Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho)
Lupinus ballianus
About Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho)
Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho) (Lupinus ballianus) is a herb used in the Andean & Incan Medicine tradition to help with Diabetes, Cholesterol, Nutritional Support, and Heart Health. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho) 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 Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb may affect blood pressure. Since blood pressure changes are a significant pregnancy risk factor (e.g. preeclampsia), herbs in this category are generally used only under medical supervision rather than self-directed — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionGenerally used cautiously during breastfeeding, particularly if the nursing parent is also on blood pressure medication.
Children
Use CautionBlood-pressure-active herbs are generally used cautiously in children and typically only under pediatric guidance.
Contraindications
- Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
- Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely
Warnings
⛔ Diabetes Medications
May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.
⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications
May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.
⚠️ 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
May affect blood sugar
Watch for: Insulin and oral diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas)
Additive blood-sugar-lowering effects can risk hypoglycemia — monitor glucose closely.
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
May affect blood pressure
Watch for: Antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics)
Combined use can push blood pressure too high or too low — monitor readings if you take blood pressure 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 Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho) 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 Andean Wild Lupine (Yurac Chocho), 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.