Catuaba 50 gram (Erythroxylum catuaba)

Catuaba: bark from the Brazilian rainforest

Catuaba is the bark of Erythroxylum catuaba, a tree growing in the north of Brazil. The name comes from Tupi-Guarani and is usually rendered as something along the lines of strong bark. The Tupi were using it long before any European ship arrived, and the songs they made about it are still quoted today. In Brazil the bark never left the herbalist's shelf: it is sold dried and most often drunk as an infusion.

This bag contains 50 grams of dried bark, enough for a good number of cups. The taste is woody with a light bitterness and a mild, almost sweet finish once the tea has cooled a little. You can brew the bark on its own or blend it with other herbs from the same shelf.

Brewing catuaba tea

Use one to two teaspoons of bark per cup of around 250 ml. Pour over boiling water, cover the cup and let it steep for ten to fifteen minutes, then strain the bark out. For a stronger brew, simmer the bark gently in a pan for about ten minutes instead. Honey or a slice of lemon takes the bitter edge off nicely.

Good to know

Store the bark dry and dark in a well sealed bag or jar and it will stay usable for a long time. Keep it out of reach of children and do not use it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you take medication, speak to your doctor first. In the same category at Avalon Magic Plants you will also find the Aphrodite mix built around damiana, plain damiana leaf and other tea herbs.