Catuaba Herbs

Catuaba herbs are derived from the bark of several different trees found in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil. In Brazil catuaba is often infused with wine and sold in supermarkets. In other countries it is generally sold in capsule form, either alone or combined with other herbs, and may be marketed as a sexual stimulant or as an energy booster. It is also available as powder, teas and as a tincture.

Source

• Catuaba trees grow in Northern Brazil, and the catuaba herb that is made from its bark is also known as tatuaba, pau de reposta, caramuru and chuchuhuasha. Three different species are used interchangeably for making catuaba. Trichilia catigua is known as "big catuaba" as the tree grows to 20 to 33 feet in height. Erythroxylum catuaba, known as "small catuaba," is a small fast-growing tree that reaches 6 1/2 to 13 feet in height. Erythroxylum vacciniifolium is also used and is similar to small catuaba.

History

• Catuaba has been used by Brazilian rainforest cultures for at least 300 years, and possibly thousands of years. It is known as an aphrodisiac and libido enhancer and has been traditionally used as a natural remedy to stimulate the central nervous system. Tribal songs have been created in honor of catuaba. It was only introduced to the Western world around 1990 and is one of many substances extracted from Amazon rainforest plants that have been shown to have powerful medicinal uses.

Uses

• Catuaba is used to strengthen the nervous system, reduce nervousness, improve sleep and improve sexual function. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent that helps in the dilation and strengthening of arteries. The herb is used in the treatment of fatigue, hypochondria, insomnia, impotence, sciatica and erectile dysfunction. It can help improve concentration, reduce hypertension, boost the immune system and give people a natural energy boost.

Studies

• Brazilian researchers found that Trichilia (big catuaba) at high doses was able to totally inhibit an enzyme that is responsible for inflammation; they published their findings in Phytotherapy Research in December 2004. Japanese researchers tested Erythroxylum (small catuaba) extract on mice infected with lethal amounts of E. coli and Staphylococcus bacterias as well as the HIV virus and published the results in In Vivo journal in 1992. They found that the extract protected the mice from the bacterial infections and inhibited the HIV virus.