Help for Hypochondria: Rainforest Plants

Overview

Hypochondriasis (or hypochondria, sometimes referred to as health phobia) refers to an excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness. Often, hypochondria persists even after a physician has evaluated a person and reassured him/her that his/her concerns about symptoms do not have an underlying medical basis or, if there is a medical illness, the concerns are far in excess of what is appropriate for the level of disease. Many people suffering from this disorder focus on a particular symptom as the catalyst of their worrying, such as gastro-intestinal problems, palpitations, or muscle fatigue.

Hypochondria is often characterized by fears that minor bodily symptoms may indicate a serious illness, constant self-examination and self-diagnosis, and a preoccupation with one's body. Many individuals with hypochondriasis express doubt and disbelief in the doctors' diagnosis, and report that doctors’ reassurance about an absence of a serious medical condition is unconvincing, or un-lasting. Many hypochondriacs require constant reassurance, either from doctors, family, or friends, and the disorder can become a disabling torment for the individual with hypochondriasis, as well as his or her family and friends. Some hypochondriacal individuals are completely avoidant of any reminder of illness, whereas others are frequent visitors of doctors’ offices. Other hypochondriacs will never speak about their terror, convinced that their fear of having a serious illness will not be taken seriously by those in whom they confide.

Family: Erythroxylaceae

Genus: Erythroxylum

Species: catuaba

Common Names: Catuaba, catagu�, chuchuhuasha, tatuaba, pau de reposta, caramuru, piratan�ara, angelim-rosa, catigu�

General Description: Catuaba is a medium-sized tree found in the Amazon rainforest in the northern part of Brazil. It is small and vigorous, with yellow and orange trumpet-shaped flowers and small yellow oval-shaped inedible fruit. Catuaba is sometimes misspelled as catauba or catawba.

Uses: Catuaba is most commonly available as a tincture. Catuaba is usually consumed as a tea made from the bark of this small shrub. It is believed to calm overactive neurotransmitters. Catuaba is said to relieve insomnia, particularly when related to nervous debility, and it also thought to alleviate depression, emotional stress and hypochondria. Some have touted Catuaba as a primary treatment for AIDS; it is actually not recommended as a primary treatment for AIDS, but rather as a defense against opportunistic infection.

Catuaba is probably the best known aphrodisiac in tribal medicine. Although used historically by both men and women, it is primarily useful in the treatment of impotence and Prostatitis. Catuaba is meant to have a cumulative long term effect first signaled by erotic dreams, and followed by increased sexual desire. Catuaba is extremely effective for the male sexual organs because it increases circulation and libido. This herb is considered an "innocent" aphrodisiac, meaning no adverse side-effects have been reported in its use.

Catuaba (pronounced with emphasis on the last syllable) is one of the most famous of Brazilian herbs, known to the indigenous Tupi Indians as the 'tree of love' or the 'tree of togetherness'. The Catuaba herb has been traditionally used by natives in the Amazon in combination with muira puama. Catuaba and muirapuama, two common trees growing widely across the Amazon river basin, enjoy centuries of safe, effective use as aphrodisiacs.

Catuaba is gentle and immensely calming, a relaxing herbal tea to drink at the end of a non-stop day.

Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Any reference to medicinal use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

Autor: Tony Mandarich

Tony Mandarich

Added: October 20, 2008
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/