Gentianella alborosea is a species of flowering plant in the family Gentianaceae.[1] [2] It is one of two types of hercampuri, which is traditionally used in herbal medicine as an infusion, the other type of hercampuri being Gentianella nitida.[3] It has been used in Peruvian folk medicine since before the time of the Incas. These small shrubs are native to the high Andes of Peru. The Junin Province is a region of Peru that grows hercampuri.
The whole plant is used as an infusion. The roots are thin and yellow in color and the infusion of hercampuri also has a yellow color.
Traditional uses of hercampuri include:[4]
The infusion of hercampuri is one of the most bitter flavors of all herbs. The beneficial compounds that give hercampuri its unique taste contribute to the bitterness of the infusion.