Guarana

Paullinia cupana syn. P.sorbilis

Guarana Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Side effects and cautions

The herbal plant known as the guarana is a native South American species of climbing shrub, growing wild in the expansive Amazon Basin. The guarana is cultivated for its seeds in this region of the world. The roasted and pulverized guarana seeds are made into a paste - also called gum - by mixing it with a little water. The paste is molded into bars and dried for consumption as an herbal treat. The guarana plant contains a fair amount of the alkaloid caffeine and traces of other related alkaloids including the compounds theophylline and theobromine similar to other plants used as stimulants.

The guarana plant is botanically called Paullinia cupana H.B.K. of the family Sapindaceae, this climbing shrub is mainly found in Brazil and Uruguay and other areas of Amazonia. The guarana seed paste is consumed by the peoples of these countries who also use the plant to make a hot herbal beverage. In fact, the guarana is one of the major ingredients in many of the different carbonated beverages that are heavily marketed by the Coca-Cola Company in the country of Brazil. The Pepsi-Cola company in the United States also sells some carbonated beverages containing this herb. The content of caffeine in the guarana plant is relatively high; often ranging from about 2.5% to 5% and can average about 3.5% of the total volume.

PARTS USED

Seeds.

USES

The herbal and medicinal uses of the guarana are the same as those of for the coffee plant. This herb is used as a treatment for headache and problems like migraine, it boosts energy levels in the body and helps alleviate mildly depressive mental states. The guarana can produce similar problems and side effects as induced by coffee, when it is used for the long term and excessive consumption can inhibit the natural restorative processes in the body if continuously used for long stretches of time. High doses of guarana for short periods of time on the other hand, can boost the energy levels in the body - similar to the action of coffee. The use of guarana is not suggested due to the significant content of plant pigments called tannins - these tannins have a tendency to impair the ability of the intestines to absorb nutrients if consumed at high doses for a long period of time. At the same time, the short term use of the guarana remedy can be an excellent way to help boost flagging energy levels in the body. The guarana remedy is also effective in treating a tension headache that is not alleviated by resting or sleep. Chronic diarrhea is treated using the guarana remedy - primarily due to its strong astringent action.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

The guarana herb is an indigenous South American plant species; it is native to the thick tropical rain forests along the Brazilian Amazon basin. Brazilians cultivate the guarana plant on a commercial scale. Ripe seeds are gathered to be made into various products.

CONSTITUENTS

Guarana contains xanthine derivatives (including up to 7% caffeine, together with theobromine and theophylline), tannins, and saponins. The xanthines are stimulant, diuretic, and reduce fatigue over the short term.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

The guarana remedy is made by using 250 ml of water to boil one to two grams of pre-crushed guarana seeds or the bark resin for 10 minutes - this remedy can be taken thrice daily at a cup per dose. Every single cup of guarana prepared this way can provide about fifty mg of guaranine to the person.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

The side effects that can be induced by excessive guarana consumption resembles the symptoms induced by any caffeinated product taken at high doses. Physical symptoms including trembling in the body, insomnia, persistent anxiety, heart palpitations, as well as hyperactivity and frequent urination can be observed in people who have consumed excess doses of the herb. Guarana herb in any form must not be consumed by pregnant or lactating women due to the danger of side effects. According to the epidemiological studies conducted on caffeine use, the consumption of caffeine in the long term can induce decreased fertility, bring on cardiovascular diseases, and increase the risk for several forms of cancer.