Graviola Tree Herbs

The graviola tree, scientifically known as annona muricata, is a small evergreen tree indigenous to the warm, tropical areas of North and South America. Leslie Taylor, ND, author of a book titled "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs," claims graviola herbs can kill cancer, bacteria, viruses and parasites; she also states that the use of graviola can lower blood pressure, improve digestion and relieve depression.

Leaves

• Graviola leaves can be used in several ways. They can be steeped to make tea, pressed to release their oil or dried and ground into a powder for the production of capsules. Capsules usually contain ground graviola stems, bark and roots, as well as leaves.

Fruit

• The graviola tree produces large, edible, heart-shaped fruits that are yellowish to dark green in color, with white interior flesh.The fruit from the graviola tree is eaten to rid the body of worms and other parasites, reduce fever, increase a mother's milk after childbirth and treat diarrhea and dysentery. The fruit is commonly called paw paw.

Seeds

• Seeds from the graviola fruit can be crushed and mixed with water to form a paste that can be used to kill external parasites, such as head lice.

Oil

• The oil of graviola leaves and unripe fruit, mixed with olive oil, is commonly used in the Brazilian Amazon. This oil mixture is used externally to treat neuralgia, rheumatism and arthritis pain.

Combinations

• A graviola tea made from the bark, leaves and roots can be used as a sedative, anti-spasmodic, hypotensive and nervine. Graviola tea can also be applied to the skin as an insect repellent. According to Raintree Nutrition, when taking graviola tea internally, the appropriate dose of tea is one cup, taken three times daily; two to four milliliters of a standard tincture can be used instead. Extensive instructions for graviola herbal preparations can be found on the Raintree Nutrition website, www.rain-tree.com.