The Brazilian aroeira, scientific name Schinus terebinthifolius, is a medicinal plant belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, also known as red mastic, aroeira mansa, beach mastic, sabiá fruit, cabuí, among other popular names.

It is a small to medium-sized plant, widely used in landscaping and as a hedge.

Thanks to its medicinal properties, the leaves and fruits of the plant can be used in the form of essential oils or extracts; the husks and dried leaves, on the other hand, are used to prepare a tea capable of treating a series of health conditions.

Benefits and properties of Brazilian aroeira

Native to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, the Brazilian aroeira has active principles that include essential oils, tannins, resins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and steroids.

Brazilian aroeira tea can be used as an antiseptic to treat exposed wounds, in addition to being indicated for respiratory disorders and other health problems.

The essential oil is mainly responsible for several benefits provided by this plant, highlighting its antimicrobial action against bacteria, fungi and viruses. For topical use, Brazilian aroeira oil acts against mycoses, candidiasis and other vulvovaginal infections.

It also has tissue regenerative action, and can help in the treatment of bedsores, burns and skin problems in general, accelerating the healing process. The plant’s essential oil can be used in lotion, gel or soap formulations.

The vegetable’s dry husks and leaves can be used to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including fevers, urinary tract problems, cystitis, urethritis, diarrhea, gonorrhea, cough, bronchitis, menstrual problems with excessive bleeding, flu and inflammation generally.

For use in the bath, mastic husks can be boiled in water to relieve symptoms of rheumatism.

Brazilian mastic tea: how to prepare?

The preparation of Brazilian aroeira tea is very simple and quick. Check out the recipe for the infusion below:

Ingredients

  • 1 liter of mineral water;
  • 100 g of mastic leaves.

Preparation mode

1) Boil the water;
2) Add the plant leaves to the water;
3) Let it sit for up to 5 minutes.

The recommendation for consumption of this infusion is 3 to 4 tablespoons per day. The drink can also be consumed cold.

care

Contact with Brazilian aroeira can cause allergic dermatitis in sensitive people. Remember that it is necessary to consult a specialist before starting any treatment, including the natural one. Self-medication can be very dangerous!