This Brazilian tree, from the Apocinaceae family , is found in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Bahia and Espírito Santo, and is widely used as ornamentation in squares and public places for its beauty, large and striking crown and for the flowers it presents. between the months of May and June, the winter season. Popularly called Pau-Pereira, Geissospermum laevis has several names, which vary according to the region, such as: Chapéu de Sol, Tinguaba, Pau Forquilha, Pau de Pente, Paratudo, Canudo Amargoso, Ubá-Açú, Pereiroá among many others . However, its most popular name, they say, came from the Europeans who began to explore Brazilian soil in the mid-1500s due to its similarity to Pereira.
The curiosity about the plant is that in the old Rio de Janeiro it was quite common, in the city’s bars, to add Pau Pereira bark to bottles of cachaça, or even to make the own bottles from the wood of the tree. The bohemians of the time believed that if they consumed the drink with the wood of the tree, they would have more sexual appetite, as it had invigorating substances.
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Benefits of Pau Pereira
Pau Pereira is among the ten most important Brazilian plants for medicine, due to its great health benefits. The power of the plant is in its bark, which is thick and has a very bitter taste, it is made a very rich tea in substances that help in the treatment of ailments such as malaria, bowel problems, fevers, dizziness, poor digestion and inappetence. Pau Pereira is often confused with Guatumbu Oliva, or Guatumbu Branco, and despite having different chemical compositions, both are used to treat the same diseases.
How to make tea?
To make the Pau Pereira tea, two tablespoons of the herb are needed, respecting the measure for each liter of water. Bring to the fire and let it rest for five minutes from the moment the mixture starts to boil. Soon after, turn off the heat and leave covered for about ten minutes, then strain the liquid and serve. It is ready for consumption. It is recommended to consume two to three cups of tea a day.
It is important to remember that every remedy, even if it is natural, must be monitored by a doctor for consumption. Self-medicating can lead to major complications. So to avoid future problems, always consult your doctor about the consumption of teas to know the contraindications.
