Popularly known as snake herb, catinga vine, guacoli and heart of Jesus, guaco is famous for the natural benefits it can provide to a person’s health.Its main properties are: expectorant, bronchodilator, antiseptic, anti-asthmatic, healing, anti-rheumatic, febrifuge and sweating.

Guaco is constantly used by alternative medicine, to prevent ailments or help in the treatment of illnesses. The easiest way to use it is in the form of tea. Originally from South America, guaco can be found in all Brazilian regions.

Its characteristics are formed by abundant branches, green flowers in the shape of a heart, yellowish and small flowers with a mild vanilla aroma. Guaco is a woody climbing plant, capable of reaching up to three meters in height.

Guaco benefits

Guaco is composed of cinnamic acid, kaurenoic acids, stigmasterol, glycosides, tannins and resins. It is used to treat coughs, flu and colds, bronchitis, throat and skin infections, rheumatism, hoarseness, asthma, high fever and allergies.

Another great benefit of Guaco is the aid it provides for those who want to lose weight, as its sweating properties increase the elimination of fluid from the body, eliminating toxins, bacteria and the extra fluid responsible for causing swelling.

Due to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and analgesic properties, guaco is also widely used to treat arthritis, intestinal inflammation, rheumatism and ulcers. From the decoction of the leaves, patients can resolve rheumatic pain, neuralgia, eczema, itching and wounds.

Contraindications

Even though it is such a beneficial herb, some people should be careful when using its properties.

Children under one year of age and people suffering from liver disease should stay away from guaco. Furthermore, patients undergoing some type of treatment with anticoagulant medication should also avoid guaco.

Its use in excess, or for a long time, can also bring consequences for health, including the appearance of bleeding, increased heart rate, vomiting and diarrhea.

guaco tea

To prepare the guaco tea, just put half a liter of water to boil and add two leaves of the plant. Simmer for about five minutes and turn off.

Smother and wait until the temperature is ideal for consumption. It is recommended that consumption not exceed two cups or a teaspoon every four hours, like syrup.

If by chance the purpose of using guaco is for external problems, such as injured areas or rheumatism, repeat the procedure above.

However, instead of ingesting the drink, make a compress with a clean towel over the affected area. The procedure must be repeated three times a day.