it breaks down kidney stones.
prevents calcium oxalate crystals from forming, dissolves existing crystals, relaxes the urinary tract muscles so stones pass with less pain, reduces calcium loss into urine, and increases citrate (which naturally dissolves stones).
typical dose: 400-500mg extract 3 times daily, or tea of dried herb (1-2 teaspoons in hot water, 3 cups daily).
if you have a kidney stone that's actively blocking the ureter (causing severe pain, blocked urine flow, infection), you need ER care, not chanca piedra. use this preventively or for small stones, not for acute obstruction.

also helps with gallstones.
the same anti-crystal mechanisms that break up kidney stones, work on the cholesterol crystals that form gallstones.
plus it stimulates bile flow, which helps prevent new stones from forming. good for gallstone prevention, supporting natural passage of small gallstones, and gallbladder dysfunction without acute attacks.

the lignans inhibit hepatitis B virus replication AND protect liver cells from damage.
used for hepatitis B, hepatitis C adjunct support, fatty liver disease, and chronic liver inflammation.
phyllanthus blocks viral replication. kills hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C, herpes simplex, and HIV in lab studies.

lowers uric acid levels, which is what causes gout flares and kidney stones in some people.

helps prevent stomach ulcers and supports healing of existing ulcers. has activity against H. pylori.

if you're trying to conceive, may want to avoid. if you're using other plants for fertility suppression, this might add a mild effect, but is way less reliable than queen anne's lace seeds or other documented herbal contraceptives. involves possible interference with ovulation and reproductive hormone signaling.