The annatto, scientific name Bixa orellana L ., is a shrub native to South and Central America and the Caribbean, which can reach up to six meters in height. It grows on branches in the shape of reddish-orange pods and has large pale green leaves and pink flowers with many stamens.
Due to the beauty and color of its flowers, the annatto is an ornamental plant and provides flavoring, stomatal and laxative seeds, providing several benefits to our health. From its seed is extracted the natural dye Bixin, used in cosmetics, tanning, food and fabrics.
For centuries, Amazonian peoples used the leaves of the annatto for medicinal purposes. Learn more about the properties and benefits of annatto and its tea:
Index
Annatto properties and benefits
Annatto is rich in carotenoids, calcium, phosphorus, iron, amino acids and vitamins A, B2, B3 and C. It also contains cyanidin, ellagic and salicylic acids, saponins and tannins, which are phytochemicals that help prevent and treat various diseases.
The seed and leaves of this plant contain diuretic, antibacterial and astringent properties. The seeds are also used to cure jaundice and help tone, balance, strengthen and reduce inflammation in the liver. For children, annatto seed tea is given to kill worms.
Annatto has been used to take care of the digestive system, relieving constipation, indigestion, heartburn and other stomach discomforts caused by consuming spicy foods.
The plant is also used as an aphrodisiac, for weight loss and treatment of fevers, hepatitis, malaria, dysentery and venomous snake bites.
the annatto tea
The tea from the annatto leaves has expectorant properties, clears accumulated mucus and fights ailments such as asthma, cough and bronchitis. In addition, this tea regulates cholesterol levels, treats hepatitis, dysentery, fever, malaria, edema, and lowers blood pressure.
In external use, annatto tea can be used in cases of burns, preventing the formation of blisters.
To address any conditions, just follow the procedures below:
Annatto Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
– 10 annatto leaves;
– 1 liter of water.
Preparation mode:
Bring the 10 leaves of the plant to boil in 1 liter of water, for exactly 10 minutes. Divide the liquid into 3 parts, to be consumed in the morning, in the afternoon at night. To treat any external problem, make the same recipe and apply it topically, several times a day.
To treat hemorrhoids, boil 1 dry pod in 1 cup of water. The indication for drinking the drink is at least 3 times a week, even when necessary.
