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Embaúba, also known as sloth tree or imbaíba, is a medicinal plant that has alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and cardiotonic glycosides and, for this reason, it is normally used in order to combat high blood pressure.
The leaves and fruits of this tree, whose scientific name is Pelvic Cecropia L., can be found in health food stores or pharmacies, it is important that its consumption is indicated according to the recommendation of the doctor or herbalist.
What is Embaúba for?
Embaúba has cardiotonic, vasodilating, diuretic, anti-hemorrhagic, astringent, antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, healing, expectorant and hypotensive properties, which is due to the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinone, cardiotonic glycosides and tannins in its composition. Thus, this plant could be used to help treat:
- Hypertension;
- Tachycardia;
- Cough;
- Asthma;
- Infections such as tuberculosis and whooping cough;
- Skin wounds;
- Renal, cardiac or nervous system changes;
- Dysentery.
Despite having several indications, further studies are needed to prove the benefits of embaúba, as well as its side effects. Therefore, the consumption of embaúba is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, since it is not yet known whether this plant could have effects during pregnancy or have any consequences for the baby.
In addition, it is important that the consumption of this plant is guided by the doctor, because in the case of large quantities being consumed, it is possible that the pressure will drop a lot, resulting in hypotension.
How to use
All parts of the embaúba can be used to prepare juices, ointments or teas. Juices are usually indicated for the treatment of cough and respiratory problems, while the ointment, which is made with the branches, is indicated to promote the healing of wounds.
The most common way to use the embaúba is through tea made with the leaf, which should be placed in boiling water and left for about 10 minutes. Then strain, wait for it to warm and drink a cup about 3 times a day.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- PARISI, Ana Paula M .; SILVA, Daniela; CAMARGO, Ely Eduardo S. Pharmacognostic study of Cecropia pachystachya - Embaúba. Rev. Saberes UNIJIPA. Vol 10. 3 ed; 2018
- Ramos, T. J. N .; Lameira, O. A .; Silva, M. S. M .; Müller, R. C. S .; Faial, K. C. F .; Lima, M. O. Mineral Composition Evaluation of Embaúba Leaves and Teas (Cecropia palmata Willd. And Cecropia obtusa Trécul.) By Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) . Rev. Virtual Quim. Vol 9. 6 ed; 2414-2426, 2017