Catuaba is the name of a plant and a Brazilian beverage prepared with the branches, bark, rhizome, and leaves of various types of plants, which popularly share this name. The alcoholic beverage commercialized as “Catuaba Selvagem” contains a mix of catuaba, guarana, and marapuama extracts with 16.5% alcohol and sweet red wine.
The plants that make up what is commonly called catuaba belong to the species Tríchílía catígua (the true catuaba), Anemopaegma glaucum, Avenco paegma mirandum, Paullínía cupana (guarana), Ptychopetalum olacoides (muirapuama), and Zinziber offícinalis (ginger).
Benefits of Catuaba
Catuaba (not the alcoholic beverage) has medicinal benefits for reducing symptoms of fatigue, memory loss, and mental exhaustion, impotence and lack of libido, neurasthenia, nervousness, and depression. Its properties include stimulating, aphrodisiac, tonic actions, and it acts as a natural energizer.
The effects of its consumption are long term, allowing stimulation of the central nervous system. That is why it is used to improve memory and rebalance sleep and nervousness. It is said that with increased libido, in both genders, male and female, using catuaba first brings signs of erotic dreams and, later, a large increase in sexual desire. There has even been research by Unicamp investigating this, which tested catuaba in rabbits, proving these effects.
Marapuama, one of the plants used in the catuaba beverage mix, has also been tested for its aphrodisiac properties and the result was positive. Indigenous ancestral wisdom has also used catuaba as an aphrodisiac for a long time. The herb has no known reports of side effects or toxicity. Some international studies are also trying to link the plant to antibacterial and antiviral effects for the production of medicines.
Different Ways to Consume Catuaba
Catuaba tea can be made using its bark, leaves, and flowers. Used against fatigue and tiredness, you can add 2 tablespoons of catuaba to half a liter of water. Then, let it boil for 3 minutes, and, during infusion, let it rest until it reaches a drinkable temperature, and then strain it.
Daily Recommendation
The recommended daily intake of catuaba is up to 2 grams per day, and catuaba capsules already exist to be taken as instructed by a doctor.
The alcoholic beverage called Catuaba can be purchased at many bars, supermarkets, and stores. Its price is lower compared to other wines. Some bars are also making drinks with catuaba, vodka, roasted peanuts, and condensed milk. Or even a new version of gin and tonic that uses catuaba. The Catuaba Selvagem brand also announced a version of the drink with açaí. Creativity allows for many experiments. But, of course, alcoholic drinks cannot be used for medicinal purposes.
Contraindications of Catuaba
The side effects of catuaba occur only with the beverage, due to the alcohol, such as headache and hangover when consumed in excess. The catuaba herb is also not recommended for pregnant women and children under 12. Patients who suffer from glaucoma or pre-excitation ventricular arrhythmia should also not use catuaba tea.
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