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Guarana. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Content

1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
2. Genus, family, origin, range, chemical composition, economic importance
3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Guarana, Paullinia cupana. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Paullinia

Family: Sapindaceae (Sapindaceae)

Origin: Amazonia, South America

Area: Rainforests of Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and other South American countries

Chemical composition: Guarana contains guarana (an alkaloid), theophylline, theobromine, caffeine, triglycerides, xanthines, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, catechins and other polyphenols

Economic value: Guarana is used as a natural stimulant, beverage base and nutritional supplements. Also, the plant is used in medicine to treat many diseases, such as headaches, fatigue, insomnia, bronchial asthma, gastritis, etc.

Legends and myths: Brazilian legends say that the gods created guarana as a gift to help people fight hunger and fatigue. Guarana is believed to help increase energy and stimulate mental activity, as well as improve mood and reduce stress levels. In the local culture, guarana is considered a symbol of strength, energy and vitality. In traditional medicine, guarana is used as a circulatory stimulant, antidepressant and general tonic. It is also often used in drinks and other foods to increase energy and improve physical endurance. In modern culture, guarana has become a popular ingredient in drinks and energy bars. It symbolizes not only energy and vitality, but also a healthy lifestyle and an active lifestyle.

Guarana, Paullinia cupana. Description, illustrations of the plant

Guarana, Paullinia cupana. Methods of application, origin of the plant, range, botanical description, cultivation

Guarana (Paullinia L.) belongs to the Sapindaceae family. The genus includes 148 species, of which 1 species lives in Africa, the rest in America.

It grows wild in the Amazon in Brazil and Venezuela. Cultivated in Brazil, on Mato Grosso.

The most famous type of guarana is Paullinia cupana Kunth. - an evergreen creeping shrub with trifoliate leaves 20-40 cm long. The flowers are fragrant. The fruit is a capsule 6-8 cm long, red on the outside, seeds up to 1,2 cm long.

As a dietary supplement, guarana is an effective stimulant and contains twice as much caffeine as coffee beans (2-4,5% caffeine in guarana seeds versus 1-2% in coffee beans). The high concentration of caffeine serves as a protective toxin for the plant, protecting the berries and seeds from pathogens.

The guarana fruit is about the size of a hazelnut, covered with a deep yellow to gray skin; when ripe, the skin bursts and reveals one lilac-brown or black seed. Guarana seeds contain resins, tannins and up to 6% caffeine. From them, a paste is obtained, which is used in some countries for medical purposes. Caffeine is extracted from the paste, it is added to chocolate and used to make a drink similar to coffee.

The plant has long been used by the indigenous inhabitants of South America - the Tupi and Guarani Indians, in particular, during long-distance crossings. Some tribes used this plant as a means of payment.

In addition, these seeds have traditionally been used to treat headaches, fever, fever, cramps, as a stimulant, to prevent bacterial infections, as a tonic and tonic. The Indians of Latin America believe that guarana helps not only with hunger, but also with fatigue, arthritis and diarrhea. Guarana has also been used for a long time to cure hangovers.

After the fruits are harvested, the seeds are separated from the pulp, preventing fermentation. After that, the seeds are fried, relieving them of the skin. And then the guarana seeds are ground into a fine powder. The Indians believe that it is this powder that can cure many diseases.

Currently, guarana is included in most energy drinks, added to teas, and also sometimes in lollipops and sweets. In Brazil, guarana-flavored foods are widespread, ranging from sodas to toothpaste. In South America, most of the caffeine comes from guarana. Guarana extract is used in sports nutrition. Also in the modern world, the plant is used as a dietary supplement and supplement for weight loss.

Brazil, which is the third largest soft drink consumer in the world, produces several brands of beverages containing guarana extract. The Portuguese word "Guarana" is widely used in Brazil as a common name for all soft drinks. Brazilian sales of "guarana" beverages exceed those of cola. Brazil also produces various types of alcoholic beverages with guarana extracts, without the addition of caffeine.

Despite the fact that all these drinks are prepared on the basis of guarana, they differ from each other in taste and do not retain the natural taste of guarana at all. As a rule, the taste of these drinks is fruity and rather mild, with a sweetish aftertaste. Also, drinks made in Brazil are exported to neighboring countries. The most famous drink-brand of Brazil, based on guarana, is "Guarana Antarctica" ("Guarana Antarctica"). Paraguay has a range of guarana-based beverage brands. Famous Paraguay brands such as "Maxi", "De La Costa" ("De La Costa") and Niko ("Niko"). Local residents and small producers also make drinks from guarana, but only for their needs and needs. Or for small, domestic businesses.

Peru also produces soft drinks under the Guarana brand, which is owned by Backus and Johnston. In 2007, the drink occupied 5% of the Peruvian soft drink market, and was re-released with a new bottle and emblem, as well as a new light version, and a year later, sales of the drink increased by 49%.

Guarana tea is made by peeling, soaking and drying the seeds and then grinding them into a fine powder. The powder is added to the dough, from which cylinders are molded. This product is known as guarana bread, which is pounded and dipped in hot water with sugar.

The Indians lightly roast the seeds after removing the shell, grind them into powder, prepare a thick mass with water, roll it into thick and short cylindrical sticks, then dry it. In this form, guarana enters pharmacies in Europe.

The sticks are brownish, hard, tasting bitter and astringent. They contain starch, resin, tannins and caffeine (4-6%). Powdered paste is prescribed for migraines and as a tonic.

Guarana is often used as a raw material for the production of caffeine.

Authors: Baranov V.D., Ustimenko G.V.

Guarana, Paullinia cupana. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

Ethnoscience:

• Improving digestion: Guarana can help improve digestion. To do this, you need to prepare a tincture of 1 teaspoon of guarana powder and 1 cup of boiling water. The tincture should be drunk before meals to improve digestion.
• Weight loss: Guarana contains caffeine, which helps reduce appetite and speed up metabolism. To prepare a drink for weight loss, you need to mix guarana powder with water and add a little honey. The drink should be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Cholesterol Reduction: Guarana can help lower blood cholesterol levels. To do this, you need to prepare an infusion of guarana powder and drink it 2-3 times a day before meals.
• Improving mental activity: Guarana contains caffeine and other stimulants that may help improve mental performance. To do this, you need to prepare a tincture of guarana powder and drink it in the morning or during the day.
• Fatigue Reduction: Guarana can help reduce fatigue and improve mood. To do this, you need to prepare a drink from guarana powder and drink it throughout the day.

Cosmetology:

• Body peeling: To prepare the peel, mix 1 tablespoon of guarana powder with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. The resulting mixture should be applied to wet skin and massaged for 5-10 minutes, then rinsed with warm water.
• Mask for the face: to prepare the mask, you need to mix 1 tablespoon of guarana powder with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. The resulting mixture should be applied to cleansed face and left for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Shampoo: to prepare the shampoo, you need to mix 1 tablespoon of guarana powder with 1 cup of boiling water and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then the infusion should be filtered and add 1 tablespoon of glycerin and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. The resulting shampoo can be used to strengthen the hair and improve its shine.
• Anti-cellulite scrub: to prepare the scrub, you need to mix 1 tablespoon of guarana powder with 1 tablespoon of ground coffee and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The resulting mixture should be applied to problem areas of the body and massaged in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Guarana, Paullinia cupana. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant native to the rainforests of South America. Its seeds contain caffeine and other active substances used as a stimulant and to improve mental and physical performance.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing guarana:

Cultivation:

• Guarana can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It is recommended to grow it in fertile, well-drained soil, in a sunny position.
• The plant needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods.
• Guarana plants can reach a height of up to 10 meters, so you need to give them enough room to grow.

Workpiece:

• Guarana seeds are harvested when the fruit is red and firm. They must be thoroughly cleaned of pulp and disinfected.
• For disinfection, the seeds can be soaked in water for several hours. This helps to kill any diseases and parasites.
• Cleaned and disinfected guarana seeds should be dried in the sun or in special drying equipment until completely dry.

Storage:

• Store guarana seeds in a dry place, protected from sunlight and moisture.
• Seeds can be stored for several months to a year, depending on storage conditions.

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