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Angostura (Galipea officinalis syn. Galipea cusparia)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Common Names: Angostura, Cusparia Bark
  • Parts Used: Bark

Description

Galipea officinalis is a tropical tree native to South America, particularly Venezuela and Colombia. The bark of this tree is known for its bitter taste and medicinal properties. It has been used traditionally for digestive complaints, fever reduction, and as a general tonic.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in South American traditional medicine as a digestive bitter and febrifuge.
  • Historically employed to support circulation and cardiovascular health.
  • Utilized in European medicine as a stimulant and remedy for fever.
  • Applied for dysentery, diarrhea, and digestive sluggishness.

Constituents

  • Alkaloids (galipeine, angusturine)
  • Bitter principles
  • Essential oils
  • Tannins
  • Coumarins

Actions

  • Bitter tonic
  • Febrifuge (fever-reducing)
  • Antispasmodic
  • Carminative
  • Stimulant
  • Antimicrobial

Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Tonic:
Angostura bark has been traditionally used to stimulate digestion, improve appetite, and relieve bloating and gas.

2. Fever Reduction:
Used as a natural febrifuge to reduce fevers associated with infections.

3. Circulatory and Cardiovascular Support:
Believed to enhance circulation and support vascular health.

4. Antimicrobial Benefits:
Traditionally used for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and gastrointestinal infections.

5. Muscle Relaxant and Antispasmodic:
May relieve muscle cramps, spasms, and nervous tension.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

  • 1 tsp of dried bark per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-4 ml taken up to 3 times daily.

Decoction:

  • Boil 5-10 grams of bark in water for digestive and fever-reducing benefits.

Powdered Bark:

  • 250-500 mg taken in capsules for digestive support.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Not recommended due to potential uterine-stimulating effects.
  • High Doses: Can be toxic in excessive amounts; use with caution.
  • Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: May cause irritation in those with sensitive digestion.
  • Cardiac Conditions: Use under supervision in individuals with heart issues due to its circulatory effects.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Warming and stimulating; supports digestion, circulation, and fever management.
  • South American Herbal Medicine: Used as a tonic for digestive and immune function.
  • Ayurveda: Primarily balances Kapha and Vata, but excessive use may increase Pitta.

Combinations

  • For Digestive Health: Combine with gentian and ginger.
  • For Fever Reduction: Combine with willow bark and elderflower.
  • For Circulatory Support: Combine with hawthorn and cayenne.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Bark is collected from mature trees and dried for medicinal use.
  • Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
  • Storage: Store dried bark in airtight containers away from moisture and light.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Galipea officinalis’s role in digestive stimulation, fever reduction, and circulatory support, reinforcing its traditional medicinal applications.

Angostura remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for digestive health, fever reduction, and circulatory support.