Guarana: for tone
Guarana is a shrub whose seeds are very rich in caffeine (more than coffee or tea), also called guaranine. “However, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, in particular dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness, physical and mental tone,” underlines Françoise Couic Marinier, pharmacist and aromatherapist.
It is also a source of tannins appreciated for their ability to slow down the assimilation of caffeine. Result, prolonged stimulation, without excite. The icing on the cake is that guaranine has appetite suppressant properties and reduces cholesterol levels by increasing lipolysis, in other words the release of fats into the blood and their use in the form of energy.
- How to use it? In powder form, 1 tsp. teaspoon to mix in muesli or juice (do not exceed 2 g/day) or capsules, morning and noon. Avoid consuming it after 3 p.m., due to its psychostimulating action.
- Precautions for use: untreated high blood pressure, people prone to palpitations or contraindication to caffeine.
Cat’s claw: against joint pain
A true panacea of Amazonian shamans, the unha de gato, also called cat’s claw because of its thorns which resemble claws, is considered the miraculous plant of the tropical forest. Very rich in polyphenols (flavonoids and tannins) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the bark and roots of unha de gato are appreciated against osteoarthritis, arthritis and other rheumatic pains.
Furthermore, its content of rhynchophylline (an alkaloid) would increase the level of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters involved in relaxation and the perception of pain.
- How to use it? 1 to 2 g/day in the form of capsules or powder to dilute, or 1 to 2 ml of mother tincture, 1 to 3 times a day, or 2 cups of decoction per day (1 teaspoon of bark in 250 ml water). Avoid taking it in the evening, due to its action on dopamine which could make it harder to fall asleep.
- Precautions for use: not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with autoimmune diseases because of its immunostimulating effect, those who have undergone a transplant, to avoid any risk of rejection, or those who are under anticoagulant treatment, because the plant is slightly fluidifying.
Baccharis: to protect the liver
Appreciated by Amazonian tribes for their purifying properties, the aerial parts (stems and flowers) of baccharis contain more than 150 components, including bitter principles which promote digestion, notably carquejol, a monoterpenol which increases the production of bile and protects cell membranes against oxidation. They also contain flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, baccharis would have slimming and hypotensive properties through its diuretic action.
- How to use it? 1 tbsp. teaspoon of plant powder diluted in a cold or lukewarm drink, once a day, or in capsules (900 mg/day) before meals or in decoction, 10 to 15 g of dried flowers and stems in 1 l of water.
- Precautions for use: not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is also contraindicated for people with diabetes or under antihypertensive treatment, because the plant can increase the effects of medications and lead to overdoses.
Muira puama: to increase libido
This shrub which grows in the forests of the Amazon has long been used by the Indians for its toning properties and against erection problems. It must be said that its bark and roots contain alkaloids (muirapuamine), polyphenols (flavonoids and tannins) and essential oils with vasodilator properties which improve blood circulation, facilitate the supply of oxygen to the muscles and boost their performance.
Muira puama is also a source of sterols which activate receptors for certain hormones such as testosterone, in order to increase libido and improve performance. A study conducted by Dr. Jacques Waynberg of the Paris Institute of Sexology (1994) involving 262 men suffering from a lack of sexual desire showed an improvement in this disorder in more than 60% of them and a better erection in half, after only 2 weeks of treatment with 1 to 2.5 g of plant extract.
“Muira puama is also appreciated by women to reduce the symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome,” underlines Rafaela Tillier, naturopath.
- How to use it? In the form of plant powder (capsules or powder to dilute), take 1,000 to 2,000 mg, morning and noon, or mother tincture (30 drops, 2 to 3 times/day). You can also make a decoction, with 1 tsp. of bark and root in half a liter of cold water, bring to the boil for 5 minutes, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes with the heat turned off. Strain and drink 2 to 3 cups per day.
- Precautions for use: not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, hypertensive people, people suffering from heart disease or having had hormone-dependent cancer, endometriosis or those following drug treatment based on steroid hormones or antidepressants.
Always seek medical advice
Let us not forget that the plants contain many active substances that may interfere with certain medications. It is therefore always recommended to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements.
“A recommendation all the more important as the effects of ces plants (with the exception of guarana) are still often partly unknown and the distribution channels are sometimes uncertain. underlines Dr Jean-Michel Morel, phytotherapist. For example, avoid shopping on unknown websites.
Nos experts :
Françoise Couic Marinier, pharmacist and aromatherapist
Rafaella Tillier, Brazilian naturopath, author of Remedies and rituals from the Amazonian forest (ed. Le Courrier du livre)
Dr Jean-Louis Morel, phytotherapist and creator of the website Wikiphyto.org
Source: www.topsante.com
