Chuchuhuasi is a tall tree that grows in Amazonian rain forest. Its red-brown bark has been popular for centuries amongst Amazonian tribes and natives because of its healing power. It also works as a stimulant – increases mental energy and well-being. It is highly effective as muscle relaxant and as analgesic. It is also used for faster recovery from various illnesses.
FOR CENTURIES CHUCHUHUASI IS WIDELY USED IN AMAZONIA
Traditionally chuchuhuasi is used by millions of Amazon rain forest inhabitants to relieve pain and inflammation, to treat arthritis, rheumatism and back pain, to restore vigor after a debilitating disease, as a general tonic, and for relieving menstrual pain and enhancing libido, to stimulate immune system, and as excellent insect repellent.
Chuchuhuasi is pretty close to an all-in-one remedy.
CHUCHUHUASI TREE
Tree with this unusual name Chuchuhuasi (lat. Maytenus aelivis, shorter nameChuchuasi), has been used for centuries by inhabitants of Amazonia, especially in Peru, Bolivia and Equador. Tree grows up to 30 m high, has large leaves and small white flowers. Most commonly used for medicine is its brown-reddish, bitter tasting bark which is prepared in form of tinctures, tea and powders.
MOST COMMON TRADITIONAL USES
Word chu-chu-huasi originate from Peruvian language and it literally means “trembling back” as it was most commonly used for alleviating back pains, pains in joints and in muscles. Amongst many things, chuchuhuasi was quite popular as the muscle relaxant, love potion, the immune system stimulant and for alleviating menstrual pains.
SPIRITUAL USE OF CHUCHUHUASI
Chuchuhuasi was also used as spiritual plant as it was frequently used by shamans to help them enter into spiritual world. It can actually induce vivid, but pleasant dreams if taken before bed time.
HIGH POPULARITY AMONG AMAZONIAN LOCALS
Its popularity amongst Peruvian people is reflected on local markets where we can find some kind of product made of chuchuhuasi in every corner, as well in bars there is variety of alcohol beverage containing bark, roots or flowers of chuchuhuasi. Amongst Peruvian men one of the most popular beverage is rum in which chunks of chuchuhuasi’s bark is soaked. It is used as aphrodisiac and strong energy booster.
WHY CHUCHUHUASI®
In the Peruvian Amazon, chuchuhuasi is still considered the best remedy for arthritis among both city and forest dwellers. It is also used as a muscle relaxant, aphrodisiac, and pain-reliever, for adrenal support, as an immune stimulant, and for menstrual balance and regulation. In Peruvian herbal medicine systems, chuchuhuasi alchohol extracts are used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and menstrual irregularities and pain.
FIRST RESEARCHES
Popularity of chuchuhuasi amongst Amazonian local is high and that is the reason why it has drawn attention of many researchers who were trying to find out the reasons for its popularity. Discoveries were surprising.
