Scientific name drimys winteri , the bark d’anta is a tree that belongs to the winteraceae family . Native to Brazil, Chile and some regions of Argentina, the plant can also be known by other names, such as cataia, pau-pra-tudo, bitter cinnamon, melambo, capororoca-picante, among others. The tree can reach between three and four meters in height, and its bark – used for medicinal purposes – has a gray or furrigine red coloration, in addition to large and white flowers that make it visibly beautiful.

Its name Casca d’anta is used in Brazil due to a legend that says that when the tapir gets sick, it goes to this tree and eats its bark, which is thick, yellowish, brittle, fragrant, but very bitter.

In France, however, the plant is known as canelle de magellan , which helped, in the year 1557, to save the crew of Sir’s ship. Francis Drake of a scurvy epidemic. In some places, such as Costa Rica, the bark is chewed neat, without the preparation of tea, to serve as a treatment for toothaches.

Properties and benefits

The plant is commonly used for medicinal purposes due to its diuretic, stomachic, antispasmodic, laxative, sweating, antiscurvy and tonic properties.

It can be used, therefore, for the treatment of stomach problems, weakness, toothaches, flatulence, catarrh, gastritis, intestinal cramps, dyspepsia, anemia, diarrhea and vomiting, in addition to being indicated in homeopathy for the treatment of internal bleeding.

How to prepare tea

To prepare the bark d’anta infusion, you will need:

  • A tablespoon of plant bark
  • half a liter of water

In a container, put the water and the husks and bring the fire. When it starts to boil, let it cook for a period of approximately ten minutes. After this period, turn off the heat and cover, leaving the mixture to rest for about ten minutes. After that, you can strain and consume it hot or cold.

dosage

The recommended dosage of this tea is between two and three cups a day.

Contraindications and warnings

It is necessary to pay attention to the indicated dose and, if there is any demonstration of hypersensitivity, discontinue use of the plant.

Always consult a doctor to find out more about your problem and if the treatments, natural or industrialized, are suitable for you. No references to contraindications and plant toxicity were found in the consulted literature.