8 benefits of barbatimão, contraindications and ways of use

Barbatimão is a plant from the Brazilian cerrado with medicinal properties, as explained by Ellen D’arc (CRN DF – 5574), a nutritionist at Bio Mundo. It is popularly used to treat wounds or burns. It can be used as tea, tincture or even in the formulation of skin products, such as soaps or creams. Learn about the main benefits of barbatimão, contraindications and ways to use it.

8 benefits of barbatimão

There are many benefits attributed to the use of barbatimão, check out the main ones below:

1. Defense of the organism

Ellen highlights that barbatimão is rich in tannins and flavonoids, substances that act in the defense of the body.

2. Fight against candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that affects the skin, mouth or genitals. With its antifungal properties, barbatimão helps to prevent the proliferation of these fungi that cause the disease.

3. Sore throat relief

With antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, barbatimão can be a good ally to relieve pain and other annoyances from an inflamed throat.

4. Ally for good digestion

Barbatimão helps to reduce gastric acidity, thus contributing to good digestion, with less chance of heartburn, gastritis, among other problems related to the digestive system.

For this, however, it must be consumed under the guidance of a doctor/or nutritionist, as there are cases in which barbatimão, especially if used in excess, can be harmful to the stomach.

5. Wound healing

Barbatimão is well known for its benefits for the skin, especially for its healing power (due to the tannins present in its composition), in addition to helping to treat burns.

6. Fighting bleeding

Also due to the presence of tannins, barbatimão stimulates the contraction of blood vessels, reducing blood flow and thus preventing bleeding.

7. Oral health ally

Barbatimão has bactericidal properties that prevent cavities, gingivitis and bad breath.

8. Combat and prevention of skin diseases and infections

Due to its antimicrobial (which kills or inhibits the development of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses), healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, barbatimão can help treat or prevent infections and skin diseases such as example, psoriasis, acne, itching. It can also help fight oiliness of the skin.

These are just examples of benefits that barbatimão can offer to health when used correctly, preferably following the guidelines of a doctor and/or nutritionist (depending on the purpose of use).

How to use barbatimão

But, after all, how to use barbatimão and enjoy the many benefits it offers?

barbatimão tea

Ellen comments that the most common form of consumption is tea made from barbatimão bark. “The recommendation is to use 2 tablespoons (20g) of sanitized and dried barbatimão bark for 1 liter of filtered water. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes; then just strain it and it will be ready for consumption”, she explains.

Barbatimão tea is a good option when you hope to soothe a sore throat, improve the body’s defense, maintain good oral health, improve digestion, among other benefits.

The topical use of barbatimão tea can be indicated in cases of skin diseases or infections and in the treatment of candidiasis, for example. But it is essential that it be used in these cases only when there is a medical prescription.

Barbatimão dye

Ellen explains that, from the bark of barbatimão and through the decoction process, you can make barbatimão tincture. This version can be used directly on the skin (diluted in water) to treat skin diseases and infections, burns, etc.; or even for sitz baths, in cases of vaginal discharge, for example.

The consumption of tincture diluted in water can also offer benefits, treating, for example, sore throats, but it should always be guided by a professional.

Barbatimão intimate soap

Barbatimão is widely used in the formulation of intimate soaps due to its properties (antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, etc.) .

Ellen adds that barbatimão can also be used in the formulation of ointments, creams and soaps in general. “The bark powder can also be sprayed directly on external wounds, with a healing and anti-inflammatory effect”, she adds.

Cautions and Contraindications

Despite the many health benefits it can offer, the use of barbatimão requires some care and is not suitable for everyone.

care

“An essential care is never to exceed the consumption of one liter of barbatimão tea per day. In addition, the seeds should not be ingested, as they are toxic”, highlights Ellen.

Contraindications

“Barbatimão can cause stomach irritation and is not recommended for people with problems such as ulcers and stomach cancer. It should not yet be used by pregnant and lactating women”, highlights nutritionist Ellen.

All this reinforces the importance of having the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist before starting to use barbatimão so that you can enjoy the benefits it offers. Enjoy and learn about the benefits of lettuce tea.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.