The mama-cadela is a typical bush of the cerrado species. Brosimum gaudichaudii which has medicinal properties and is normally indicated as a natural remedy for the treatment of skin problems, such as vitiligo and psoriasis.
This shrub has rounded, yellow-orange fruits that can be consumed fresh, or its leaves and root bark can be used in the form of tea, capsules or tincture, as they are rich in furanocoumarins with medicinal properties.
Mama bitch, also known as cotton, blackthorn or maminha bitch, can be found in herbalists, health food stores or compounding pharmacies and should be used under medical advice or from a herbalist.
What is it for
Mama-cadela is indicated to help in the treatment of:
- Vitiligo;
- Spots on the skin;
- Psoriasis;
- Eczema;
- Leprosy;
- Flu and colds;
- Bronchitis
- Poor circulation;
- Rheumatic diseases;
- Bacterial and fungal infections.
Mama-cadela is rich in furanocoumarins, such as psoralen and bergapten, with photosensitizing action, being able to stimulate the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives the skin its color, helping in the skin repigmentation process.
In addition, mama-cadala also has anthelmintic, antimicrobial and blood purifying properties.
Although it has many benefits, it is important that the use of mama-cadala is guided by a doctor or herbalist, as this allows for a more accurate result.
How to use
The most used parts of mama-cadela are the bark, fruits, leaves and root, from which substances with medicinal properties are extracted.
1. Mama-bitch tea
Mama-cadala tea can be used to help treat poor circulation or as a blood circulation depurative.
Furthermore, this tea can also be used for flu, colds or bronchitis, for example.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of chopped mama-cadala leaves and branches;
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation mode
Boil the water, turn off the heat and add the chopped mama-cadala leaves and branches. Cover and let rest for 24 hours. After this period, you must strain it and drink 2 cups (of tea) per day.
For flu, colds or bronchitis, it is recommended to take 4 tablespoons of mama-cadela tea per day.
2. Mama-Bitch Infusion for Vitiligo
Mama-cadala infusion for vitiligo or skin blemishes must be prepared using the root and bark of the stem of this plant.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of chopped mama-cadala root and stem peel;
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation mode
Place water in a container until it boils. Then turn off the heat and add the root and peel of the mama-cadala stem, squeezing a little. Cover and let rest for 24 hours.
After this period, apply the infusion with the aid of gauze or cotton on the affected skin, twice a day, on alternate days. It is important to use sunscreen daily while using mama-cadala on your skin.
3. Mama-Bitch Capsules
Mama-cadala capsules are prepared with the dry extract of this plant and can be used for vitiligo, flu, colds, bronchitis or poor circulation, for example.
The normally recommended dose for adults is 1 capsule of 500 mg of mama-cadala, once a day, or as directed by a doctor or herbalist.
4. Mama-Bitch Dye
The 20% titanium tincture can be used to help treat vitiligo, with a dose of 1 drop of tincture per kg of body weight per day being normally recommended, taken in 3 divided doses throughout the day.
It is recommended that every 30 or 60 days of treatment, you take a break from using the tincture, as advised by your doctor or herbalist.
5. Mama-Bitch Ointment
20% mama-cadala ointment is indicated for topical use to help treat vitiligo.
The ointment should be applied to the affected skin region once a day, preferably at night, washing the skin the next morning after waking up. It is important to avoid sun exposure during treatment and apply sunscreen daily.
Mama-cadela ointment can be found in some pharmacies, drugstores and compounding pharmacies.
Possible side effects
Side effects of breast milk include photoaging and increased risk of skin cancer, so it should only be used under medical advice.
Who shouldn’t use
Mama-cadala should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people who are allergic to this plant.
Furthermore, as it contains alcohol, mama-cadela tincture should not be used by people being treated for alcoholism or who use the medicine disulfiram.
Bibliography
- QUINTÃO, WSC; et al. Microemulsions incorporating Brosimum gaudichaudii extracts as a topical treatment for vitiligo: In vitro stimulation of melanocyte migration and pigmentation. Journal of Molecular Liquids. 294. 111685, 2019
- GRANDI, M, Telma Sueli. Treaty of medicinal plants from Minas Gerais, native and cultivated. 1.ed. Minas GErais, Brazil: Adaequatro Estúdio, 2014. 788-790.
- ENGELBRETCH, LMW; et al. Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of the Edible Fruits of Brosimun gaudichaudii Trécul, a Native Plant of the Cerrado Biome. Chem Biodivers. 18. 7; e2001068, 2021
- Doctoral thesis. Systematic study of the melanogenic action of Brosimum gaudichaudii Trécul extract. MARTINS, Frederico S, 2016. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto.
- Pozetti, G.L. Brosimum gaudichaudii Trecul (Moraceae): give the plant as a medicine. Journal of Basic and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences. Vol 26. 3 ed; 159-166, 2005
