Guarana is a medicinal plant of the Sapindánceas family, also known as Uaraná, Guanazeiro, Guaranauva or Guaranaína, widespread in the Amazon and on the African continent. This herb is widely used to make sodas, juices, and energy drinks, but it is also widely used as a home remedy for lack of energy, excessive fatigue, and poor appetite.
The scientific name of the best known guarana species is Paullinia cupana, and the seeds of this plant are dark and red bark, having a very characteristic appearance compared to the human eye.
- For medicinal purposes.
- Guarana seeds are usually tuestaned and dried and can be purchased in their natural form or powdered in health food stores.
- Pharmacies.
- Open markets and some markets.
- Learn more about the benefits of guarana powder.
Guarana is a plant widely used to help treat headaches, depression, physical and mental fatigue, diarrhea, muscle aches, stress, sexual impotence, stomach aches and constipation due to its medicinal properties such as:
Guarana can also be used to alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids, migraines, colic and helps you lose weight by increasing fat metabolism. This plant has similar properties to green tea, mainly because it is rich in catechins, which are antioxidant substances. More information on the benefits and use of green tea.
The parts that are used in guarana are its seeds or powdered fruits to make teas or juices, for example.
In addition, guarana can also be sold in capsules, which should be ingested on the advice of the doctor. It is also recommended not to mix guarana in stimulating drinks, such as coffee, chocolate and cola-based soft drinks, as these drinks can greatly enhance the effect of guarana.
Guarana is a medicinal plant that normally does not produce side effects, however, if consumed in excess, it can cause an increase in heart rate, causing a feeling of palpitations, agitation and tremors.
Some substances in guarana, called methylxanthines, can also cause stomach irritation and increase the volume of urine. The caffeine in guarana can worsen anxiety symptoms and lead to insomnia, so its use at night is not recommended.
The use of guarana is contraindicated for pregnant women, lactating women, children, and people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, hyperfunction of the pituitary gland, gastritis, bleeding disorders, hyperthyroidism, or psychological disorders such as anxiety or panic.
It should also not be used by people with epilepsy or cerebral dysrhythmia, as guarana increases brain activity, and in people with a history of guarana allergy, as its use can cause shortness of breath and skin lesions.