5 indigenous plants that you can find in the herbalist

Many medicinal plants of the East such as ginkgo, ginseng or turmeric are very familiar to us. They represent an ancient herbal tradition and They are already part of our cultural heritage.

The same is not true of the rich flora of the Amazon, which instead we see as a distant and exotic curiosityto which scientific evidence is rarely attributed and therefore tends to be underestimated.

Indigenous peoples use between two and three thousand species for medicinal purposes. Each Amazonian people has developed specific knowledge about the healing possibilities of the plants in your environmentalone but sometimes also in interaction with each other.

Many of these plants are presented to us as a panacea, some with the halo of aphrodisiac or hallucinogenicwhich fits well with the irrepressible vegetal exuberance of the landscape from which they come.

An ancestral knowledge in danger of extinction

35% of the planet’s forest reserve is concentrated in the Amazon. In this vast forest mass, they have identified more than five thousand species of plants that may have medicinal, nutritional, cosmetic or aromatic interest.

LThe Amazonian population is losing this precious knowledge due to the rampant acculturation, the relationship of disadvantage between the knowledge of ethno-medicine and the official health services, and above all, by the unstoppable process of deforestation of the Amazon jungle. Another threat is patent piracy by the pharmaceutical industry.

Promote the care and cultivation of medicinal plants by the indigenous peoples would be an asset for these populations, but until now the collection to supply the growing external demand has been done in a disorderly way and without a prior classification of the species, which devalues ​​them.

The shaman is an indispensable character in indigenous societies for his ability to find solutions to the problems that afflict the members of the tribe. It uses the taking of preparations with hallucinogenic or psychoactive effects, such as ayahuasca, chacruna or glove, in elaborate rituals to discover the dilemma that is hidden under the surface of things or in a crisis.

They are the ones who have basic knowledge about the plants that are in their environment, and this knowledge has been transmitted experimentally generation after generation.

5 medicinal plants from the Amazon that you will find in Europe

The list of Amazonian plants with medicinal powers is endless, and many have already received the attention of the scientific investigation As the pao d’arcothe dragon’s bloodthe muira pauma and more recently the inca inchinew remedy for cholesterol.

Others remain an enigma to science, but are widely used by indigenous peoples, such as the capirona, casha huasca, jatoba, puxuri, camu-camu And a long etcetera.

We selected five that can be found in any herbalist Spanish or order on request.

Copaiba for bronchitis

The copaiba (Copaif was multiplayer) It is a majestic tree up to 45 meters high and a trunk 1.50 meters in diameter. With medicinal purposes the oleoresin is used, which is obtained by making an incision in the bark.

indigenous use: As an antibiotic, to heal and heal wounds, for psoriasis and gonorrhea. And as fuel.

to whom it suits: It is intended for the treatment of bronchitis, urinary tract infections, hemorrhoids and topical use on eczema and wounds.

how to take: Fluid extract, tincture, lotion balm.

Andiroba, skin friend

The andiroba (carapa guianensis) it is an imposing tree found in alluvial areas. His wood is in great demand due to its high moisture resistance.

indigenous use: Amazonian peoples such as the Munduruku and the Wayapi have used it for centuries to obtain pigments and dyes, as fuel, as insect repellent or against hair parasites.

Who is it suitable for: The main application of this tree faithfully reflects the indigenous use of skin protectant against insect bites, disinfectant and wound healing, on dermatitis, hives and fungal infections. It is being studied for the treatment of carcinomas and sarcomas.

how to take: Andiroba oil in massage or as a lotion, the leaves in infusion and the bark in decoction.

Catuaba, aphrodisiac and revitalizing

The catuaba (Erythroxylum catuaba) It is a tree from the jungles of northern Brazil. It has orange flowers and yellowish fruits that are toxic.

indigenous use: The tipu tribe has used it for generations as a vigorous aphrodisiac, and many of their dances and prayers allude to this power.

to whom it suits: The effectiveness of the bark as a stimulant of the central nervous system has been demonstrated, and is intended to treat impotence and sexual apathyfatigue, asthenia, to strengthen memory and control nerves.

how to take: In decoction of the bark, in liquid extract and tincture. The effects usually start within half an hour. It can be purchased on request.

Precautions: Avoid before palpitations, tachycardia and anxiety attacks.

More vitality with guarana

He guarana (Paulinia cupana)It is a woody plant up to 10 meters high, with compound leaves and fleshy, oval fruits that contain brown seeds reminiscent of tiny chestnuts. It comes from the Brazilian Amazon. It is one of the best known Amazonian plantsof guaranteed presence in any herbalist.

indigenous use: Among many other applications, to treat diarrhea and physical fatigue.

to whom it suits: It is an excitant of the central nervous system. more effective than coffee. It is indicated as alternative to classic stimulants to feel more uninhibited, overcome states of asthenia, fatigue and relieve nervous migraine. It is also incorporated into slimming diets.

how to take: In powders, to add to yogurt, in capsules, liquid extract, syrup and tincture.

Precautions: Avoid in case of anxiety, palpitations, arrhythmias, insomnia, gastritis and irritable colon. Do not take at night.

Cat’s claw, powerful antioxidant

The Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) It is a liana with thorny branches, with oval-lanceolate leaves and pale pink flowers. The bark is harvested.

indigenous use: In gastritis, rheumatism and to combat sources of infection by fungi, viruses and bacteria, as well as venereal diseases.

Who is it suitable for: To strengthen the immune system and to neutralize the action of free radicals. is marked in allergic processes and to prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. It is being rehearsed in supportive treatment of certain tumors carcinogens.

How it is taken: In decoction, tincture, tablets and liquid extract.

Precautions: Do not take during pregnancy or lactation.