Guaco is a plant native to Brazil, most abundant in the southeast region of the country. It can easily be found on riverbanks or flooded plains and is also known by the names guaco-liso, cipó-catinga, erva-de-bruxa, or erva-de-cobra. It is considered a medicinal plant, due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In addition, guaco is a honey plant,That is, its flowers are sought after by honey bees.

Its leaves can be used to prepare tea, being a powerful natural remedy to clear the respiratory tract and soothe coughs in case of colds and flu. This benefit is due to substances such as coumarin, flavonoids, and tannins, which are found in the plant and have bronchodilating and expectorant effects, helping in the treatment of respiratory problems, such asbronchitis and asthma.

This herb is easily found throughout Brazil, and has been known by native peoples for many centuries. To learn about other benefits of guaco, as well as ways of consuming the plant and its contraindications, read on below.

What is guaco used for?

It's not new that guaco is known for its diverse properties. In the past, several Brazilian indigenous tribes already used the plant for stings from scorpions, spiders, snakes, and other poisonous animals. Even today, it is not uncommon for people, especially those living in the interior of Brazil, to macerate guaco leaves and apply it as a poultice over skin stings,There is also a tradition of using fresh guaco leaves to keep snakes away, since the plant exudes an intense and very characteristic aroma.

However, guaco is even more widespread for its excellent expectorant and bronchodilator effect, by helping to eliminate mucus from colds and flu, relieving throat irritation in cases of inflammation. It also has the ability to relax the muscles of the respiratory airways, relieving coughing crises and also being great when consumed in winter, the season in whichIn addition, guaco is a very nutritious plant and aids in weight loss, due to its anti-inflammatory action.

How to consume Guaco?

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The guaco leaves are commonly used for therapeutic purposes. In addition to tea, guaco can also be consumed in the form of syrup and is found in fairs, compounding pharmacies, and natural product stores. Guaco is a plant that has been widely studied in medicine, and it can be found in pharmacies in different formats, such as essential oils.

The guaco tea has a slight bitter taste and can be prepared alone or with lemon, honey, or milk. The homemade syrup, when used during the treatment of respiratory diseases, needs to be taken three times a day. In general, the syrup can be stored for up to 2 months, maintaining its therapeutic properties.

The plant is not toxic, but, like any other herb, it should be used in moderation. Children can consume guaco, as long as it is in half the dose indicated for adults.

Nutrition table

Amount per serving (50g = 1 cup)

Energetic value: 0 Kcal

Carbohydrates: 0g

Proteins: 0g

Total fat: 0g

Saturated fat: 0g

Trans fats: 0g

Dietary fiber: 0g

Sodium: 0mg

Note: Guaco does not have considerable nutritional information, however some components with antioxidant action stand out in the plant, such as coumarin, flavonoids, saponin, and essential oils, such as sesquiterpenes and diterpenes.

Benefits of guaco

1. is good for the digestive system

Although the use of guaco is better known against respiratory problems, there is evidence that the herb is good for the digestive system because coumarin, a substance present in guaco, contributes to the reduction of stomach ulcers, caused by the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages or by the continuous use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

2. it is very nutritious

Besides its therapeutic use, guaco is a very nutritious plant! It has important vitamins and minerals for the good functioning of the organism. Some of these components are coumarin, as already mentioned, besides flavonoids and saponin, powerful antioxidants.

3. helps in the treatment of flu and bronchitis

Due to its known antipyretic, antioxidant, expectorant, and bronchodilator properties, guaco is used to combat various types of respiratory infections. It improves breathing, eliminates mucus, and relieves coughing and hoarseness, so it is widely used as an adjunct in the treatment of sore throats.

4. ally of health and well-being

Guaco also has analgesic and antispasmodic properties, being popularly known as an ally in the treatment of rheumatisms. Its tea is also used for the relief of neuralgia symptoms, such as intense pain and burning in one or more nerves of the body. Thanks to its antiseptic action, it is also indicated in oral hygiene. Recent studies indicate an inhibition in the formation of plaquebacterial when guaco is used as a mouth rinse, complementing brushing.

5. provides relief from allergies and skin infections

Finally, guaco is usually used in the treatment of allergies and skin infections. Its use in the form of poultice, i.e., with the macerated leaves applied on the affected site, soothes itching from insect bites, treats wounds and soothes eczemas on the skin. However, the therapeutic use of guaco should always be supervised by a specialist. In cases of skin diseases, it is fundamental thatA dermatologist should follow up with a dermatologist to indicate the most appropriate treatment.

Guaco in spirituality

In Afro-Brazilian religions, such as Umbanda and Candomblé, guaco is considered one of the powerful herbs of Oxóssi, the orixá who represents knowledge and nature.

The herb is an important ingredient used in energetic baths and cleansing baths, as well as in smokings for protection purposes.

In addition, it also stimulates individual maturation and helps eliminate childhood traumas and negative feelings, such as envy. It is also believed that guaco is able to rebalance an unbalanced chakra and develop inner wisdom.

Are there any contraindications in the consumption of Guaco?

There are countless benefits from this plant, however, because it contains coumarin, a substance that acts directly on the metabolism, guaco can cause harmful reactions to the body if consumed in excess, such as increased heartbeat, diarrhea, vomiting, and even bleeding, if used in excessive doses and for long periods.The safe ratio is 0.1 mg per kilogram, i.e. a 50 kg person can consume up to 0.5 mg of the herb per day.

The guaco is contraindicated in cases of liver disease and for people who use anticoagulants, antibiotics or chemotherapy, because it can reduce the effects of these medications. The plant is also not indicated for women during menstrual period, since its consumption can increase the flow, nor for pregnant and lactating women or children under two years of age. The guaco is alsocontraindicated for people who are allergic to coumarin, since the consumption of the plant can cause shortness of breath and coughing in those who are allergic to this substance.

In general, those who use any medication for continuous use, have any health problem, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should always consult a qualified professional before consuming this or any other therapeutic plant. The ideal is to look for a doctor who specializes in the use of medicinal plants or a phytotherapist.

Everyday recipes with guaco

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Guaco tea

Ingredients:

- 10 fresh guaco leaves

- 1 liter of boiled water

Directions: Chop the guaco leaves and place in a container along with the freshly boiled water. Wait about 5 minutes. Strain and you are ready to drink. The tea can be stored in the refrigerator for about 15 days.

Guaco syrup

Ingredients:

- 5 fresh guaco leaves

- 2 cups boiling water

- 1 cup of sugar

Directions: Place the cup of sugar in a deep pan and start the caramelization process. After browning the sugar, pour in the freshly boiled water. In another pan, place the chopped guaco leaves and pour in the water with the sugar. Let it boil until the leaves are softened, then turn off the heat, cover for about 10 minutes and let it rest until warm. Strain and it's ready! The syrup should beconsumed up to three times a day, in cases of cough and sore throat.

Guaco with honey and lemon

Ingredients:

- 2 cups boiling water

- 3 fresh guaco leaves

- 1 tablespoon honey

- 1/2 lemon squeezed

Directions: Boil the water in a kettle. In a pot, add the guaco leaves, add the boiled water, cover and let it stand for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add the honey and lemon, mixing well.

Guaco Vitamin with milk

Ingredients:

- 3 fresh guaco leaves

- 1 cup milk (cow, rice, oat, or almond)

- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

Directions: Bring all the ingredients to a low heat and stir well, for 5 to 10 minutes. It is important that the sugar be well diluted, like a caramel. Let the drink warm up and consume it preferably before bedtime.

Guaco Gargle

Ingredients:

- 5 fresh guaco leaves

- 1 cup boiling water

Directions: Place the guaco leaves in hot water and boil for 10 minutes. Strain and let the mixture warm up. The mouthwash can be done three times a day, as long as the infusion is not ingested. Gargle is indicated to treat inflammations of the mouth and pharynx, and as an aid in oral hygiene.

The use of plants with medicinal properties has been around for a long time. traditional western medicine itself appropriates the benefits of numerous herbs for studies and for the manufacture of medicines. guaco is one of these plants allied to the health and well-being of human beings. whether in the form of tea, syrup, flavoring, poultice or gargle, guaco is excellent for irritations on thethroat, skin, and stomach.

So there's no harm in inserting the consumption of guaco in your routine, as long as, of course, you are not among the groups for which guaco is contraindicated. Just pay attention to the origin of the leaves when you go shopping. Prefer to acquire the guaco leaves in reliable places, to avoid contamination. Keep this multifunctional plant always close by and take even better care of your health!

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