Aroeira: what it is for and how to make tea

The mastic tree is a medicinal plant of the species Schinus terebinthifoliusrich in flavonoids, saponins, terpenes and tannins, which give it anti-inflammatory, tonic, diuretic, healing and antimicrobial properties, and is therefore popularly used as a home remedy for fever, rheumatism or urinary infections in women.

The normally used part of the mastic tree is the bark, generally for preparing tea, however, it can also be used to make sitz baths, compresses or ointments.

Aroeira can be found in herbalists, natural product stores, compounding pharmacies, markets and some open-air markets, and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or other health professional who has experience with the use of medicinal plants.

What is it for

Mastic has astringent, balsamic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, tonic and healing properties, and is normally indicated for:

• Ulcers;
• Asia;
• Gastritis;
• Rheumatism;
• Arthritis;
• Bronchitis;
• Diarrhea;
• Tendon distension;
• Urinary tract infection, such as cystitis in women;
• Vaginal inflammations or infections.

Furthermore, mastic can be used to help reduce fever and cough, for example.

Although it has many benefits, this medicinal plant does not replace medical treatment and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.

Mastic can be used in the form of tea, sitz baths, compresses or ointment, prepared with the bark of this plant.

1. Mastic tea

Mastic tea helps to alleviate gastrointestinal problems, such as heartburn, diarrhea, gastritis or ulcers, and can also help in the treatment of urinary infections, for example. Find out more about what aroeira tea is used for.

Ingredients:

• 100 g of mastic bark powder;
• 1 liter of boiling water.

Preparation mode:

Add the peel powder to boiling water, mix and then take about 3 tablespoons a day.

This tea can also be used to make compresses for rheumatism or arthritis, soaking a clean, dry compress in mastic tea, such as gauze or a bandage, for example, and applying the compress to the affected area.

2. Mastic bath

Aroeira bath can be used for skin problems or rheumatic diseases, for example, due to its anti-inflammatory, healing and antimicrobial properties.

Ingredients:

• 20 g of mastic bark;
• 1 liter of water.

Preparation mode:

Place the ingredients in a pan to boil for about 5 minutes. Then strain, wait for it to cool and take a shower, pouring the water onto the skin in the affected area and massaging gently. Avoid contact with water from the mastic bath in the eye area.

3. Sitz bath with mastic

Mastic helps fight bacteria and fungi, being widely used in sitz baths to help treat infections and vaginal discharge.

Ingredients:

• 10 g of mastic bark;
• 1 and a half liters of water.

Preparation mode:

Boil the water and add the mastic peels. Let it boil for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, strain and place the mixture in a bowl. When the tea is warm, sit in the basin without clothes and take a sitz bath, carefully washing the entire vagina. Do this sitz bath 3 times a day for 3 days.

4. Mastic ointment

Another way to use mastic is in the form of an ointment, which can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, under the trade name Kronel, indicated for the treatment of vaginal inflammations or infections, and should be used under the advice of a gynecologist.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may arise with the use of mastic are diarrhea, stomach pain, dermatitis, mouth or throat irritation, especially when this plant is used in larger amounts than recommended.

Therefore, the use of aroeira must be done with medical advice or from a professional with experience in medicinal plants.

Who shouldn’t use

Mastic should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people with very sensitive skin.

Furthermore, the use of mastic by people who have gastrointestinal problems should only be done if recommended by a doctor, as the plant has laxative effects, which can increase the risk of side effects, such as diarrhea or stomach pain.

It is important to emphasize that the use of aroeira should only be done after recommendation from a doctor or herbalist.