Anamú (Petiveria Alliacea)
perennial herb. It grows to about one meter high. It is found mainly in the Amazon and tropical areas of Central and South America, the Caribbean and Africa.
In Brazil the whole plant infusion as an antispasmodic, diuretic, stimulant and sudorific and in cases of menstrual problems .. is used against arthritis, malaria, rheumatism, memory problems, as a local analgesic and anti-inflammatory used in various skin conditions.
In some places it is known as garlic herb because of the strong smell of garlic emanating especially from the roots. Other names by which it is known are apacín, apazote and apacina.
A commonly used recipe is 30 grams (just over one ounce) of dried root and leaves Anamú in one liter of water. It is recommended to take 1/4 cup 1-3 times a day, or locally applied depending on the condition that we will try.
The root has anesthetic and analgesic properties and is considered more powerful than the leaves. In Cuba a decoction of the whole plant in cancer and diabetes is used. It is also used as anti-inflammatory. The anamú also has antiviral properties.
Anamú, their properties against Cancer, Diabetes, mushrooms and more.
Cancer: The anamú plant was investigated for this purpose during the late 90's and found that plant extracts had a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells coming to kill some of them, however, these studies were performed in vitro but it is believed that the effect could be similar in humans. What studies suggest that this plant can help inhibit the development of breast cancer and actively fight certain types of cancer such as leukemia, and some brain cancer.
Stimulates the immune system: The plant favors anamú according to a study in mice, the production of lymphocytes and other cells that contribute to the immune system. It is used against colds to infections by strengthening the immune system naturally.
Arthritis: The anamú is a plant with well-known anti-inflammatory properties, properties that make it useful in many conditions such as arthritis, helping to reduce inflammation in the joints that usually accompanies this disease also can exert analgesic effect decreasing pain.
Diabetes: The anamú has positive effects on levels of blood glucose, contributing to lower levels, however, should be used with caution for this purpose, since its effect should not be combined with drugs to reduce levels blood glucose without consulting your doctor beforehand.
It is useful against fungi: One of the traditional uses of anamú is due to its antimicrobial and even antifungal properties, it has been found that can actually be useful in case of fungal and bacterial infections.
Contraindications anamú
The anamú is considered safe in most cases when consumed in adequate doses not excessive, however, there are some considerations to take into account before swallowing.
It is not recommended for pregnant women because the anamú can stimulate uterine contractions, inducing a miscarriage.
What should avoid people with clotting problems or are under some treatment with anticoagulant drugs since the anamú is a plant which compounds may "thin" the blood favoring the possibility of bleeding.
In the case of hypoglycemia or diabetes plant should be used responsibly under the supervision of a physician because they can help lower blood glucose levels.
