Chuchuhuasi

Maytenus macrocarpa (syn. Monteverdia macrocarpa); in Noord-Peru ook Heisteria acuminata

A large tree with thick, reddish-brown bark. The bark contains triterpenes and sesquiterpenes, among other compounds; extracts were anti-inflammatory in experiments. Studies in people are lacking.

Safety notes

Alcohol-based remedies are not for pregnancy, breastfeeding or liver disease, and not for children. Different barks are sold under the same name. Harvesting the bark damages the tree: choose a sustainable source. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Curanderismo of northern Peru: Not in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or with liver disease, and not for children.

Preparation

The bark, steeped in cane spirit or red wine.

Use in traditions

In the Peruvian Amazon a well-known 'strengthening' drink, served in bars in Iquitos and Pucallpa. It is drunk for rheumatism, arthritis, back pain and colds, and as a remedy for fertility and potency. In northern Peru the bark is also mixed with other plants in wine for bone pain. For the markets of the north, Bussmann and Sharon name the tree Heisteria acuminata: the barks of several trees are sold under the name chuchuhuasi.

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.

Curanderismo of northern Peru

Attributed effects

For rheumatism, arthritis, bone pain and colds, and as a tonic for infertility.

Preparation and amount

Steep the ground bark in red wine or cane spirit; drink small glasses of it, with breaks between courses.

Caution: Not in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or with liver disease, and not for children.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tincture Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from South America →