Chuchuhuasi Bark

Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus macrocarpa)
Main Actions: muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-reliever),
menstrual stimulant, tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body
functions).
Main Uses: as an analgesic (pain-reliever), a muscle relaxant, and an anti-
inflammatory for arthritis, rheumatism, and back pain; as an aphrodisiac for
loss of libido (male and female); to cool and balance adrenal function; to
tone, balance, and strengthen female hormonal systems and for menstrual
disorders, libido loss, menstrual pain and cramps; as a general tonic (tones,
balances, strengthens overall body functions) and mild immune stimulant.

Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have been using the bark of chuchuhuasi medicinally for centuries. Its Peruvian name, chuchuhuasi, means "trembling back," which refers to its long-standing use for arthritis, rheumatism, and back pain. One local Indian remedy for arthritis and rheumatism calls for one cup of a bark decoction taken three times a day for more than a week. Local people and villagers along the Amazon believe that chuchuhuasi is an aphrodisiac and tonic, and the bark soaked in the local sugarcane rum (aguardiente) is a popular jungle drink that is even served in bars and to tourists (its often called "go-juice" to relieve pain and muscle aches and to "keep going" during long treks in the rainforest). Local healers and curanderos in the Amazon use chuchuhuasi as a general tonic, to speed healing and, when combined with other medicinal plants, as a synergist for many types of illnesses. In Colombia, the Siona Indians boil a small piece of the bark (5 cm) in 2 liters of water until 1 liter remains, and drink it for arthritis and rheumatism. In the Ecuadorian rainforest, the Quijos Quichua Indians prepare a bark decoction for general aches and pains, rheumatism, sore muscles, menstrual pain, and stomachaches.

In the Peruvian Amazon, chuchuhuasi is still considered the best remedy for arthritis among both city and forest dwellers. It is also used as a muscle relaxant, aphrodisiac, and pain-reliever, for adrenal support, as an immune stimulant, and for menstrual balance and regulation. In Peruvian herbal medicine systems, chuchuhuasi alchohol extracts are used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and menstrual irregularities and pain.

This information is gathered directly from:
http://www.rain-tree.com/chuchuhuasi.htm