Abuta

Abuta is also known as: Abutta officinalis, Cissampelos pareira, abutua, aristoloche lobee, barbasco, bejuco de raton, butua, cheval, false pareira, feuille coeur, imchich masha, liane patte gasing-gasing, pareira

Abuta is a woody, climbing rainforest vine with leaves up to 30 cm long and produces inedible grape-sized berries that grows in the Amazon basin and other humid, tropical areas of the world.

Another tropical vine, Abuta grandiflora, also has the common name of abuta in South America, but this is a very different plant with different chemicals and uses in herbal medicine. This plant is referred to in Peru as chiric sanago as well as abuta which often causes confusion.

Medicinal uses

Abuta, Cissampelos pareira, is known as a ‘midwife’s herb’ in South America and is used to treat a variety of women’s complaints. It also acts as an antiseptic to the bladder, is a cerebral tonic and works well as an aphrodisiac.

It can also be used as an expectorant (expels phlegm), emmenagogue (stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus) and antipyretic (reduces fever) and is a good diuretic.

Abuta is also used to prevent abortion, relieve heavy menstrual bleeding and stop uterine haemorrhages (bleeding). Powdered abuta bark has also been used for menstrual complaints.

The decoction of the stems and roots of this Amazonian plant mixed with wild bee honey is used to treat sterile women. A root decoction is used for post-menstrual haemorrhages, the alcoholic maceration for rheumatism. A root decoction is also used as a cardio tonic, anti-anaemic and anti-malarial medicine.

Macerated leaves, bark and root, mixed with rum, are used by the “Creoles” as aphrodisiac. The “Sionas” tribe use a leaf decoction for fever. The “Wayapi” use the decoction of the bark and stem as a dental analgesic. Some Ecuadorian “Ketchwas” use the leaf decoction for conjunctivitis and snakebite. Others use the root tea for difficult delivery and nervous or weak children with colic.

Health disorders abuta can help to treat and protect against

See also

• A-Z of Nutrients
• A-Z of Minerals
• A-Z of Medicinal Herbs & Spices
• A-Z of Natural Foods and Remedies