Graviola Raw Herbs

Graviola is an evergreen tree that grows in the rain forest regions of both North America and South America. It has been called many things--soursop, Brazilian paw paw and guanabana to name a few--and is used as an herbal medicine. The graviola also produces a fruit called paw paw.

How It is Harvested

• Graviola is usually grown in rain forest areas and harvested by the people who live around it. To make the leaves, bark and roots from the tree into a drinkable form, graviola herbs are crushed and put into a liquid form along with grain alcohol and water. It has to sit that way for about a month. To make it into a capsule form, the graviola is crushed and treated with a tincture spray, then eventually dried and put into capsule shape.

Medical Purposes

• In Brazil, graviola has been used to treat liver problems. Women eat the fruit or drink the juice that the fruit--called "paw paw"--produces to increase lactation for breast feeding. The Brazilians also make a mixture, which contains graviola among many other ingredients, to relieve arthritis pain. In other places of the world, graviola is also used to treat fevers and diarrhea. Some studies have also suggested it helps treat certain cancers.

Preventive Medicines

• Scientists have been studying the powers and effectiveness of graviola for more than 70 years. It has been found in some studies to help prevent tumors, keep away parasites and ward off viruses. The studies suggest this is because special chemicals called Annonaceous acetogenins are found in graviola leaves, stem, bark and even its fruit seeds.

Anti-Depressant Properties

• Novel alkaloids are found in the roots and seeds of graviola, making graviola an anti-depressant. It has to be taken in small doses, however, because too much alkaloids in a person's body can do serious damage to the nervous system. Scientists believe that too much alkaloids in a system can lead to Parkinson's disease.