Have you ever heard the name cambuí? And vegetable insulin, stone-ume-kaa, stone-hume-caá? Even with different names, we are dealing with the same plant. Cambuí, which despite not being so popular is a source of nutrients and medicinal properties. Being astringent, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic and antiseptic.

Cambuí: Plant characteristics

Found in the caatinga region of the Brazilian territory, it belongs to the myrtaceae family and its scientific name is myrcia sphaerocarpam , and its closest relatives are guava, jabuticabeira, among others. Its name is indigenous and means falling leaf, since in the autumn/winter periods the tree is completely naked.

Between the months of November and December, the plant gives off a very intense smell, which can be felt even if distant. Every January, it gains a new color, as its fruits are very red.

Medical benefits of cambuí

  • Astringent: Remember how green fruits feel in your mouth? The responsibility for the contraction of the mucosa, when eating something green, is due to its astringent property, which is also present in the leaves of cambuí. The function of this peculiarity is to contract the capillaries in order to stop bleeding. In addition to eliminating excessive sweating and helping to recover from cuts, wounds and burns;
  • Anti-diabetic:  As its name suggests, the plant has the ability to reduce the concentration of sugar in the blood. Preventing the onset of diabetes.
  • Hypoglycemic:  Substance that also works with blood glucose levels, in the sense of reducing the concentration of this sugar.
  • Antiseptic:   It can be used in the treatment of diseases related to the mouth, for example: herpes, bruises, tartars and gingivitis.

Other properties present in the plant can be used in order to reduce colic, dysentery, cholesterol, enteritis, kidney problems, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the uterus and ovary. Besides being an ally for those who want to lose weight.

Cambuí tea

to control glucose

Chop a leaf of the cambuí plant or an amount equal to a dessert spoon. Then just add the ingredients to a cup of hot water. Cover the container and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Afterwards, drink the tea while it is still warm and repeat this procedure four to eight times a day. By following these instructions, results will appear in a short time.

To fight oral problems 

It is also necessary to chop the Cambuí leaf and pour it into a cup of hot water. After the infusion, wait for it to cool down and perform cheeks and gargles with the liquid. You can do this process whenever you brush after meals and before bed. Thus ensuring better health for your mouth.