- Region
- South America
- Origin
- White-sand savannas and forest edges in northern South America; the genus ranges from southern Mexico to the Amazon
- Traditions
- Tukano medicine
South America · Herb · № 982
Souroubea guianensis
Herb · South America
Souroubea
Souroubea guianensis
A low shrub or climber of the Marcgraviaceae family, with nectar cups that attract butterflies and moths. From two related Central American species (S. sympetala and S. gilgii) researchers isolated substances that reduce anxiety in animals: betulinic acid and amyrins. In people this has hardly been studied.
Safety notes
Little is known. Not together with sleeping pills, sedatives or alcohol, and not in pregnancy. Persistent anxiety or insomnia need a doctor or psychologist. 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)
- Medicine of the Tukano peoples (Vaupés): Little is known. Not with sleeping pills, sedatives or alcohol. Persistent anxiety needs a doctor.
Preparation
Traditionally prescribed by the healer, together with his chants; a tea of the leaf.
Use in traditions
Healers in the Vaupés recommend sleep as a remedy, especially for the elderly and for those who suffer mentally, and prescribe this plant for it. It is also one of their main remedies for susto, fright sickness: fear of punishment or death from supernatural sources, with tiredness and loss of appetite. The healer always uses his incantations with it as well. Far away, in Belize, Q'eqchi' Maya drink a decoction of the leaf of a related species against anxiety ascribed to witchcraft.
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.
Medicine of the Tukano peoples (Vaupés)
Attributed effects
For sleep, especially for the elderly and those who suffer mentally, and for susto, fright from fear of supernatural punishment; many women and children are given it.
Preparation and amount
The healer prescribes the plant and sings his incantations with it.
Caution: Little is known. Not with sleeping pills, sedatives or alcohol. Persistent anxiety needs a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)