Catuaba

Erythroxylum catuaba

Catuaba (pronounced with the accent on the last syllable) is a Brazilian rain forest tree with alternating leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers. It is in the same plant family as coca, the plant from which cocaine is derived, but lacks the narcotic alkaloids found in coca. The bark is used in herbal medicine.

Uses

Catuaba is an aphrodisiac that is useful in the treatment of impotence and prostatitis.

Benefits of catuaba for specific health conditions include the following:

• HIV / AIDS. Scientific studies in Japan have confirmed that catuaba both inhibits the ability of HIV to destroy cells and protects people with AIDS against infection with Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Staphylococcus aureus. Catuaba is not recommended as a primary treatment for AIDS, but rather as a defense against opportunistic infection.
• Impotence and prostatitis. Catuaba is the most famous of the Brazilian aphrodisiac plants, noted for its ability to strengthen erections. The Tupi people, who first discovered the herb's sexually stimulating properties, even recorded its qualities in song. Catuaba's use results in increased erotic dreams and increased sexual interest. The herb also normalizes prostate function and prevents reinfection of the prostate with E. coli.

Considerations

Catuaba is most commonly available as a tincture. For maximum effect, take the tincture in a small amount of water to which is added 1 teaspoon (4 milliliters) of lemon juice. Acidifying the tincture releases alkaloids and tannins.

Back To Top