Pau Pereira for Malaria Prevention and aid in treatment
Pau Pereira - Geissospermum laevis Miers
Origin: Brazil
Used part: Bark
Description:
This Brazilian tree, from the apocinaceous family, is found in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Bahia and Espírito Santo, and is widely used as ornamentation of squares and public places for its beauty, large and attractive canopy and the flowers that it presents between the months of May and June, winter season. Popularly called Pau-Pereira, Geissospermum laevis has several names, which vary according to the region, such as: Sun Hat, Tinguaba, Pau Forquilha, Pau de Pente, Paratudo, Canudo Amargoso, Ubá-Açú, Pereiroá among many others. However, its most popular name, they say, came from the Europeans who came to explore the Brazilian soil in the mid-1500s because of its similarity to Pereira.
A curiosity about the plant is that in old Rio de Janeiro it was quite common, in the taverns of the city, to add Pau Pereira shells to the bottles of cachaça, or even make the own bottles of the wood of the tree. The bohemians of the time believed that if they consumed the drink next to the wood of the tree would have more sexual appetite, because this one had invigorating substances.
Health benefits:
Pau Pereira is among the ten most important Brazilian plants for medicine, due to its great health benefits. The power of the plant is in its bark which is thick and has a rather bitter taste, it is made a very rich tea of substances that help in the treatment of maladies such as malaria, intestinal problems, fevers, dizziness, poor digestion and inappetence. Pau Pereira is quite confused with Guatumbu Oliva, or Guatumbu Branco, and although they have different chemical compositions, both are used to treat the same diseases.
Good Herbal Remedy:
- Malaria
- Inapetence
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Febres
- Constipation
Directions:
- Put 2 tbsp to a quart of water
- Let it cook for about 10 minutes from the moment it starts to boil
- Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes
- Strain and is ready for use
How to Drink:
Take 2 to 3 cups a day.
Contraindications:
Although it is popularly known as a natural remedy, it is always important to consult with a physician before deciding to take tea to resolve your condition. Visit a professional before to find out if you do not have any predisposition to allergies to any of the components contained in tea. Remember: it's better to always be safe than sorry later.