Guarana - Very Beneficial Herb for Obesity And Many Other Health Problems

Paullinia cupana Sapindaceae

Native to the Amazon region cif South America, guarana is a climbing woody vine with a fluted stem. Clusters if yellow flowers are followed by bright red fruits. Each fruit contains one bulky black seed surrounded by red,fleshy skin, and looks like a somewhat sinister eye.

Parts used

Constituents

Guarana has a high caffeine content - more than twice as much as coffee. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increases the metabolic rate and is a mild diuretic. Guarana also contains small amounts of theobromine (a stimulant present in chocolate) and theophylline, and larger quantities of starch. Its bitter taste comes from astringent tannins.

Medicinal uses

Guarana is a traditional South American preparation, valued for the energising effect of its high caffeine content. It is used in stimulant drinks, as well as to treat nervous exhaustion. Its tannins make it a useful remedy for minor cases of diarrhoea. It is reputed to afford some protection against malaria.

Guarana is believed to increase the breakdown of fats and is used to complement slimming diets. In 2001, a US clinical trial found that people taking a herbal preparation containing guarana lost significantly more weight than a group taking a placebo. Guarana was also found to reduce fats present in the blood.

In guarana's native Brazil, studies performed in 1988 found that it inhibited blood clotting. This suggests that guarana has potential in the treatment of thrombosis. And in 1997, Brazilian researchers found that guarana increased the stamina of mice during exercise. They also observed that guarana enhanced the animals' memories - they performed better in a maze - and appeared to reverse induced amnesia. However, these effects have not, so far, been replicated in human subjects

CAUTIONS

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

For internal use

TO TREAT nervous exhaustion CAPSULES (200m g) Take 2-3 capsules a day. (See Cautions).

TO TREAT excess weight (as a complement to slimming programmes)
CAPSULES (200mg) Take 2-4 capsules a day. (See Cautions)
TO TREAT mild diarrhoea POWDER Put 2 level teaspoons into 250ml boiling water. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups a day.

Cultivation

Guarana is a native of the Amazon rainforest and requires a hot, humid, but shaded environment. It will not grow at temperatures below 18°C.