Herbal Healer: What is remo caspi?

When Old World explorers from Spain encountered this tall, lightweight tree flourishing in the Amazon basin, its impressive aboveground buttress roots moved them to name it "remo caspi," Spanish for "paddle wood." Indeed, natives long relied upon this giant for the construction of their canoe paddles since the root wood features elasticity, durability and a much-welcomed lightness.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

While the malaria-fighting cinchona and remo caspi trees are both found in Peru, natives living in different regions of the rainforest were guided in part by convenience when choosing their plant medicines. Cinchona is the source of quinine, the bitter-tasting but much-heralded cure for this mosquito-related scourge. The root bark of remo caspi also has its devotees among those afflicted with malaria and other feverish conditions. The root bark is also employed to expel intestinal gas and as a digestive aid. It lowers blood pressure, suppresses coughs and supports erectile function. This latter application bolsters remo caspi's reputation as an aphrodisiac. The leaf stems are chewed to diminish toothaches. One tribe traditionally uses remo caspi to treat hepatitis.

ABOUT THE HERB

As a canopy tree, remo caspi rubs elbows with the tallest members of the rainforest running along the lower elevations of the Amazon basin in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Guyana. This medicine-rich tree ascends 100 feet above ground. Remo caspi belongs to a genus that boasts approximately 80 species of trees in tropical South America and the West Indies.

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE

The bark of the root supplies the medicine taken either in tincture or as an herbal tea. The standard dosage for the tincture is 2 to 3 ml twice daily, while the herbal brew is taken one cup per dose, three times daily.

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. NOTE: Visit herbalastrology.com to read Ted PanDeva Zagar's other articles and columns that discuss the benefits of herbs and natural foods. DISCLAIMER: The author's comments are not intended to serve as medical advice, and he urges his readers to seek qualified wellness professionals to resolve matters of health.