Canelo (Winter's bark)

Drimys winteri

A tree with a peppery, bitter bark. As Winter's bark it was a remedy for scurvy for centuries; otherwise its effects are little studied.

Safety notes

The pungent compound polygodial can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes. Use only briefly and not in pregnancy. The tree is sacred to the Mapuche; treat it with respect.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Healing traditions of the Americas: Harsh on the stomach and mucous membranes; use only briefly and not in pregnancy.

Preparation

Leaf and bark as a decoction, or externally as a wash and compress.

Use in traditions

The canelo, foye in Mapudungun, is the sacred tree of the Mapuche and stands for goodness, peace and justice. It was planted where people gathered, and its branches stand at the rewe of the machi. The bark is one of her most important remedies: for fever, wounds and skin complaints and as a stimulant. The light wood, which insects leave alone, was used for roof beams. In 1578 Captain John Wynter of Drake's fleet brought the bark to England.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Healing traditions of the Americas

Attributed effects

For fever, and as a wash on wounds and skin complaints.

Preparation and amount

Boil a few leaves or a piece of bark for 10 minutes; externally as a wash or compress.

Caution: Harsh on the stomach and mucous membranes; use only briefly and not in pregnancy.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Compress, poultice and paste

Sources

All herbs from South America →