- What is Mutamba tea for?
- 1. Lower blood pressure
- 2. Reduce blood sugar levels
- 3. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer's
- 4. Stimulate childbirth
- 5. Relieve abdominal cramps
- 6. Strengthen hair
- Other effects of Mutamba
- How to use Mutamba
- How to make mutamba tea
- Possible side effects
- Who should not consume
Mutamba, also known as mutamba-negra, black-headed, guaxima-macho, parakeet, chico-magro, envireira or pau-de-bicho, is a common medicinal plant in Central and South American countries, such as Brazil, Mexico or Argentina, being popularly used to treat various health problems such as abdominal cramps, diabetes, gastrointestinal pain and hair loss.
The scientific name of this plant is Guazuma ulmifolia and its leaves, barks and dry roots can be used in the preparation of teas, tinctures or concentrated extracts.
What is Mutamba tea for?
There are several popular applications for teas made with Mutamba, however, some of the most scientifically proven effects include:
1. Lower blood pressure
Some substances present in the Mutamba bark tea, known as Flavonoids, seem to lead to the relaxation of blood vessels, reducing systolic pressure and accelerated heartbeat.
However, the acetonic extract seems to have a greater effect, since it has a more specific substance that acts on blood vessels. However, this extract should only be used under the supervision of a naturopath.
2. Reduce blood sugar levels
In Mexico this plant is popularly used to complete the medical treatment of type 2 diabetes and, some studies, also demonstrate this action by proving that Mutamba tea stimulates glucose absorption, even in people with insulin resistance, decreasing its concentration in the blood.
3. Reduce the risk of Alzheimer's
Tea from this plant appears to have a protective effect on neurons, protecting against oxidative damage. Thus, it is possible to reduce the risk of problems related to neuronal death, such as Alzheimer's, for example.
4. Stimulate childbirth
Several studies show that Mutamba tea increases uterine muscle activity and can be used as a natural birth stimulant. For this reason, this plant should only be used with guidance from the obstetrician to ensure that it is used at the right time.
5. Relieve abdominal cramps
The tea made with the Mutamba bark has been shown to have activity on the smooth muscle of the intestine and bladder, causing it to relax. Thus, this tea can be used during abdominal cramps and diarrhea as an antispasmodic, as well as in cases of urinary tract infection, to try to reduce discomfort.
6. Strengthen hair
Although less studied, Mutamba may also have a protective effect on the hair, which prevents hair loss and promotes its growth, in addition to strengthening the scalp.
Other effects of Mutamba
In addition to the proven effects for Matumba tea, there are also other effects exerted by this plant, such as:
- Protect liver cells; Fight cardiovascular disease; Eliminate intestinal worms; Fight virus or fungal infections.
However, these effects are only proven for alcoholic, methanolic or acetone extracts, which cannot be made at home and which should always be recommended by a naturopath, in correct dosages.
How to use Mutamba
The most popular way to use Mutamba is to use its leaves, fruits or bark to prepare homemade teas, however, this plant can also be used in the form of concentrated extract. In either case, the ideal is that the indication is made by a naturopath, as well as the dose of use.
How to make mutamba tea
The tea from this plant can be easily prepared using dry husks from the stem of the plant, for example:
- Ingredients: 2 to 3 tablespoons of dried Mutamba shells; Preparation: place the dry husks of the plant in a pan with 1 liter of boiling water, letting the mixture boil for another 10 minutes over medium heat. After that time, cover and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain before drinking.
This tea can be drunk 2 to 3 times a day, according to the needs and symptoms experienced.
Possible side effects
This plant when consumed in large quantities, or without supervision, can cause some unpleasant side effects that can include nausea, vomiting and dysentery.
Who should not consume
Because it causes contraction of the uterine muscle, this plant should not be used in pregnancy without guidance from the obstetrician. In addition, it should be avoided by those who are sensitive to caffeine, as well as by those who easily experience hypoglycemic attacks.
