Chilcuague Colombia — Golden Root · Natural Heliopsis longipes extracts

The plant

What is chilcuague?

Chilcuague (Heliopsis longipes) is a plant endemic to the Sierra Gorda, in central Mexico, where Guanajuato, Querétaro and San Luis Potosí meet. Its golden flowers gave it its popular name: the Golden Root.

Its root concentrates affinin, a natural alkamide that produces the sensation that made it famous: an intense tingling that stings, numbs and awakens the taste buds. Traditional Mexican medicine has chewed it since pre-Hispanic times for mouth and throat discomfort.

It nearly disappeared due to overharvesting; today it is grown under controlled cultivation. Every bottle is also a way of preserving that ancestral knowledge.

Discover the products

Yellow Heliopsis longipes flower on the plant — Heliopsis longipes · Asteraceae · Sierra Gorda, Mexico

Chilcuague

Golden Root

The name “chilcuague” comes from Nahuatl and combines ideas associated with chili, heat and the serpent.

“chil”

chili, sting or burning.

“coatl”

serpent.

Chilcuague, Golden Root: natural antibacterial, digestive and healing properties.

Catalog

What we know about the Golden Root

Mexican herbalism has used this root for generations, and Mexican laboratories have been studying its active compound, affinin, for decades. We always keep the two apart: every property carries a label saying where it comes from.

Traditional use on grazes and minor wounds. Affinin promotes the formation of new blood vessels, the step that most conditions tissue repair. Preclinical studyTraditional use On an open wound, prefer an oil-based or diluted presentation: the alcohol in the spray stings and damages the cells that repair tissue.
Stimulates the formation of new capillaries. Preclinical study
It is credited with stimulating collagen and elastin, and softening wrinkles. Reported use
It is credited with helping with acne. Reported use
Popular use on cold sores. Reported use
Traditional use against fungus on feet and nails. Lab studyTraditional use

Eases toothache and sore gums: the oldest and best documented use of the root. Preclinical studyTraditional use
Used for mouth sores. Traditional use
As a rinse after brushing. It is credited with helping prevent cavities. Clinical trial (related plant)Reported use
Gargled diluted, for throat discomfort. Lab studyTraditional use
Passing local numbness of tongue, gums and mucosa. Clinical trial (related plant)Preclinical study
Triggers salivation within seconds — its sialagogue effect, useful for dry mouth. Lab studyTraditional use

A few drops before eating, like a traditional digestive bitter: its intensity triggers salivation and readies digestion before the first bite. Traditional use
The active compound protected and repaired the intestinal lining in animal models. Preclinical study
Traditional deworming: a piece of root on an empty stomach, or added to food. Preclinical studyTraditional use
It is credited with easing intestinal spasms. Reported use
It is credited with stimulating the pancreas and smoothing blood sugar spikes. We say it plainly: we found no study backing this. Reported use Do not use this product to control blood sugar or change your medication because of it. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial in lab studies: it inhibits several bacteria and yeasts from 25 µg/mL. Lab study
The active compound damages candida’s membrane and disrupts its biofilms. Preclinical studyLab study
Against several fungi, growth inhibition reached 100% on a laboratory plate. Lab study
It is credited with regulating the defences. What is demonstrated is more precise: it lowers inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6. Lab studyReported use

Anti-inflammatory when applied topically, with effective doses comparable to the reference drugs in the same animal model. Preclinical study
Natural analgesic and anaesthetic: the use with the most supporting evidence. Preclinical studyTraditional use
Traditional use for muscle pain, knocks and sprains: the root macerated in alcohol. Preclinical studyTraditional use
As a compress over the lower abdomen, for menstrual cramps. Clinical trial (related plant)Preclinical study
Used topically for joint and arthritic discomfort. Clinical trial (related plant)Reported use
Acts on the CB1 receptor — the same endocannabinoid system that regulates pain in our body — but without psychoactive effects: studies observed no sedation or impaired movement. Preclinical study

Relaxes blood vessels and supports circulation, acting on the endothelium. Preclinical study
Lowers blood pressure in animal models: in hypertensive rats, from 146 to 118 mmHg. Preclinical study If you have low blood pressure or take medication for hypertension, consult your doctor before using it.
Its vasodilating effect is associated with support for erectile function. Clinical trial (related plant)Reported use
It is credited with raising testosterone and supporting muscle growth alongside exercise. Reported use
It is credited with supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. Reported use

And outside health it remains what it always was: a seasoning that transforms a dish with a tingling bite.

See the full map of uses 34 uses, area by area, on an explorable body map.

This product is not a medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a health professional. Traditional uses come from Mexican herbalism; the studies cited are preclinical — done in the lab or in animals — and do not prove an effect in people. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, using it for children, if you have low blood pressure, or if you take medication regularly.

Bundles of chilcuague root at a traditional Mexican market

About us

From the Mexican Sierra Gorda to your home in Colombia

Also known as the “Root of the Aztecs” or chilmecatl in Nahuatl, this plant was revered by pre-Hispanic cultures long before the Spanish arrived. It was not just a medicinal plant: it is believed to have had ritual use for its intense sensation, which some describe as a connection with the divine.

In the traditional markets of central Mexico, bundles of freshly harvested root have been sold for generations. We bring that legacy to Colombia: we handcraft each extract with authentic chilcuague root and deliver it all over the country.

Product of Mexico. Handcrafted.

Where to find us

Points of sale

Find Chilcuague at allied stores all over Colombia. Enable your location to see the point nearest to you.

We are adding points of sale. In the meantime, message us and we will tell you where to get Chilcuague near you.

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How to buy

Three ways to get your Golden Root

Choose the channel you prefer: buy online, message us directly or visit an allied point of sale.

Online store

Add your products to the cart and complete your order. We arrange payment and delivery with you.

Go to the shop

WhatsApp and Instagram

Personal service via WhatsApp (+57 311 563 7979) or Instagram @chilcuague.co. We advise you and ship all over Colombia.

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Points of sale

Find Chilcuague at allied natural-product stores. Check the map and the point nearest to you.

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Gallery

The root, the flower and the product

Chilcuague spray line and nasal inhaler over roots

FAQ

Everything about the Golden Root

What is chilcuague?

It is the root of Heliopsis longipes, a plant endemic to the Sierra Gorda in central Mexico, popularly known as golden root, Aztec root or chilcuán. It has been used in traditional Mexican medicine since pre-Hispanic times.

What does it feel like?

Its active compound, affinin, produces a distinctive sensation: an intense tingling or prickling followed by a slight numbness in the mouth. It is normal — and the sign that the extract is authentic.

What is it traditionally used for?

Mexican herbal tradition uses it for throat, gum and tooth discomfort, as digestive support and for skin care. It is not a medicine and does not replace care from a health professional.

How do I use the spray and the inhaler?

The spray is applied directly to the mouth or throat as indicated on each label. The nasal inhaler is applied 1–2 times in each nostril up to 4 times a day, blowing your nose gently after a minute.

Any precautions?

Avoid contact with the eyes and do not use for more than a month after opening. Consult a doctor in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, use in children, or if sensitivity appears. Keep out of reach of children.

Do you ship all over Colombia?

Yes. We ship to every department of Colombia. When you complete your order we coordinate the shipping method and delivery time for your city via WhatsApp.

How do I pay for my order?

Your order is confirmed via WhatsApp and you can pay by bank transfer, deposit or cash on delivery depending on your city.

Where can I buy it in a physical store?

We work with allied natural-product stores in several cities of Colombia. Message us on WhatsApp and we will point you to the nearest point of sale.

Chilcuague

What is chilcuague?

Chilcuague

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What we know about the Golden Root

From the Mexican Sierra Gorda to your home in Colombia

Points of sale