Also known as jubebe, jurubeba-truda, jupeba, juribeba, and jurupeba, this medicinal plant has a bitter taste, can reach three meters in height, has smooth leaves, curved spines on the trunk, small yellow fruits and flowers of lilac or white color. Coming from Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, the herb and its fruits can be used in cooking and as a natural remedy. In this, only as an aid in treating digestive diseases, liver, and anemia, and not as an independent remedy.
Index
Indications
The jurubeba tea is indicated to relieve liver cramps, tone, strengthen, and balance the liver against excess food or alcohol, a remedy known throughout Brazil to treat hangovers. It helps digestion, relieves stomach pain, taking before or after meals. The tea can also be used as a cardiovascular tonic, appetite stimulant, diuretic to treat anorexia, heartburn, bronchitis, cystitis, peptic ulcer, cough, hepatitis, chronic liver disease, liver, and spleen engorgement. Its active principles are steroids, saponins, glycosides, and alkaloids. Animal studies have proven its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure and increasing respiration in cats, thus being a heart stimulant. Its properties also include anti-inflammatory, decongestant,
jurubeba tea
For each liter of water, use 30g of jurubeba leaves and fruits. Put the water in a container and heat it. When the water is about to boil, turn off the heat and add the jurubeba leaves and fruits equivalent to the water used. Let it sit for ten minutes and consume three cups a day.
For gargling and healing of wounds and acne, pour a cup of tea and heat. When it comes to a boil, add a tablespoon of the leaves cut into tiny pieces. Simmer for another ten minutes and strain. Apply on the spot or gargle with the mixture still warm.
Contraindications and side effects
Pregnant or lactating women should not consume Jurubeba. Doses above those recommended for long periods can cause intoxication accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, mental confusion, cerebral edema, and death.
