A rare plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), only found in some states of north-central Mexico. It has been found only in the states of Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí and Querétaro. The word, "Chilcuague", has its origin in the Nahuatl because this plant was recognised as Chilcoat - "chil" for spicy and "coatl" for the shape of its root that looks like a snake. Often used traditionally as condiment in foods and alcoholic beverages, the roots are commonly used in Mexican cuisine as a substitute for hot pepper.

Previous reports detected the presence of affinin (spilanthol)—an alkamide with analgesic properties. It is similar to Spilanthes or "Toothache plant" or "Jambu" (Spilanthes oleracea) in which the chewing of the root gives a very strong tingling electric sensation in the mouth. Widely used in traditional medicine of Mexico, the plant has many attributes beneficial to the human body. The root is chewed to numb the tongue and relieve pain in the teeth and throat. It is also used traditionally against parasites. Research using Heliopsis longipes against third instar larvae of Anopheles albimanus, Malaria vector, showed that H. longipes A. Gray Blake has insecticide properties to control insects involved in malaria transmission.

This plant has been completely unknown to the West and a friend of ours who discovered how to make a strong tincture for recreational uses has spread it throughout many festivals and it was found to be very popular. This root is used to produce our hugely popular Chilcuague spray and can be used to make your own infusion. Also available in tincture form here.

Other names: Heliopsis longipes, Philactis longipes A.Gray Blake, Herb Grindstone, Chil Cuas, Chilcuan, Chilcmecatl, Aztec root

Chigualque flowers in June, July, August and September and the flowers are yellow in colour. The mature plant grows to about 1.2 meters high with leaves of about 60 centimetres. It grows best in a location with sun and dry or moist soil.

H. longipes plant produces a complex mixture of antioxidant chlorophylls and polyamines as well as a number of possible antimutagens. The leaves and flowers of Chilcuague contains polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins, the quality and quantity determined by the geographic location and seasonal variations. Heliopsis longipes extract is a rich source of N-alkylamides, mainly bioactive spilanthol, also known as affinin. N-alkylamides are a class of secondary metabolites of increasing pharmacological interest due to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, and anti-tumor properties.

When used as a flavouring or food, Chilcuague and its active ingredients are generally considered safe. However, it can cause complications if the following scenarios apply to you:

You have an allergy to the daisy family.If you’re sensitive or allergic to daisy (Asteraceae) family, use caution.
You drink alcohol.Chilcuague can slow down alcohol metabolisation, which might make you feel drunk for a longer amount of time.
You use diuretics.Since Chilcuague is a natural diuretic, it’s important to avoid using it with diuretic drugs.
You have prostate cancer.Chilcuague might promote production of male hormones, which could interact with prostate cancer drugs. The risk is higher if you consume the plant at high doses.
You’re pregnant.&High intake of Chilcuague may lead to birth defects. You shouldn’t use it if you’re pregnant. Always talk to a doctor before trying the plant.

This ancient root has a stimulating effect on the nervous system. It may assist people with their energy levels without the unwanted effects associated with caffeine.

[1] Affinin (Spilanthol), Isolated from Heliopsis longipes, Induces Vasodilation via Activation of Gasotransmitters and Prostacyclin  Signaling Pathways  Toshio Morikawa, Academic Editor

[2] Botanical Sciences - versión On-line ISSN 2007-4476versión impresa ISSN 2007-4298

[3] Analgesic activity of Heliopsis longipes and its effect on the nervous system 
V G Cilia-López 1, B I Juárez-Flores, J R Aguirre-Rivera, J A Reyes-Agüero

[4] Heliopsis longipes Wikepedia

[5] Determination of insecticidal activity of Heliopsis longipes A. Gray Blake, an endemic plant of Guanajuato state Alejandro Hernández Morales, Jackeline Lizzeta Arvizu Gómez, Blanca Estela Gómez Luna,Enrique Ramírez Chávez, María del Rosario Abraham Juárez, Gerardo Martínez Soto, Jorge Molina Torres

[6] Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts from leaves and flowers of chilcuague (Heliopsis longipes, Asteraceae) Erik G. Tovar-Pérez et al

[7] Antimutagenic properties of affinin isolated from Heliopsis longipes extract 
Myriam Arriaga-Alba, María Yolanda Rios  & Myrna Déciga-Campos