiratory problems
  4. 4. for autoimmune disorders
  5. 5. as a general tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions), a cellular-protector, and anti-aging aid
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:
anti-inflammatory, antidysenteric, antimutagenic (cellular protector), antioxidant, antipsoriatic, immunomodulator, neuroprotective (protects brain cells)

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:
anticancerous, cough suppressant, aperient (mild laxative), blood cleanser, cough suppressant, detoxifier, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), expectorant, febrifuge (reduces fever), hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions)

Cautions: Do not use in combination with digitalis and some heart drugs.



*This is an informational site only and no herbal supplements or products are sold. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained in this webpage is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. Please refer to our Conditions of Use for using this web page and web site.