Chuchuhuasi
Family Celastraceae
Maytenus macrocarpa, M. abenfolia, M. chuchuhuasca, M. krukovit, M. ilicifolia, others
Common Names in Amazonia
Chocha huasha (shipibo-conibo), Chuchasha, Chuchuhuasca, Chuchuwasha
Biochemistry
Principal active biochemicals are sesquiterpenes, nocotinyl, triterpenes, maytensine, alkaloids
Comments
The bark of the chuchuhuasi tree is a famous ethnomedicine in western Amazonia. It is most commonly used to treat rheumatism, tuberculosis, bronchitis, stomach ache, and fever. Chewing the bark is considered to be an effective treatment for diarrhea, arthritis, a menstrual irregularities, and upset stomach. It is used as a muscle relaxant, effectively breaking up and dispersing lactic actid. It enhances virility. The bark is extremely bitter which is why it is usually taken as an alcoholic decoction, often mixed with bee honey.
Principal effects include libido enhancement, adrenal support, and fortification of the immune system. Traditional guidelines for use of chuchuhuasi require it to be taken before breakfast for at least a month to be effective.
In Colombia, the Siona Indians boil (5 cm) of Chuchuhuasi bark in two liters of water until the decoction reduces to half. This extraction is regarded as a stimulant and aphrodisiac.
In the lowland rain forest of eastern Ecuador, the Quijos Quichua Indians use a decoction of chuchuhuasi for rheumatism, aching muscles, menstrual aches, stomach aches, and general aching.
In Perú, chuchuhuasi is prepared by macerating root bark and letting it steep for eight days in aguardiente (sugar cane liquor). The resulting infusion is reputed to be an aphrodisiac.
Family Celastraceae
Maytenus macrocarpa, M. abenfolia, M. chuchuhuasca, M. krukovit, M. ilicifolia, others
Common Names in Amazonia
Chocha huasha (shipibo-conibo), Chuchasha, Chuchuhuasca, Chuchuwasha
Biochemistry
Principal active biochemicals are sesquiterpenes, nocotinyl, triterpenes, maytensine, alkaloids
Comments
The bark of the chuchuhuasi tree is a famous ethnomedicine in western Amazonia. It is most commonly used to treat rheumatism, tuberculosis, bronchitis, stomach ache, and fever. Chewing the bark is considered to be an effective treatment for diarrhea, arthritis, a menstrual irregularities, and upset stomach. It is used as a muscle relaxant, effectively breaking up and dispersing lactic actid. It enhances virility. The bark is extremely bitter which is why it is usually taken as an alcoholic decoction, often mixed with bee honey.
Principal effects include libido enhancement, adrenal support, and fortification of the immune system. Traditional guidelines for use of chuchuhuasi require it to be taken before breakfast for at least a month to be effective.
In Colombia, the Siona Indians boil (5 cm) of Chuchuhuasi bark in two liters of water until the decoction reduces to half. This extraction is regarded as a stimulant and aphrodisiac.
In the lowland rain forest of eastern Ecuador, the Quijos Quichua Indians use a decoction of chuchuhuasi for rheumatism, aching muscles, menstrual aches, stomach aches, and general aching.
In Perú, chuchuhuasi is prepared by macerating root bark and letting it steep for eight days in aguardiente (sugar cane liquor). The resulting infusion is reputed to be an aphrodisiac.