Jul 6, 2010

MMH: From the Lab ~ Cha-de-bugre

Chá-de-bugre is also known as café do mato (coffee of the woods), Porangaba and Tea of Bugre. While some use this herb as a coffee alternative, it has been used for centuries in Brazil (it's native environment) as a weight loss aid and is available from local pharmacies and stores all around Brazil.

Historical UsesDuring festival times in Brazil the extract is brewed in large drums and the people drink it believing that it sustains their energy throughout the celebrations. In the more remote areas of the interior of Brazil the local population consumes the plant in abundance due to family lore regarding beneficial properties for ones health.

Did You Know?Scientific analysis of the phytochemicals in Chá-de-bugre have found it to be a valuable source of potassium, allantoin and allantoic acid and the red cherry fruit is a source of caffeine.


cha-de-bugre

Botanical Information Chá-de-bugre is a small tree that grows 26-40 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 11-16 inches. It bears red cherry fruit that resembles coffee beans (hence the name 'coffee of the woods'). While it can be found growing in Argentina and Paraguay it is indigenous to Brazil. The Brazilian variety is classified as Cordia salicifolia and in Paraguay it is classified as Cordia ecalyculata.

Notes: There are no known adverse affects with the use of Chá-de-bugre; however, we do not suggest its use for expectant or nursing moms as it may impede the ability of the baby to gain weight at a healthy rate.


*Copyright 2008 Mountain Meadow Herbs, Inc.. This article may be reproduced provided it stays completely in tact, with no information added or removed. The FDA has not given approval of this information. The information provided is to help with product selection only, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or other complication.

No comments:

Post a Comment