Rainforest Plants

Description

The abuta vine (Cissampelos pareira) is a member of a species that boasts more than 60 items. Because it has powerful chemical and medicinal components, it must not be confused with others in the species, particularly Abuta grandiflora. Although they are both vines, chemicals in each plant are vastly different; thus they are used to treat different symptoms.

Abuta is a rainforest vine with leaves as long as 12 inches. Its dark brown trunk is tough, carefully hiding medicinal secrets for centuries. Although the grape-like berries are inedible, the woody vine, seeds, bark, leaves and root are used for a variety of medicinal purposes.

Habitat and Distribution

Abuta is found in the Amazon Rainforest including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Uses and Cultivation

This attractive vine is used for commercial purposes to add lush flora to landscapes in the tropics. However, its intrinsic value is in tribal and herbal medicines. Known as the ‘midwives herb’ wood from the vine and root is boiled to make a tea to treat bleeding issues including painful and/or heavy menstruation and menstrual cramps, pain pre and post natal, and threatened miscarriage.

This herb is also used as a poultice to treat external bleeding. A leaf tea may be brewed to treat inflammation from rheumatism and arthritis. Abuta is a diuretic and thus increases flow of urine. It may also be used as an expectorant, releasing phlegm from the throat. Its anti inflammatory properties assist in reducing fever and accompanying pain.

Abuta (Cissampelos pareira) has been used for thousands of years throughout the Amazon Rainforest as a tonic for a sense of well-being, in addition to the more specific uses identified above.