Amazon rainforest: A priceless medicinal resource of the world

As a record number of fires continue to torch the world’s largest tropical rainforest, it is important to understand how critically important the Amazon rainforest is to the world’s survival.

The Amazon rainforest, covering much of northwestern Brazil and extending into Colombia, Peru and other South American countries, is famed for its rich biodiversity.

It produces a reasonable percentage of the world’s oxygen, absorbs a fair percentage of carbon dioxide, produces 20 per cent of the world’s fresh water, and is home to an innumerable collection of medicinal plants. More than 150,000 species of plants are found in the rainforest, many of whose uses have yet to be discovered.

For centuries, the rare plants of the Amazon not only created a unique natural environment, but have been used for their powerful medicinal properties.

Suffice it to say, and what has been found, many potential cures lie within the forest in the form of medicinal plants. So far, this includes plants that can be used for AIDS, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, infertility and Alzheimer’s drugs and cures ... just to name but a few. In fact, the future holds endless possibilities of what lies deep within the forest.

Here are just a small example of some of the medicinal plants found in the Amazon Rainforest and their uses:

1. CANELLILA

Often used to treat women with ovarian cysts, Canellila is also believed to be one of the medicinal plants that could increase the likelihood of conception.

2. SHAPUMVILLA

Said to have coagulant properties, this medicinal plant is used to stop bleeding.

3. WASAI

Great for kidney health, the root of the wasai tree is often ground up and prescribed as a diuretic.

4. LAPACHO

Seventy per cent of plants with anticancer properties exist only in the Amazon, and this is one of them! Currently, this incredible medicinal plant is used to treat cancer, alleviate pain from chemotherapy, and fight infections.

5. COLA DE RATON (RAT’S TAIL)

Cola de raton is used to help with digestion.

6. CORDONCILLO

Long used by native cultures, this plant is useful as an anaesthetic for those who are ill or have suffered an injury. By simply chewing on the leaves, your mouth will go numb. Rub it on a wound for the same effect.

7. SODO

The aromatic sodo plant can be used to cure addiction (including alcoholism).

8. PUSANGADE MOTELO

This medicinal plant is used to relieve anxiety and has a calming effect, a good alternative to clinically produced psychotropic medications.

9. BRAZILIAN GINSENG (SUMA)

An aphrodisiac, healing tonic, energiser, and immune system enhancer, Suma does a lot of good. On top of all that, it also has anticancer properties!

10. TAWARI TREE BARK

The bark of this treat has multiple anticancer properties, and is useful in treating infection, cancerous cells, tumours, and inflammation.

yourhealth@gleanerjm.com