The catuaba tea has medicinal properties and benefits that many people do not know.Therefore, we decided to make this article for you with all the main information about this tea. Learn what it is for, how to prepare it, and the main contraindications for this drink.Firstly, catuaba is a native plant of South America and can be found mainly in Brazil. Its scientific name is Anemopaegma mirandum, and it is an ornamental and medicinal plant with which it is possible to make teas and syrups, for example.

However, in addition to Anemopaegma mirandum, another plant is known by catuaba: Anemopaegma glaucum, which is nothing more than a different variety of the same plant. In addition, the extract of these two plants (along with other herbs) is used in the production of alcoholic beverages, also called Catuaba.

The term Catuaba comes from the Guarani language, a Latin American indigenous dialect. Its meaning is “ that which gives strength.” Therefore, it already gives a hint about the medicinal potential of the plant. Want to discover more? Check out the information below.

What is it for? Discover the benefits of this tea

Many people claim that catuaba has several health benefits, but not all of these benefits are proven by science. Therefore, we separate those that are really true according to current medicine. Check out the list:

  • Fight infections
  • protect the brain
  • Help with HIV treatment
  • Protects the body from cellular anomalies.

These four benefits are the only ones actually confirmed by current medicine. However, studies are being conducted to prove the aphrodisiac, hepatoprotective, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

But we have already warned that these studies are very promising. Therefore, soon catuaba tea may gain new items in the list of proven benefits.

Below, you’ll see a little more about how each of the benefits listed above works. See how the properties of the Catuaba act on the human body!

A little more about each benefit

Here you will learn more about each of the benefits of catuaba tea that have been proven by science. In addition, you will find the scientific references used at the end of this article. Be amazed by the medicinal powers of Catuaba!

Fight infections

Firstly, catuaba tea can be used to fight and prevent infections (1). In addition to being very important to carry out this prevention, a study proved that the medicinal properties of Catuaba are efficient in preventing the worsening of clinical conditions with the risk of infection.

This benefit is the result of the anti-microbial action of Catuaba. Therefore, it is possible to prevent microbes and infectious agents from aggravating the disease. This is very important in the case of wounds, cuts, and surgeries, for example.

protect the brain

Another potential benefit of Catuaba is that it is perfect for the brain and protects us from diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease (2). In addition, tea is very indicated to improve memory, reduce anxiety and relieve stress.

The composition of the Catuaba is perfect for brain health. It decreases the damage caused by free radicals, almost like antioxidant foods, for example. In addition, scientists believe it can prevent several other degenerative diseases, in addition to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Help with HIV treatment.

In the early 1990s, scientists observed that Catuaba has a great benefit: it helps prevent dangerous infections for people with HIV (1).

After all, people with this virus have their immunity impaired, and some types of infections, even simple ones, can get worse enough for the body not to resist.

To clarify, HIV doesn’t kill anyone. What kills are the diseases that affect the carriers, and, unfortunately, their bodies do not have enough immunity to defend themselves (if the carrier does not follow the treatment correctly).

It is this manifestation of diseases that are popularly called the manifestation of AIDS. Thus, the benefits of Catuaba (and its tea) are important, as they prevent these diseases that can put the HIV-positive life at risk.

Protects the body from cell anomalies

Last but not least, the composition of catuaba has a set of substances that prevent cell anomalies, which is nothing more than preventing cancer, tumors, and degenerative diseases (3).

A Japanese study carried out in 2004 showed the scientific community that Catuaba has a particular action on the cytology (cells) of the human organism. It “fixes” cell disorders that can develop into tumors and cancer, for example.

Catuaba tea recipe: Learn how to make

The recipe for catuaba tea is straightforward. To make it, you will only need Catuaba bark and water. So, follow the tips below to prepare the best and healthiest Catuaba tea:

  1. In a saucepan, boil the equivalent of 1 cup of water
  2. When it reaches a boil, add 1 tablespoon of Catuaba bark. It can be a piece of root the size of the ladle of the spoon or even 1 spoon of the grated or powdered bark.
  3. If it’s the whole skin, let it boil for 10 minutes, turn off the heat and leave it covered for another 5 minutes. If it is the powder, turn off the heat as soon as you add the Catuaba and leave it covered for 10 minutes.
  4. Then strain and drink.

Finally, our tip is to consume the tea without sweetening it. By adding sugar, sweetener, or honey, tea loses some of its main benefits.

Care and contraindications

Catuaba tea is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also not a recommended drink for people who take medicine for memory or brain diseases, as it can “cut” the effect of the medications. Also, children mustn’t drink this drink.

Finally, it is recommended that you always seek medical advice before you start taking herbal products, especially if you take prescription drugs. The effect of plants can modify the effect of many remedies.