Wira Wira (Huira Huira) grows in the high Andes, and it can be found at the altitude between 1000 and 4500 meters above the sea level. It grows in clumps, and is up to 50 cm high. The leaves that grow out of the rossete, are lanceolate and fleshy. The flowers are silver-gray – because the tiny hairs that densely cover the whole surface. Because of that, the leaves are called “hare’s ears”.
Wira Wira (Huira Huira) has been known and used in the traditional Peruvian medicine for ages, and the knowledge of its properties is transmitted from one generation into another.
MORE INFORMATION
The results of the research carried out by the Italian scientists confirmed the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of the active compounds present in Wira Wira. The most important compounds that it includes seem to be the flavonoid compounds, mainly flavonoid glycoside, derivatives of the caffeic acid, and also derivatives of the quinic acid. Also mucous, alkaloids, triterpenes, mainly glycosides, sterols, flavones, and other compounds that have soothing and calming properties, especially for the mucous of the airways. The substances present in Wira Wira also have antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-asthmatic, spasmolytic (expanding of bronchia), and expectorant properties. Because of that the plant has beneficial influence on the throat and nose mucous, and is able to unclog them. It is also used in cases of a cold, airways inflammation, murr of mucous, the flu, angina, fever, pneumonia, edema of upper airways, asthma, runny nose, nasal murr, cough – helps to expectorate. It is also used as a means of prevention, especially during “the flu season”.
Wira Wira has distinct, slightly bitter, but pleasant flavor. It best works synergistically with another Peruvian herb Muňa Muňa. Both herbs can be cooked together. Muňa Muňa not only completes the work of Wira Wira, but also adds slightly mint flavor to the decoction.
Traditional Peruvian medicine recommends Wira Wira and Muňa Muňa in the 1/1 ratio, as the most effective way of treating sicknesses caused by the virus of flu or a cold.
USE AND MOST COMMON DOSAGE
3-5g of herbs pour over with 700ml of cold water, and cook for 10 minutes since boiling. Drain. Drink one glass of decoction 3 times a day.
Side effects: not often, but there can occur an allergic reaction with people who are allergic to some of the substances present in that plant.
