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Chaya

Metabolic

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius

PregnancyNursing

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Description

Mayan superfood shrub of the Yucatan peninsula used for millennia as a nutritive food medicine for diabetes and as galactagogue.

Active Compounds

flavonoidsquercetinbeta-caroteneironcalcium

Traditional Uses

Nutritive medicine in Mayan tradition
Diabetes management in Yucatan folk medicine
Galactagogue for nursing mothers
Blood conditions and anemia

Modern Uses

Antidiabetic
Nutritive superfood
Galactagogue
Antioxidant

Dosage Information

Recommended dosing guidelines

Forms: other, tea, powder
Adult Dose: 3-5 cooked leaves daily as vegetable; leaf tea 2 cups daily after boiling
Child Dose: Safe as food when cooked; never raw
Preparation Notes: MUST cook before eating - raw leaves contain hydrocyanic glucosides; boil 10-15 minutes; traditional antidiabetic food.

Safety Information

Not recommended during pregnancy

Generally safe while nursing

Contraindications

Raw consumption toxic (prussic acid)
Pregnancy in large medicinal doses

Possible Side Effects

Prussic acid toxicity if consumed raw
Generally safe when cooked

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