Mulungu is a medium-sized, well-branched tree that reaches between 10 and 14 m in height. It produces a profusion of pretty reddish-orange flowers (pollinated by hummingbirds) at the ends of the tree's numerous branches. It produces black pods containing large red and black seeds, which are used by indigenous people to make necklaces and jewelry. Mulungu is native to Brazil, parts of Peru and tropical areas of Latin America and is usually found in swamps and along river banks.
Mulungu is not well known or used in North America today, although it is a wonderful rainforest medicinal plant that deserves much more attention, as it provides the same calming stress-relieving effects as kava-kava (which has negative effects on the liver) Mulungu, on the other hand, protects, nourishes and tones it.
Its main benefits are:
1. Antidepressant: for mental disorders (depression, anxiety, stress, hysteria, panic disorders, compulsive disorders, etc.)
2. Hypnotic: as a sedative for insomnia, restlessness and sleep disorders
3. Hepatotonic: for liver disorders (hepatitis, blockages, elevated liver enzyme levels, sclerosis, etc.)
4. Hypotensive: for high blood pressure and palpitations.
5. Anxiolytic: for drug and nicotine withdrawal.
Other properties/actions documented by traditional use:
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, analgesic (relieves pain), anticonvulsant, antiseptic, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), central nervous system depressant, lactagogue (promotes milk flow), nervine (balances/calms the nerves ), neurasthenic (reduces nerve pain such as neuralgia).
Cautions: May lower blood pressure and cause drowsiness.
Here at Pachamagic you can find Amazonian Mulungu extract to treat insomnia and acute anxiety!
References:
"The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs" - Leslie Taylor
Article by Mariana Gutierrez. Jul 2022
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