Andiroba what it is used for / andiroba properties / andiroba risks The andiroba (Carapa guianensis) receives several names. In Brazil, Peru, Cuba and Nicaragua: andiroba. Cuba: najesi. Others: carapo, carapa, caropá, male cedar, bastard mahogany, Brazilian ebony, figueroa, nandiroba, requia, tangare.
It belongs to the Meliaceae family and grows wild in rich, humid soils in tropical America and the Caribbean, although it is believed to be native to the Guianas.
The tree is semi-deciduous about 30 meters tall or more, with smooth light gray bark. The leaves are pinnate, with four to seven pairs of opposite, coriaceous, oblong-elliptic leaflets, about 25 x 5 cm.
The flowers, which have four sepals and white petals, appear in terminal panicles and emit a pleasant odor. The fruit is a capsule 7 to 10 cm in diameter, angular, woody, brown in color, which opens into four valves when ripe and contains several chestnut-like seeds.
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Andiroba properties
The seeds contain up to 63 percent fat, from which andiroba oil is extracted, rich in palmitic, oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids.
It also contains bitter terpenes such as meliacins (among them gedunina, with possible antiparasitic properties), carapin and andirobin. In addition, limonoids such as andirobin and epoxyazadyradione have been identified, which may have some positive effect on cancer cells. The bark contains steroids, triterpenes and tannins.
The oil is used and, to a lesser extent, the bark, leaves and seeds.
Andiroba oil is used by the Jíbaro Indians in the head reduction ritual that made them so famous.
The bark, leaves and seeds have been used for their antirheumatic properties, and also in the treatment of intestinal infestations by parasites and as a general tonic. Externally it is used as a vulnerary, to wash wounds and in the treatment of Genital herpes and lipstick.
Andiroba oil has a notable insecticidal action (possibly it is more insect repellent than insecticide itself), and is applied in case of skin ulcers and skin parasites; It has also been recommended in cases of psoriasis.
The «colorado» Indians, known in Ecuador for painting their skin this color, make a mixture of andiroba oil and powdered seeds of bija or achiotewhich are applied to the skin to prevent injuries caused by the sun, water or insects.
It is a traditional remedy for cancer. Having a certain antiseptic effect, andiroba oil can be applied in drops inside the ear canal.
Andiroba oil is widely used by massage therapists as its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain, relax muscles, help with rheumatic conditions, and regenerate the skin. Consider including the oil in your next massage – you will feel the difference immediately.
It has also been recommended, diluted, as a gargle in case of pharyngitis.
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Andiroba what is it for
What is Andiroba used for: Insect bites: Mix 5 g of andiroba oil and 2 drops of common ammonia and keep in a jar with a lid. Apply to the affected area a couple of times a day. This remedy reduces the itching caused by insect bites.
What is Andiroba used for: Repel lice Apply a few drops of andiroba oil to the fingertips and distribute it evenly throughout the hair. This remedy is considered preventive and can be used every day before going to school in the case of children.
Andiroba what is it for: Dmuscle odors or soreness Mix 5 drops of essential oil cedar, 30 g of andiroba oil and 5 drops of rosemary essential oil. Gently massage on the affected muscles. Repeat this remedy two or three times a day
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Andiroba risks
There are few reports in the literature that show andiroba risks, among the most common are:
Headaches;
Craving;
vomiting;
allergies
Therefore, it is important to avoid excessive use as it can lead to some of the adverse effects such as those mentioned above.
Oral use is not recommended. Its ingestion can have negative effects on the liver, according to a study carried out by the federal universities of Pará and Pernambuco in Brazil.
Because there is not enough research on the safe use of andiroba oil during pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended, for your safety, to avoid it during this period.
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