Erythroxylum catuaba / Catuaba / Erythroxylaceae (Coca family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Cataguá, Chuchuhuasha, Tatuaba, Pau de Reposta, Caramuru, Piratançara, Angelim-rosa, Catiguá.

Description

"Catuaba" is a generic term for bark from different trees such as Trichilia catigua, Erythroxylum catuaba, Erythroxylum raccinfolium, Anemopaegna arvense, Phyllanthus nobilis etc. The actual species we offer might vary from one batch to another. These Brazilian trees are used interchangeably by indigenous people, like the Tupi. Preparing it as a tea, they claim it produces an immediate lifting of mood and libido.(1)

Contents

The constituents found in Catuaba include a bitter substance, alkaloids, tannins, aromatic oils and fatty resins, phytosterols, cyclolignans and a chemical Brazilian scientists named, Ioimbina.

Synergic Combinations

Catuaba is often used in combination with Muira Puama as an aphrodisiac.

Historical

Few beneficial plants are as popular or as widely consumed among the natives of the northern Amazon river basin as the barks of Catuaba and Muira Puama. These two common trees grow widely from Peru to Brazil. Both have been used extensively by natives and non-natives for centuries, to increase libido and improve sexual potency.(2)
In Brazil there is a saying which goes, "Until a father reaches 60, the son is his, after that the son is Catuaba's."(1)

Plant Description

Native to Brazil, catuaba is a medium-sized, vigorous growing, leafy tree with a thick knotty trunk. The root system is mostly above ground and each root measures from 2 to 2.5 meters. It produces pretty yellow and orange flowers, and small, oval, dark yellow inedible fruit. It can be found in the Amazon, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Maranhao, and Alagoas.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Norway

References

(1) Catuaba, Raintree Tropical Plant Database
(2) Herb Sex Boosters, Discovery Health

Uncaria tomentosa / Cat`s Claw / Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

uña de gato, paraguayo, garabato, garbato casha, samento, toroñ, tambor huasca, uña huasca, uña de gavilan, hawk's claw, saventaro

Description

Cat's Claw or Uña de gato is derived from the bark of a large woody vine, commonly Uncaria tomentosa, although natives use Uncaria guianensis interchangeably. It's name is derived from the claw-like thorns that grow along the vine's pedicule. It is a traditional herbal used by numerous cultures in the Amazon river basin. The Ashinika tribe of central Perú has been most widely associated with its ethnomedical use but other tribes such as the Aguaruna, Cashibo, Conibo, and Shipobo are thought to have used Cat's claw for over 2000 years. Cat's Claw is a wonderful gift of nature. According to several monographs(1) Uncaria tomentosa contributes to the immune system and helps to maintain flexible joints.

Contents

Cat's claw contains ajmalicine, akuammigine, campesterol, catechin, carboxyl alkyl esters, chlorogenic acid, cinchonain, corynantheine, corynoxeine, daucosterol, epicatechin, harman, hirsuteine, hirsutine, iso-pteropodine, loganic acid, lyaloside, mitraphylline, oleanolic acid, palmitoleic acid, procyanidins, pteropodine quinovic acid glycosides, rhynchophylline, rutin, sitosterols, speciophylline, stigmasterol, strictosidines, uncarine A thru F, and vaccenic acid. (2)

Historical

Cat's Claw (U. tomentosa) has been used medicinally by the Aguaruna, Asháninka, Cashibo, Conibo, and Shipibo tribes of Peru for at least 2,000 years. The Asháninka Indian tribe in central Peru has the longest recorded history of use of the plant. They are also the largest commercial source of Cat's Claw from Peru today.
Cat's Claw has been used in Peru and Europe since the early 1990s as an adjunctive treatment for diseases that target the immune system. In herbal medicine today, cat's claw is employed around the world for many different conditions.(2)
The inner bark of Cat's Claw is used to make liquid extracts, capsules, and teas. Preparations of Cat's Claw can also be applied to the skin.(3)

Health Warnings

Pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, and individuals who have autoimmune conditions should avoid taking cat’s claw. (4)
Individuals allergic to plants in the Rubiaceae family and different species of Uncaria may be more likely to have allergic reactions to Cat's Claw.
There are other plants which are known as cat's claw (or uña de gato) in Mexico and Latin America; however, they are entirely different plants, belonging to neither the Uncaria genus, nor to the Rubiaceae family. Some of the Mexican uña de gato varieties are known to have toxic properties. (5)

Plant Description

Uncaria tomentosa is a liana deriving its name from hook-like thorns that resemble the claws of a cat. U. tomentosa can grow up to 30m tall, climbing by means of these thorns. The leaves are elliptic with a smooth edge, and grow in opposite whorls of two. Cat's claw is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, with its habitat being restricted primarily to the tropical areas of South and Central America. (5)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
• Norway

References

(1) Document: NL-E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(2) Cat's Claw, Raintree Tropical Plant Database
(3) Herbs at a Glance: Cat's Claw, NCCAM, US National Institutes of Health
(4) Cat's Claw, DrugDigest
(5) Uncaria tomentosa, Wikipedia

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Una de Gato or Cat' s Claw: Another Valuable Treasure from the Peruvian Rain Forest

Uncaria tomentosa / Cat`s Claw / Rubiaceae (Coffee family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

uña de gato, paraguayo, garabato, garbato casha, samento, toroñ, tambor huasca, uña huasca, uña de gavilan, hawk's claw, saventaro

Description

Cat's Claw or Uña de gato is derived from the bark of a large woody vine, commonly Uncaria tomentosa, although natives use Uncaria guianensis interchangeably. It's name is derived from the claw-like thorns that grow along the vine's pedicule. It is a traditional herbal used by numerous cultures in the Amazon river basin. The Ashinika tribe of central Perú has been most widely associated with its ethnomedical use but other tribes such as the Aguaruna, Cashibo, Conibo, and Shipobo are thought to have used Cat's claw for over 2000 years. Cat's Claw is a wonderful gift of nature. According to several monographs(1) Uncaria tomentosa contributes to the immune system and helps to maintain flexible joints.

Contents

Cat's claw contains ajmalicine, akuammigine, campesterol, catechin, carboxyl alkyl esters, chlorogenic acid, cinchonain, corynantheine, corynoxeine, daucosterol, epicatechin, harman, hirsuteine, hirsutine, iso-pteropodine, loganic acid, lyaloside, mitraphylline, oleanolic acid, palmitoleic acid, procyanidins, pteropodine quinovic acid glycosides, rhynchophylline, rutin, sitosterols, speciophylline, stigmasterol, strictosidines, uncarine A thru F, and vaccenic acid. (2)

Historical

Cat's Claw (U. tomentosa) has been used medicinally by the Aguaruna, Asháninka, Cashibo, Conibo, and Shipibo tribes of Peru for at least 2,000 years. The Asháninka Indian tribe in central Peru has the longest recorded history of use of the plant. They are also the largest commercial source of Cat's Claw from Peru today.
Cat's Claw has been used in Peru and Europe since the early 1990s as an adjunctive treatment for diseases that target the immune system. In herbal medicine today, cat's claw is employed around the world for many different conditions.(2)
The inner bark of Cat's Claw is used to make liquid extracts, capsules, and teas. Preparations of Cat's Claw can also be applied to the skin.(3)

Health Warnings

Pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, and individuals who have autoimmune conditions should avoid taking cat’s claw. (4)
Individuals allergic to plants in the Rubiaceae family and different species of Uncaria may be more likely to have allergic reactions to Cat's Claw.
There are other plants which are known as cat's claw (or uña de gato) in Mexico and Latin America; however, they are entirely different plants, belonging to neither the Uncaria genus, nor to the Rubiaceae family. Some of the Mexican uña de gato varieties are known to have toxic properties. (5)

Plant Description

Uncaria tomentosa is a liana deriving its name from hook-like thorns that resemble the claws of a cat. U. tomentosa can grow up to 30m tall, climbing by means of these thorns. The leaves are elliptic with a smooth edge, and grow in opposite whorls of two. Cat's claw is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, with its habitat being restricted primarily to the tropical areas of South and Central America. (5)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
• Norway

References

(1) Document: NL-E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(2) Cat's Claw, Raintree Tropical Plant Database
(3) Herbs at a Glance: Cat's Claw, NCCAM, US National Institutes of Health
(4) Cat's Claw, DrugDigest
(5) Uncaria tomentosa, Wikipedia

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Una de Gato or Cat' s Claw: Another Valuable Treasure from the Peruvian Rain Forest

Maytenus macrocarpa / Chuchuhuasi / Celastraceae (Bittersweet family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

Maytenus Macrocarpa has large leaves (10-30cm), small, white flowers, and extremely tough, heavy, reddish-brown bark. Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have been using the bark of chuchuhuasi for health purposes for centuries. The bark soaked in the local rum (Aguardiente) is a popular jungle drink that is even served to tourists.

Contents

The main plant chemicals found in chuchuhuasi include: agarofuran sesquiterpenes, canophyllol, catechin tannins, dammarane triterpenes, dulcitol, ebenifoline alkaloids, euojaponine alkaloids, friedelan triterpenes, krukovine triterpenes, laevisine alkaloids, macrocarpin triterpenes, maytansine, mayteine, maytenin, mebeverine, phenoldienones, pristimeran, proanthocyanidins, and tingenone (and its derivatives). (1)

Historical

Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have been using the bark of chuchuhuasi medicinally for centuries. Its Peruvian name, chuchuhuasi, means "trembling back". Local people and villagers along the Amazon believe that chuchuhuasi is an aphrodisiac and tonic, and the bark soaked in the local sugarcane rum (aguardiente) is a popular jungle drink that is even served in bars and to tourists (its often called "go-juice" to relieve pain and muscle aches and to "keep going" during long treks in the rainforest). Local healers and curanderos in the Amazon use chuchuhuasi combined with other medicinal plants, as a synergist for many types of illnesses. (1)

Plant Description

Maytenus Macrocarpa has large leaves (10-30cm), small, white flowers, and extremely tough, heavy, reddish-brown bark. Several botanical names have been given to this species of tree. It is referenced as Maytenus krukovii, M. ebenifolia, M. laevis, and M. macrocarpa; all botanical names refer to the same tree. Chuchuhausi is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

References

(1) Chuchuhuasi, Raintree Plant Database

Cinnamomum zeylanicum / Cinnamon / Lauraceae (Laurel family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Cinnamomun Zeylanicum, True Cinnamom, Ceylon Cinnamom, Kwai, Kaneel, Canela, Canella.

Description

Cinnamon is an ancient spice mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It is a bushy evergreen tree of the Laurel family. Native to Sri Lanka, India, and Burma, Cinnamon is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies for the spice consisting of its dried inner bark. The light-brown spice has a delicately fragrant aroma and warm, sweet flavor. It was once more valuable than gold. Today Cinnamon is used as a spice, for incense, and in aromatherapy. The oil is distilled from bark fragments for use in food, medicine, liqueur, and perfumery. There are many species of Cinnamon, but the dominating species used for incense and spice is the Ceylon Cinnamon. It has a more delicate aroma and is the dominating quality on the Western market. Essential oil can be obtained from its bark and leaves.

Scent

Cinnamon has a peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woody fragrance.

Aromatic Properties

It is believed by some, that burning Cinnamon in incense will induce higher spirituality and aid in healing. The fragrance of Cinnamon makes one feel warm and protected. Some people also believe it can stimulate the passions of a male.

Contents

Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehyde, essential oils, eugenol, metholeugenol, muscilage, sucrose, starch and tannin.

Synergic Combinations

In a smudge or incense mixtures Cinnamon combines nicely with Ceder, Juniper, Sage and Sandalwood.

Historical

Native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), true Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term "Amomon", meaning "fragrant spice plant". Ancient Egyptians used Cinnamon in their embalming process. From their word for "Cannon", Italians called it "Canella", meaning "little tube," which clearly describes Cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon has a huge variety in possible uses in its history. Most common uses are for medicine and cooking. Cinnamon has also a history as a warming and healing ingredient in incense and aromatherapy. Cinnamon has had many medicinal purposes in many cultures throughout the history. It is mentioned in the Old Testament a few times. As a spice it is most known in sweet desserts, but in meditterenean dishes also used with meat (because of its preservative properties). Many wars have been fought over Cinnamon. In the 17th century, the Dutch seized the world's largest Cinnamon supplier, the island of Ceylon, from the Portuguese, demanding outrageous quotas from the poor laboring Chalia caste. When the Dutch learned of a source of Cinnamon along the coast of India, they bribed and threatened the local king to destroy it all, thus preserving their monopoly on the prized spice.

Health Warnings

As a widely used food spice, ground Cinnamon bark is believed to be safe. However, Cinnamon's essential oil is much more concentrated than the powdered bark commonly used. There is some evidence that high doses of Cinnamon oil might depress the central nervous system (1). Germany's Commission E recommends that pregnant women should avoid taking Cinnamon oil or high doses of the bark (2). Maximum safe doses in young children, nursing women, or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease have not been determined. When used topically, Cinnamon bark oil may cause flushing and a burning sensation (3). Some people have reported strong burning sensations or mouth ulcers after chewing Cinnamon-flavored gum or candy (4-5). However, these reactions disappeared within days of discontinuing the gum.

Plant Description

Cinnamon is the common name for the trees and shrubs that belong to the genus Cinnamomum of the Laurel family (Lauraceae). Cinnamon spice comes primarily from the Sri Lankan Cinnamon known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It is obtained from the plant by drying the central part of the bark, which is then sold in stick or powdered form. Cinnamon oil is extracted from the waste products of drying and the pointed black fruits that the tree bears. It is a small tree, to 90m. Leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, to 18cm long, obtuse or acute; panicles as long as leaves; flowers inconspicuous, yellowish.

References

(1) Harada M, Ozaki Y. Pharmacological studies on Chinese cinnamon. Central effects of cinnamaldehyde (in Japanese). Yakugaku Zasshi. 1972;92:135-140
(2) Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 110.
(3) Perry PA, Dean BS, Krenzelok EP. Cinnamon oil abuse by adolescents. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1990;32:162-164.
(4) Allen CM, Blozis GG. Oral mucosal reactions to cinnamon-flavored chewing gum. J Am Dent Assoc. 1988;116:664-667.
(5) Mihail RC. Oral leukoplakia caused by cinnamon food allergy. J Otolaryngol. 1992;21:366-367.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum - Ethnobotanical Leaflets

Cinnamomum zeylanicum / Cinnamon / Lauraceae (Laurel family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Cinnamomun Zeylanicum, True Cinnamom, Ceylon Cinnamom, Kwai, Kaneel, Canela, Canella.

Description

Cinnamon is an ancient spice mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It is a bushy evergreen tree of the Laurel family. Native to Sri Lanka, India, and Burma, Cinnamon is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies for the spice consisting of its dried inner bark. The light-brown spice has a delicately fragrant aroma and warm, sweet flavor. It was once more valuable than gold. Today Cinnamon is used as a spice, for incense, and in aromatherapy. The oil is distilled from bark fragments for use in food, medicine, liqueur, and perfumery. There are many species of Cinnamon, but the dominating species used for incense and spice is the Ceylon Cinnamon. It has a more delicate aroma and is the dominating quality on the Western market. Essential oil can be obtained from its bark and leaves.

Scent

Cinnamon has a peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woody fragrance.

Aromatic Properties

It is believed by some, that burning Cinnamon in incense will induce higher spirituality and aid in healing. The fragrance of Cinnamon makes one feel warm and protected. Some people also believe it can stimulate the passions of a male.

Contents

Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehyde, essential oils, eugenol, metholeugenol, muscilage, sucrose, starch and tannin.

Synergic Combinations

In a smudge or incense mixtures Cinnamon combines nicely with Ceder, Juniper, Sage and Sandalwood.

Historical

Native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), true Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term "Amomon", meaning "fragrant spice plant". Ancient Egyptians used Cinnamon in their embalming process. From their word for "Cannon", Italians called it "Canella", meaning "little tube," which clearly describes Cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon has a huge variety in possible uses in its history. Most common uses are for medicine and cooking. Cinnamon has also a history as a warming and healing ingredient in incense and aromatherapy. Cinnamon has had many medicinal purposes in many cultures throughout the history. It is mentioned in the Old Testament a few times. As a spice it is most known in sweet desserts, but in meditterenean dishes also used with meat (because of its preservative properties). Many wars have been fought over Cinnamon. In the 17th century, the Dutch seized the world's largest Cinnamon supplier, the island of Ceylon, from the Portuguese, demanding outrageous quotas from the poor laboring Chalia caste. When the Dutch learned of a source of Cinnamon along the coast of India, they bribed and threatened the local king to destroy it all, thus preserving their monopoly on the prized spice.

Health Warnings

As a widely used food spice, ground Cinnamon bark is believed to be safe. However, Cinnamon's essential oil is much more concentrated than the powdered bark commonly used. There is some evidence that high doses of Cinnamon oil might depress the central nervous system (1). Germany's Commission E recommends that pregnant women should avoid taking Cinnamon oil or high doses of the bark (2). Maximum safe doses in young children, nursing women, or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease have not been determined. When used topically, Cinnamon bark oil may cause flushing and a burning sensation (3). Some people have reported strong burning sensations or mouth ulcers after chewing Cinnamon-flavored gum or candy (4-5). However, these reactions disappeared within days of discontinuing the gum.

Plant Description

Cinnamon is the common name for the trees and shrubs that belong to the genus Cinnamomum of the Laurel family (Lauraceae). Cinnamon spice comes primarily from the Sri Lankan Cinnamon known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It is obtained from the plant by drying the central part of the bark, which is then sold in stick or powdered form. Cinnamon oil is extracted from the waste products of drying and the pointed black fruits that the tree bears. It is a small tree, to 90m. Leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, to 18cm long, obtuse or acute; panicles as long as leaves; flowers inconspicuous, yellowish.

References

(1) Harada M, Ozaki Y. Pharmacological studies on Chinese cinnamon. Central effects of cinnamaldehyde (in Japanese). Yakugaku Zasshi. 1972;92:135-140
(2) Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998: 110.
(3) Perry PA, Dean BS, Krenzelok EP. Cinnamon oil abuse by adolescents. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1990;32:162-164.
(4) Allen CM, Blozis GG. Oral mucosal reactions to cinnamon-flavored chewing gum. J Am Dent Assoc. 1988;116:664-667.
(5) Mihail RC. Oral leukoplakia caused by cinnamon food allergy. J Otolaryngol. 1992;21:366-367.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum - Ethnobotanical Leaflets

Eucommia ulmoides / Hardy Rubber tree / Eucommiaceae (Eucommia family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Brosimum acutifolium / Murure / Moraceae (Mulberry family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ahua Jonra, Amapá Doce, Bois Mondan, Bururé, Congona, Leche-Caspi, Manichi, Mercuio-vegetal, Mercurio Vegetal, Mercurio-da-terra-firma, Morure, Muira-Piranga, Murare, Murure, Murure-Vermelho, Mururi, Quecho, Takini, Takweni, Tamamuri, Tauni, Urupi, Vegetable Mercury.

Description

Brosimum acutifolium is a large canopy tree of the Amazon rainforest that grows 15 to 25 m high. In traditional medicine "the bark is used as an anti-inflammatory and a treatment for rheumatism"(3). It has also been used in magic to protect from bad spells. Brosimum acutifolium goes by different local names including Murure, Tamamuri and Takini. In the Guiana Plateau a potion prepared from the latex of the tree is used in shamanism.

Contents

Brosimum acutifolium bark contains flavans, flavanoids, lignans, phenylpropanoids, benezoids, and steroids. Many of these chemicals are novel ones never before seen by scientists, including 6 chemicals they have named "acutifolins" and 13 chemicals named "brosimacutins".(2)
The latex of the subspecies Brosimum acutifolium Huber subsp. acutifolium C.C. Berg contains bufotenin (5-hydroxy-dimethyltryptamine). This is the same alkaloid found in Anadenthara sp., Mucuna pruriens, and several toads of the Bufo genus. (1)(3)

Historical

Shipibo-Conibo Indians on the Ucayali River in the Peruvian Amazon have a legend about Brosimum acutifolium or Tamamuri as they call it. They believe that when a man ingests the white latex of the Tamamuri tree that he will father light-skinned male children. They also use the bark medicinally (in decoctions). The Wayãpi Indians in Guyana also attribute magical properties to the tree. They believe the latex of the tree will help protect them from witchcraft and bad spells. Brosimum acutifolium is widely used in herbal medicine in South America. Shamans of several peoples in Suriname, French Guiana, and the region east of the Para in Brazil have used the latex of the tree for its visionary properties.(2)(3)

Plant Description

Brosimum acutifolium is a large canopy tree of the Amazon rainforest that grows 15 to 25 m high. It produces a white to light pink latex when the smooth trunk bark is wounded or the leaf stems are broken from the branches. It has oblong veined leaves about 8-15 cm long by 4-5 cm wide. Brosimum acutifolium is found throughout the lower elevations of the Amazon basin, usually growing alongside streams and rivers where its fruits (similar to a fig but with one large seed inside) are eaten by fish when it falls from the tree. (2)

References

(1) Bufotenin, Wikipedia article.
(2) Tamamuri, Raintree nutrition.
(3) Identification of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (bufotenine) in takini (Brosimum acutifolium Huber subsp. acutifolium C.C. Berg, Moraceae), a shamanic potion used in the Guiana Plateau, Moretti C, Gaillard Y, Grenand P, Bévalot F, Prévosto JM (2006)

Brosimum acutifolium / Murure / Moraceae (Mulberry family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ahua Jonra, Amapá Doce, Bois Mondan, Bururé, Congona, Leche-Caspi, Manichi, Mercuio-vegetal, Mercurio Vegetal, Mercurio-da-terra-firma, Morure, Muira-Piranga, Murare, Murure, Murure-Vermelho, Mururi, Quecho, Takini, Takweni, Tamamuri, Tauni, Urupi, Vegetable Mercury.

Description

Brosimum acutifolium is a large canopy tree of the Amazon rainforest that grows 15 to 25 m high. In traditional medicine "the bark is used as an anti-inflammatory and a treatment for rheumatism"(3). It has also been used in magic to protect from bad spells. Brosimum acutifolium goes by different local names including Murure, Tamamuri and Takini. In the Guiana Plateau a potion prepared from the latex of the tree is used in shamanism.

Contents

Brosimum acutifolium bark contains flavans, flavanoids, lignans, phenylpropanoids, benezoids, and steroids. Many of these chemicals are novel ones never before seen by scientists, including 6 chemicals they have named "acutifolins" and 13 chemicals named "brosimacutins".(2)
The latex of the subspecies Brosimum acutifolium Huber subsp. acutifolium C.C. Berg contains bufotenin (5-hydroxy-dimethyltryptamine). This is the same alkaloid found in Anadenthara sp., Mucuna pruriens, and several toads of the Bufo genus. (1)(3)

Historical

Shipibo-Conibo Indians on the Ucayali River in the Peruvian Amazon have a legend about Brosimum acutifolium or Tamamuri as they call it. They believe that when a man ingests the white latex of the Tamamuri tree that he will father light-skinned male children. They also use the bark medicinally (in decoctions). The Wayãpi Indians in Guyana also attribute magical properties to the tree. They believe the latex of the tree will help protect them from witchcraft and bad spells. Brosimum acutifolium is widely used in herbal medicine in South America. Shamans of several peoples in Suriname, French Guiana, and the region east of the Para in Brazil have used the latex of the tree for its visionary properties.(2)(3)

Plant Description

Brosimum acutifolium is a large canopy tree of the Amazon rainforest that grows 15 to 25 m high. It produces a white to light pink latex when the smooth trunk bark is wounded or the leaf stems are broken from the branches. It has oblong veined leaves about 8-15 cm long by 4-5 cm wide. Brosimum acutifolium is found throughout the lower elevations of the Amazon basin, usually growing alongside streams and rivers where its fruits (similar to a fig but with one large seed inside) are eaten by fish when it falls from the tree. (2)

References

(1) Bufotenin, Wikipedia article.
(2) Tamamuri, Raintree nutrition.
(3) Identification of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (bufotenine) in takini (Brosimum acutifolium Huber subsp. acutifolium C.C. Berg, Moraceae), a shamanic potion used in the Guiana Plateau, Moretti C, Gaillard Y, Grenand P, Bévalot F, Prévosto JM (2006)

Tabebuia serratifolia / Pao d'Arco / Bignoniaceae (Bignonia family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Pau d’ Arco, Surinam greenheart, pau d'arco, taheebo, ipe roxo, yellow poui, amapa, tahuari, chonta, acapro lanco, tucano, chacaradanga, red-purple lapacho.

Description

Pau d'Arco's history and uses dates back to the early history of native Indians with scientific documentations starting in the 1800's. It is a huge wild tree of the Amazon, it grows to 46m high, and the base of the tree can be 2 to 3m in diameter. It produces beautiful, large, purple flowers. "Tahuari", as it is also called, has a long and well-documented history of use by the people of the rainforest, who use several species of Tabeuia, including T. Heptaphylla, T. Impetiginosa, T. Rosea and T. Serratifolia. There are indications that its use may actually antedate the Incas. This tree has played an important part in herbal medicine.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland
• Norway

Aspidosperma quebracho / Quebracho / Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Quebracho, Quebracho Blanco. The name Quebracho is derived from the Spanish "Quebra Hacha" meaning "axe-breaker" and is an indication of the hardness of the wood.

Description

Quebracho is an evergreen tree which sometimes rises to 90 meters, with an erect stem and wide-spreading crown. The tree from which Quebracho wood bark is derived is native to Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Southern Brazil.
It is reputedly one of the hardest woods, and is commercially used both for construction and in the production of leather because of its high tannin content. The wood of all the species of this genus is valuable.

Scent

The taste is very bitter, but there is scarcely any odour.

Contents

Contains six alkaloids: Aspidospermine, Aspidospermatine, Aspidosamine, Quebrachine, Hypoquebrachine and Quebrachamine. All agree that quebrachine is the most active. Two new sugars, quebrachite and laevogyrate inosite, tannin and starch have also been extracted.

Additional Remarks

Two other plants are known as Quebracho: Schinopsis Lorenzii, the wood of which is sold in commerce as 'quebracho wood,' and Iodina rhombifolia, 'quebracho flojo', the wood and bark of which are sometimes substituted for the 'quebracho colorado'.

Historical

Quebracho is used by indigenous Shamans known as Paleros, (those that use wood) specializing in the use of trees as teachers. They speak with great reverence about several species called Remocaspi. These formidable trees with their huge buttressed roots are said to be among the most powerful spirits of the jungle, capable of bestowing sublime insight to the carefully prepared user. The Shaman warns, however, that the same tree can mete out death to anyone who has not properly prepared by following a strict diet and regime of abstinence.
Quebracho wood is extremely hard and is used in construction, or an extract of the wood is used for its high tannin content particularly in the leather tanning industry.

Plant Description

This tree is a large evergreen, having pendant branchlets, bearing small elliptic-lanceolate, acutely-pointed leaves, which are opposite, or tri-verticillate, and subsessile. They have entire, stiff margins. The flowers are axillary, cymose, small, and yellow. The fruit is a ligneous capsule, containing seeds having broad wings.
This tree is a native of Chili and the Argentine Republic.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Finland

References

Aspidosperma, from King's American Dispensatory, by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898
Quebracho, A modern Herbal, by Mrs M. Grieve