Bixa Orellana

Origin

Native to tropical climates in South America.

Historical background

The red-colored substance obtained from the aril of the seeds is widely used by the indigenous people of the Caribbean and Amazonian region to paint their bodies and faces. This is done for adornment, tribe identification, as well as primarily protection from the sun. They painted their skin with achiote or anatto leading to the erroneous conclusion by the Europeans that a “red race” existed.

Occurrence

The species occurs in tropical America and prefers high temperatures.

Ethnobotanical and general use

The seed coat is particularly use as a condiment to give color to food. It facilitates digestion.

Medicinal uses

The bark is shredded and macerated in water is applied to alleviate jaundice.

Leaves have a digestive effect. A decoction of the leaves (30 g per liter) for 2 minutes is used as a gargle and has also been considered as a remedy for diseases of the liver. It is also used against diarrhea and against intestinal parasites. Fresh leaves places on the forehead relieve headaches and migraines. Fresh leaves applied locally are also said to cure erysipelas. Decoction of leaves and root is applied against dysentery. Decoction is also applied topically for loss of hair.

An infusion of the root has diuretic effects and cures icterus. A tea of the root alleviates cough. A powder of the root has an antispasmodic effect and raises blood pressure. Healing properties ascribed to the root are curing hepatitis and jaundice, reducing debility and sleepiness, and having digestive effects.

The flowers which are rich in honey are used in an infusion that has laxative effects and are also used to remove the mucus from new-born children. The inner pillow of the fruit is used to cure tonsillitis. A decoction also treats this. Cures hemorrhoids, fried it is used against erythema.

A spoonful of seeds in a cup of boiling water is an expectorant and helps against bronchitis. Seeds are applied against diseases of the skin and burns. A mixture of the seeds and fruit pulp is used for herpes and eczema. An Infusion of the seeds is used as a diuretic, against diabetes, against venereal diseases and hemorrhage. Orally, the seeds are applied against measles, smallpox and pleurisy. Seeds taken orally promote and regulate menstruation. The seed coat can be an antidote used against poisoning with yuca brava (bitter cassava).

The entire plant is used for medicinal purposes.

"File:Urucum (bixa orellana) seeds.jpg" by Leonardo Aguiar is licensed under CC BY 2e