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Chuchuhuasi: The Best of the Anti-Arthritics and Anti-Rheumatics

Chuchuhuasi is a large tree that is native to the Amazon rainforest. Its tough, heavy, reddish brown bark has been used medicinally for centuries by indigenous Amazonians. Nicknamed “trembling back,” chuchuhuasi has a long history of effectiveness against arthritis, rheumatism, and back pain. It also disperses lactic acid in the muscles and aids speedy recovery after an intense workout. Known widely as a highly effective anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle relaxant, chuchuhuasi is also recognized for its anti-tumor properties and nervous system support.

Traditionally, chuchuhuasi bark has been soaked in alcohol or boiled as a tea and used for medicinal purposes. For instance, one arthritis and rheumatism remedy that indigenous Amazonians have been using for centuries calls for one cup of bark decoction to be taken three times per day for more than a week. Today a popular drink for those who live along the Amazon consists of chuchuhuasi bark soaked in rum. This “go juice” is savored by locals and tourists and is taken for endurance needed during long treks through the Amazon rainforest and for relief of pain and muscle aches that may result after these excursions.

Medicinal properties have been identified in the bark, leaves, and roots of chuchuhuasi and the long, medicinal use of this herb by indigenous Amazonians has sparked much Western research. In 1977, researchers reported that alcohol extracts of the bark exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in mice. Results of studies conducted by Italian researchers in the 1980’s also confirmed chuchuhuasi’s anti-inflammatory properties.

In 1993, Japanese researchers conducted studies that identified compounds in chuchuhuasi that were effective against arthritis and rheumatism. In the United States, a pharmaceutical company implied that the compounds identified by the Japanese researchers may help to inhibit chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, brain tumors, cancer, and heart disease. A Spanish research group identified chuchuhuasi compounds that inhibited enzymes responsible for nerve damage in diabetic patients. Additional research is being done to explore chuchuhuasi’s ability to revitalize nervous tissue, as well as its effectiveness against chronic diseases of the nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

During experiments conducted during the 1970’s, Italian researchers found chuchuhuasi bark extract to be effective against skin tumors and ultraviolet radiation. In 1999 and 2000, researchers found chuchuhuasi bark and root to be effectiveagainst four different types of tumors.

Today chuchuhuasi is considered the best remedy in Peru for arthritis amongst city and rainforest inhabitants along the Amazon. Healers in the Amazon use chuchuhuasi as a general tonic and to accelerate healing. Because it synergizes very well with other herbs, they also combine it with other medicinal plants to combat a variety of illnesses.
 
Deirdre DeVane is the founder of Perpetual Chi, a company now building an online repository of studies and peer-reviewed research articles on the benefits of plant-based diets and the efficacy of plant-based and other natural healing modalities. For more on herbs from the Amazon call 678-642-8615 or 888-300- 3507 ext. 801. Or visit www.perpetualchi.amazon-herb.net.