Catuaba (Erythroxylum catuaba)Bark, 50 g

About Catuaba

Erythroxylum Catuaba or simply Catuaba is the Brazilian aphrodisiac plant that has been used by countries indigenous people for centuries. As a drink, Catuaba is famous as a wine-infused drink with sweet, sugary taste, readily available in most supermarkets in the country.

The word Catuaba (in Guarani) means “what gives strength to the Indian”.

Some of the other names for Catuaba are Cataguá, Chuchuhuasha, Tatuaba, Pau de Reposta, Caramuru, Piratançara, Angelim-rosa, Catiguá.

History of Catuaba

Erythroxylum Catuaba is a small tree that produces yellow and orange flowers and small, dark yellow, oval-shaped, inedible fruit. It grows in the northern part of Brazil in Amazonas, Para, Pernambuco, Bahia, Maranhao, and Alagoas. Catuaba tree belongs to the family Erythroxylaceae, whose principal genus, Erythroxylum, contains several species that are sources of cocaine. Catuaba, however, contains none of the active cocaine alkaloids.

A lot of confusion exists today regarding the actual species of tree that is harvested in Brazilian forests and sold around the world as "Catuaba." Experienced Brazilian harvesters will refer to two species: a "big Catuaba" and a "small Catuaba." The confusion thickens when relating these trees to approved botanical species names. "Small Catuaba" is Erythroxylum Catuaba. which grows 2-4 m tall and sports yellow-to-orange flowers and, in Brazil, is referred to as Catuaba. "Big Catuaba," in the mahogany family, is Trichilia Catigua. which grows 6-10 m tall, has cream-colored flowers, and - in Brazil - is referred to as Catigua and Angelim-rosa. Erythroxylum Catuaba and Trichilia Catigua are the preferred Brazilian herbal medicine species, with the longest documented history of use as "big and little Catuaba." Both types are used interchangeably in Brazilian herbal medicine systems for the same conditions.

Catuaba has a long history of use in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. Catuaba was first used by Tupi Indians who believed that the herb had bestowed upon them particularly large genitals and powerful sexual ability. Many songs have been composed about Catuaba praising its wonders and abilities.

Effects of Catuaba

When administered properly, Catuaba can help;

• Relax
• Increase libido
• Induce erotic dreams
• Elevate mood

Catuaba Uses and Dosage

Catuaba bark can be used to make tea, tincture, or added to smoothies as a health supplement.

Catuaba tea – Add 1-2 teaspoons of Catuaba bark in a cup of hot water and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Drink 1 – 3 cups spread throughout the day. A small amount of honey or agave syrup can be added to enhance the flavor. If drinking for its aphrodisiacal benefits, drink half an hour before sexual activity.

Catuaba smoothie – 1 teaspoon of powdered bark can be added to your daily health smoothie and taken once per day.

Catuaba tincture – Add 30g of herb to every half a liter of your choice of liquor. Use a jar or bottle that can be sealed. Let the mixture sit for at least 2 weeks in a cool dark place and shake daily. Filter the tincture with the help of a cheesecloth or coffee filter. The same jar or bottle can be used to store the Catuaba tincture. Use 2-3ml of tincture twice a day before sexual activity.

Storage advice

Keep Catuaba in its original packaging in a dry and cool place, out of the reach of children.

Caution

It is best to avoid using Catuaba if pregnant, breastfeeding, or in children. Due to its recent increased popularity, it's important to buy Catuaba in either bark or drink form from a reliable source.

This products is legal in The Netherlands. Worldherbals cannot provide information about the legal status of this product in other countries. If you are not sure if the ordered product is legal in the country where it should be sent, please inform yourself about this issue with the authorities of the country itself. If you order this product to a country outside the Netherlands, you do this entirely at your own risk and you automatically safeguard Worldherbals from any form of legal liability.