🦙Andean & Incan Medicine

Huaranhuay (Yellow Elder)

Tecoma stans

About Huaranhuay (Yellow Elder)

Huaranhuay (Yellow Elder) (Tecoma stans) is a herb used in the Andean & Incan Medicine tradition to help with Diabetes, Kidney Support, Digestive Issues, and Fatigue. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Tecoma stans is a species of flowering perennial shrub in the trumpet vine family, Bignoniaceae, that is native to the Americas. Common names include yellow trumpetbush, yellow bells, yellow elder, ginger-thomas. Tecoma stans is the official flower of the United States Virgin Islands and the floral emblem of the Bahamas.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
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Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Huaranhuay (Yellow Elder) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
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Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Huaranhuay (Yellow Elder) 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.
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Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Huaranhuay (Yellow Elder) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function
  • Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely

Warnings

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.

⛔ Diabetes Medications

May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.

⚠️ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

⚠️ 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 have a diuretic effect

Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium

Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.

May have a stimulant effect

Watch for: Other caffeine-containing products, MAOIs, and stimulant medications (for ADHD or weight loss)

Additive stimulant effects can raise heart rate and blood pressure.

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 Huaranhuay (Yellow Elder) 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 Huaranhuay (Yellow Elder), 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.