- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Amazon basin, especially Brazil. Paullinia cupana
South America · Herb · № 163
Paullinia cupana
Herb · South America
Guarana
Paullinia cupana
The seeds contain about twice as much caffeine as coffee beans. Guarana is used in energy drinks and soft drinks; its stimulating effect comes from caffeine.
Safety notes
Too much caffeine causes palpitations, insomnia and restlessness; watch combinations with coffee, energy drinks and supplements. Avoid with heart rhythm disorders, in pregnancy or for children.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not with high blood pressure or heart disease.
- Kallawaya healing in Bolivia: Contains a lot of caffeine; not in the evening, not with heart complaints or in pregnancy.
Preparation
Roasted, ground seeds in drinks, powder or supplements. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The Sateré-Mawé of the Amazon tell that the guarana plant sprouted from the eyes of a murdered child; the red fruits with black seeds look like eyes. They are regarded as the original cultivators of guarana. In Brazil guarana soda is a national drink.
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.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Energising tonic (guaranine, caffeine-like), stimulates the nervous system and concentration; for chronic fatigue syndrome, winter depression; diuretic, pain-relieving in menstrual complaints.
Preparation and amount
Capsules 1–2 g a day.
Caution: Not with high blood pressure or heart disease.
Kallawaya healing in Bolivia
Attributed effects
According to Bastien the healer Mario Salcedo gave a guarana drink, together with rest and good food, to people left exhausted and listless after a fright (susto).
Preparation and amount
A small amount of powder in water or tea.
Caution: Contains a lot of caffeine; not in the evening, not with heart complaints or in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Powder and kitchen