Sucupira is a medicinal plant recommended for arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, gout, skin wounds, stomach ulcers, sore throat or tonsillitis, as it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve pain and inflammation in the body.
The scientific name of the white sucupira is Pterodon pubescens and the name of the black sucupira Bowdichia major Martand the parts normally used are its seeds, from which substances with medicinal properties are extracted, for the preparation of tea, oil, tincture, extract or capsules.
Sucupira can be found in health food stores or compounding pharmacies and, although it has many benefits, it does not replace conventional medical treatment and should be used under medical advice or from a herbalist.
What is it for
Sucupira is indicated for:
1. Arthritis
Sucupira is rich in cyclic diterpenes and furanditerpenes, such as vouacapans and geranylgeraniol, with anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and analgesic action, which helps to reduce chronic pain and inflammation in the joints, and can be used to assist in the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis, for example.
2. Drop
Due to the substances in its composition with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic properties, sucupira can also be used to assist in the treatment of gout, helping to alleviate symptoms such as pain, redness, heat and swelling in affected joints.
3. Tonsillitis and sore throat
Sucupira can help relieve sore throat and tonsillitis, as it has anti-inflammatory action, which reduces swelling of the tonsils, as well as analgesic properties, which reduces sore throat.
4. Heal wounds
Sucupira has healing properties that can help accelerate the healing of skin wounds or eczema, especially when used in the form of tea prepared with the seeds of this plant.
5. Stomach ulcer
As it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, healing and anti-ulcer properties, sucupira seed can be used to help treat stomach ulcers, as it helps to relieve pain and discomfort in the stomach.
6. Regulate blood sugar levels
Sucupira can also help regulate blood sugar levels, due to the hypoglycemic action of the leaves and fruits. However, more studies are still needed to prove this benefit.
7. Help in cancer treatment
Some studies (1,2) carried out with cells in the laboratory indicate that the substances present in sucupira, such as geranylgeraniol and furanditerpenes, have antiproliferative, antioxidant and anticancer properties, especially in the case of prostate and liver cancer, for example. However, more studies are still needed to confirm these properties.
Furthermore, in some cases, sucupira tea can also help alleviate the constant discomfort caused by chemotherapy, used in cancer treatment.
Does sucupira lose weight?
Sucupira does not lose weight, because this medicinal plant does not have any weight loss properties, nor does it accelerate metabolism or burn fat.
To lose weight, it is recommended to follow a healthy and balanced diet recommended by your nutritionist, and practice physical exercise. Find out how to follow a balanced diet to lose weight.
Sucupira properties
Sucupira has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antitumor effects, due to the substances with medicinal properties in its composition, such as vouacapans, furanditerpenes and geranylgeraniol, for example.
How to use sucupira
Sucupira can be found in the form of tea, capsules, extract and oil, and can be used as follows:
1. Sucupira seed tea
Sucupira seed tea can be used for joint pain, sore throat, tonsillitis or for healing skin wounds, for example.
Ingredients
- 4 sucupira seeds;
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation mode
Wash the sucupira seeds and then break them using a kitchen hammer. In a container, add the sucupira and water, bring to the boil and boil for about 10 minutes. Then strain and drink throughout the day.
This tea should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours, and it is recommended to use a pan just for this purpose because the oil released by the plant’s seeds sticks to the walls of the pan, making it difficult to eliminate completely.
Sucupira tea can also be used in the form of compresses for skin wounds, to help with their healing.
Read too: 12 teas for sore throat and sore throat
2. Sucupira in capsules
Sucupira in capsules can be used by adults, with a dose of 1 capsule of 400 mg of sucupira, twice a day, being normally recommended.
Sucupira capsules should always be used with medical or herbalist guidance, according to the condition to be treated, with individualized doses.
3. Sucupira oil
Sucupira oil can be used orally by taking 3 to 5 drops of the oil with food, or 1 drop directly in the mouth, up to 5 times a day. For people with high blood pressure, a maximum of 3 to 5 drops per day is recommended.
Furthermore, sucupira oil can also be used to massage the joints to reduce pain. A few drops of the oil can be applied to the affected joint, massaging lightly, up to twice a day.
Read too: 12 home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis (and how to do it)
4. Sucupira seed extract
Sucupira seed extract should be used orally, especially by adults, with a dose of 0.5 to 2 mL per day being normally recommended.
6. Sucupira tincture
Sucupira tincture can also be used orally, with a recommended dose of 20 drops of tincture for adults, up to 3 times a day.
Possible side effects
In general, sucupira is well tolerated, and no side effects related to its consumption have been described. However, it is important that it is consumed with caution and under medical supervision.
Who shouldn’t use
Sucupira is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 12 years of age.
Furthermore, it should be used in moderation by people with kidney or liver problems, as well as in the case of people with cancer, and it is important to consult a doctor before consumption.
Because it contains alcohol, the use of sucupira tincture is not recommended for people undergoing treatment for alcoholism who use the medicine disulfiram.
