* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Other Names: Brasilian cocoa; guarana (French); Guarana-Strauch (German); cupana (Spanish).
Description: A woody creeper (vine) with compound leaves, coiled tendrils, inconspicuous yellowish flowers and small, bright red fruits that contain spherical, brown seeds. The seeds have shiny dark spots on their tips, resembling eyes (hence a common association between guaraná seeds and human eyes in folklore and traditions of the Maués Indians of Brazil).
Origin: South America (lower Amazon region); cultivated in Brazil.
Parts Used: Seeds (or a dried paste prepared from roasted, powdered seeds and water, known as guaranil).
Uses and Properties: Guaraná preparations and drinks are tonics that counteract fatigue. The product is used to some extent to treat mild diarrhoea, functional asthenia (a technical term for diminishing strength and energy) and as supportive treatment in weight loss programmes. Traditionally it is a tonic and potential aphrodisiac. The main use nowadays is as an ingredient of non-alcoholic, fizzy soft drinks (known as guaraná or cuparia) that are extremely popular in South America. In recent years, these "energy drinks" (with taurine) have become fashionable especially amongst young people in western Europe.
Preparation and Dosage: The traditional product is a dried paste made from powdered seeds. drinks contain up to 1.3 g extract per 100 g.
Active Ingredients: Guaraná paste contains a minimum of 3% caffeine (the seeds at least 3.5%, but up to 6%). It generally has three to fives times more caffeine than coffee, making it the most caffeine-rich of all products. Also of pharmaceutical interest is the high yield of phenolics (12%), which include catechin, epicatechin and proanthocyanidins.
Pharmacological Effects: Caffeine is a well-known central stimulant and diuretic, so that its benefit in tonics and weight loss preparations is obvious. The anti-diarrhoeal effects are ascribed to tannins. Caffeine is considered safe to use but may cause palpitations, lack of concentration and sleeplessness when taken in higher doses.
Notes: Seeds of Theobroma cacao (family Sterculiaceae) contain caffeine (but mainly theobromine) and are used in chocolate production.
Status: Traditional medicine; functional food.
Guarana is the main source of caffeine found in food supplements, but its essential oil seems to contain other ingredients that may also be beneficial. Caffeine, itself, is a mild stimulant that improves performance and may facilitate weight loss. Questions about the safety of chronic use have been raised for years, but no solid evidence has ever been produced. Children are very sensitive to caffeine's effects, and their use of all caffeine-containing products should be limited.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 2-4 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea itself. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the serving pitcher straining the tea bags. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Cautions
If you suffer from cardiac ailments and/or high blood pressure, you should consult with your physician prior to adding any amount of guarana to your diet.
Additional Information
The TerraVita Premium Collection uses only the finest, purest and most potent plant extracts from around the world.
The TerraVita Premium Collection is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
