Pau-lieutenant is a medicinal plant, also known as Pau bitter, Quassia or Quina, widely used as a natural treatment for stomach problems, infections and inflammations. Its scientific name is Quassia amara L. and can be used in the form of dry leaves, wood chips, powder or essential oil, for consumption in the form of teas or to apply on the skin.
The benefits of Lieutenant Pau include action against changes in appetite, digestive difficulties, dyspepsia, infestations caused by worms. This plant is found in health food stores and some drugstores.
What is it for
The Lieutenant Pau has several health benefits, among them:
- Treatment of stomach ulcers, since it improves the lining of the stomach lining; Reduction of constipation, because the peristaltic movement of the intestine; Facilitates digestion and stimulates appetite, due to its tonic effect on the stomach; Glycemic control, improving glycemic profiles in diabetes; Treatment of infections such as malaria and leishmaniasis, facilitating recovery; Vermifuge, with action against parasites such as giardiasis and oxyuriasis; Antibacterial action; Activity against cancer appears to be promising, especially with effects against leukemia; Energy effect and antipyretic.
The extract prepared with stems and barks of the Lieutenant Pau also has an insecticidal action against certain insects and mites, and can also be used on the scalp to treat lice.
In addition, many people use Lieutenant Pau tea as a way to help with weight loss, due to its digestive and antioxidant effects. Also check out the best teas to stimulate weight loss.
How To Make Lieutenant Stick Tea
The leaves of the lieutenant stick are the parts most used in making teas, however, wood chips or roots can also be used, mainly for making extracts and compresses.
- Lieutenant stick tea: add 2 tablespoons of lieutenant stick to a liter of water and cook for 10 minutes. When it starts to boil, remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Drink 2 or 3 cups a day.
In addition, manipulation pharmacies can also manufacture extracts, powders or essential oils that facilitate the consumption of the plant's properties.
Possible side effects
Although the stick lieutenant is not a toxic plant, it is possible that excessive consumption can cause stomach irritability, nausea and vomiting.
In addition, its constant use can alter fertility, due to its action in reducing sperm in men and hormone estrogen in women.
Who should not use
There are no known formal contraindications for the stick, however it should be avoided by people with changes in sex hormones or by menopausal women, as it can cause a slight worsening of symptoms.
It should also not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
