Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus laevis), shredded bark

Chuchuhuasi has been boosting the vitality of the rainforest’s inhabitants for hundreds of years. A decoction from the bark of a mythical tree helps us with joint problems. And above all – it is great for back pain.

Chuchuhuasi is a huge tree whose broad tree crown forms the canopy of the rainforest. It has large leaves and small white flowers. It grows in the wild in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, but it is also starting to be cultivated for pharmaceutical purposes. Local people and villagers along the Amazon drink a decoction of the bark three times a day for at least a week. They use it as a tonic for almost all kinds of health problems.

The origin of Chuchuhuasi

The Indians of the Amazon rainforest know very well that they can find everything they need in nature. They named the Chuchuhuasi tree after its bark’s ability to help with joint and back problems. Chuchuhuasi means “shaking back” in translation. The thirty-meter tree (Maytenus laevis), which grows only in the tropical zone of Amazonia, has been in the center of attention of scientists since 1960. An extract from its reddish bark has been subjected to a number of studies. Their result is the conclusion that Chuchuhuasi has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Twenty years later, Italian researchers confirmed strong antioxidant capabilities. The chemical composition of the unique tree bark was also studied by the Japanese and the Americans. They discovered alkaloids, catechins, saponins, quinones, organic acids and other substances in it.

But Chuchuhuasi is also drunk as a treat. The bark infusion in sugar cane rum, which you can buy in the Amazon under the name “Jungle drink”, is a popular tourist attraction. You can also get it under the name “Go-juice” – it helps to cope with long treks in the jungle and relieves strained muscles and joints.

Chuchuhuasi tea

The drink prepared from Chuchuhuasi has an unexpectedly delicious, sweet taste. It tastes a bit like hazel nuts. The infusion has a deep red color. A decoction from the bark of the Peruvian Chuchuhuasi tree is suitable for drinking throughout the day.

It is most often prepared by pouring 1-2 teaspoons of the bark into approx. 700-800 ml of cold water (much of the water evaporates during boiling) and simmering on low heat for 20 minutes. Drain. Drink lukewarm 3 times a day, 1 hour before or after meals.

Ingredients

100% Peruvian herb Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus laevis) – crushed tree bark

Country of origin

Peru, Iquitos area