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Capeba, also known as malvarisco or pariparoba, is a medicinal plant of the Pothomorphe peltata or Piper umbellatum species, rich in essential oils, flavonoids and alkaloids, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic action, being therefore very used as a home remedy to help treat poor digestion, heartburn or urinary tract infections.
The normally used parts of capeba are the leaves or roots from which active substances with medicinal properties are extracted, for the preparation of tea, infusion or poultice.
Capeba can be found in compounding pharmacies and some he alth food stores, and must be used with medical advice or a professional with experience in medicinal plants.
What is it for
Caapeba properties include its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, healing, anti-ulcer, febrifuge, laxative and sweating action, being normally indicated for:
- Heartburn;
- Poor digestion;
- Stomach ache;
- Peptic ulcer;
- Fever;
- Sore throat;
- Colds and flu;
- Bronchitis;
- Constipation;
- Urinary tract infection;
- Boils;
- Skin inflammation;
- Liver diseases.
In addition, some studies [1, 2] show that an essential oil, n-benzoyl mescaline, present in capeba leaf has antibacterial action and can be useful in the treatment of infection by the bacterium H.pylori that causes stomach ulcers. However, further studies are needed to prove this benefit.
Although it has many benefits, this medicinal plant is not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or an herbalist.
How to use
Capeba can be used in the form of tea, compresses or baths, prepared with the leaves or roots of this plant.
1. Capeba tea
Capeba tea helps relieve gastrointestinal problems, such as heartburn, constipation, poor digestion or stomach pain, and can also help treat urinary infections, for example.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of capeba leaves;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add the capeba leaf to the boiling water, cover and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Then strain, wait for it to cool and drink a cup up to 3 times a day.
2. Capeba infusion
Capeba infusion can be used to help relieve fever, flu, colds or bronchitis.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of chopped capeba roots;
- 1 cup of water tea.
Preparation mode
Put the water on to boil and, as soon as the first bubbles are formed, turn off the heat. Pour the boiling water over the chopped capeba roots, smother and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink up to 3 cups a day.
3. Capeba poultice
Capeba poultice can be used for skin problems, due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Ingredients
- 4 capeba leaves;
- 500 mL of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add the capeba leaves in the boiling water, cover and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Then remove the capeba leaves and apply on the affected area of the skin.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur while using capeba are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, fever, headache, skin allergy or tremors.
Who should not use
Capeba should not be used by children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important to emphasize that the use of capeba should only be done after indication of the doctor or phytotherapist.
