Aroeira is a tree also considered a medicinal plant when it comes to the species red aroeira, also called beach aroeira, mild aroeira, corneíba, pepper tree, poivre-rose, almecegueira, lentisk, or soft creeper. Its scientific name is Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, from the Anacardiaceae family, and it is native to South America, found from Pernambuco to Mato Grosso do Sul and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, as well as in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.

This medicinal plant should not be confused with wild or white aroeira, other trees that, if consumed, can cause side effects such as allergies, urticaria, swelling, and erythema. The aroeira can reach up to 10 meters in height and produces small flowers and red berries resembling small grapes. It is most commonly consumed as a tea, but can also be used in gargles, baths, or compresses. The parts used are the leaves, bark, or seeds of the plant.

Benefits of Aroeira

Aroeira is therapeutically used mainly to treat gynecological and throat infections such as syphilis, cough, bronchitis, and fever. It is also used for arthritis, rheumatism, ulcers, heartburn, gastritis, diarrhea, or cystitis.

This is done in folk medicine because aroeira has astringent, balsamic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibiotic properties, as well as diuretic, tonic, and healing actions. It is also believed to have antidiarrheal, antileucorrheic, and purgative effects, which helps with gastroenteritis caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, fungi like Candida, or even protozoa.

Balsamic Function

In its balsamic function, its leaves are often used externally to heal wounds on the skin, cutaneous infections, or erysipelas. A tea is made with the leaves and applied as hot compresses to the affected area. Similarly, compresses are used for cases of rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, tendon strains, or for sciatic pain and gout. Massages and hot baths, in addition to compresses, can also be used.

Tea

The tea, made as an infusion or decoction, is most often used to help treat urinary tract diseases and problems with the digestive organs, such as diarrhea, cystitis, among others.

Cream

Another use is the commercially available aroeira cream, which is recommended for general skin infections, with antiseptic properties for superficial problems such as: acne, fungal infections, athlete’s foot, allergies, and inflammations from insect bites.

How to Make Aroeira Tea

The part most used for aroeira tea is the bark, while other parts of the plant are used for preparing baths. For internal use, an aroeira infusion can be prepared, which is helpful for stomach problems.

Add 100 grams of powdered Aroeira bark, purchased at natural product stores, for each liter of boiling water. The infusion can be sweetened with a spoon of sugar or sweetener. Ideally, take at least 3 tablespoons per day.

A decoction can also be made with 3 or 4 pieces of aroeira bark, which equals 20 to 30 g per liter of water, boiled for 15 minutes. After cooling, strain the solution and store it in the refrigerator. It can be consumed within one day.

External Use

For external use, the tea can be used for aroeira baths or massages to relieve symptoms of rheumatism and skin problems. To prepare the tea for baths, boil 20 g to 25 g of aroeira bark in 1 liter of water, and let it boil for 5 minutes. After that, strain and let the infusion cool until lukewarm before bathing or applying in massages. Aroeira is not recommended for people with very sensitive skin.

Cultural History of Aroeira

Aroeira was used during the colonial period by Portuguese Jesuits who made the “Bálsamo das Missões,” famous in Brazil and abroad, with the tree’s resin. There are also historical records of the use of aroeira in the jêje-nagô candomblé religions, both the common tree and the red aroeira, which is known as “àjóbi oilé” and “àjóbi pupa.”

Its use in these religions is also medicinal, for wounds, inflammations, and as an antirheumatic, or used during rituals of sacrifice of quadruped animals in ebós and in cleansing rituals.

It is believed to be a plant associated with the Orixás because its characteristics correspond to those of Ossain, Ogun, and Exu in the classifications of candomblé mythological narratives. In myths, it is said that in the morning the aroeira belongs to Ogun, in the afternoon to Exu. And for Ossain, aroeira is used in his clothing.

See also: Iron Supplement

Photo: Forest & Kim Starr