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Herbs & Cultures
Image of Soursop

Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 850

Annona muricata

Region
Central America and the Caribbean
Origin
Tropical America, probably the Caribbean and northern South America
Traditions
Herbal knowledge of the Caribbean, Curanderismo of northern Peru
2 traditionsImage: Damien Boilley from suburbs of Paris, France · CC BY 2.0

Herb · Central America and the Caribbean

Soursop

Annona muricata

A tree with a large, sweet-sour fruit. The leaf is drunk as a calming tea. Claims that soursop cures cancer are unproven.

Safety notes

Leaves, fruit and seeds contain annonacin, which is toxic to nerve cells in laboratory studies. On Guadeloupe a form of parkinsonism has been linked to soursop; the link has not been confirmed. Do not use for long periods or in large amounts, not in pregnancy, and do not eat the seeds.

Cautions by tradition (2)
  • Healing traditions of the Americas: Drink only now and then, not for long periods. Not in pregnancy or with Parkinson's disease.
  • Curanderismo of northern Peru: Leaves and seeds contain annonacin, which is linked to nerve damage with long-term use. No substitute for cancer treatment.

Preparation

A few leaves are steeped as a tea in the evening. The fruit is eaten fresh or used for juice and ice cream.

Use in traditions

On many islands and in Suriname a well-known evening tea to relax and sleep well, and a home remedy for fever.

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

As an evening tea to relax and sleep better; also a home remedy for fever.

Preparation and amount

Steep two or three leaves in hot water for 10 minutes in the evening.

Caution: Drink only now and then, not for long periods. Not in pregnancy or with Parkinson's disease.

Ways to prepare herbs
Tea (infusion)
All herbs from Central America and the Caribbean →