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Galipea officinalis (Rutaceae)
ANGOSTURA, CUSPARIA BARK
Once an ingredient of the famous
drink Angostura bitters, the dried bark of this South American tree is now
given by herbalists to treat indigestion, diarrhoea, and dysentery. It is
used in liquid form or powdered for tablets.
Angostura was used for centuries by South American Indians as a bitter tonic,
and also as an aid to fishing because it stunned fish when added to the water.
It was introduced to Europe in 1759, when it became an ingredient of the famous drink Angostura bitters.
Recently, however, it has been replaced in the drink by Gentiana lutea. Native to the mountains of South America,
it is a perennial tree with three-lobed glossy leaves and nauseous-smelling flowers.
PARTS USED
Dried bark.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Bitter principles; alkaloids,
including cusparine and galipine; volatile oil.
ACTIONS
Aromatic bitter; tonic; stimulant; causes vomiting in large doses.
MEDICINAL USE
Used for digestive problems such as diarrhoea, dysentery, and indigestion.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture, tablets.
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