Arcayuyo

Growing wild in the arid area around Cuyo and Noroeste in the Argentine region of Tucumán, arcayuyo (Chenopodium graveolens) is an annual plant that is characterized by elliptical leaves and five-petaled flowers which are believed to possess excellent healing properties.

The plant’s flowering typically occurs in January and February, while the harvesting usually takes place between March and October. Commonly known as fetid goosefoot, this plant has long been used in traditional medicine to treat various health issues related to liver, stomach, skin, and allergies, and it is also believed to have potent tranquilizing properties.

Arcayuyo’s leaves can be consumed fresh or dried, and they are often transformed into a herbal infusion that is to be drunk on its own or combined with yerba mate. Due to an increasing loss of interest in collecting traditional wild herbs and their use, this local herb is currently in danger of becoming extinct.