Guarana is a climbing plant that is native to the Amazon basin and can be commonly found in Brazil and Venezuela. It’s best known for its orange-yellow fruits, which contain a few seeds. They’re high in caffeine and guaranine and are known for that reason. After the seeds are collected, they’re roasted and ground into a paste. They’re then molded into sticks and sun dried. [easyazon_link identifier=”B0014H37AI” locale=”US” tag=”freeonline012-20″]Guarana is often made into syrups, extracts, and supplements[/easyazon_link], which are commonly used into South American countries. While many haven’t heard of this plant and its amazing seeds, it’s most definitely on the rise.
Growing Conditions
This plant typically grows in the Brazilian Amazon, where it originates. It most often grows between ten to fifteen meters high. It has large, compound evergreen leaves with five leaflets and clusters of tiny flowers. The fruit is small and round, and bright-red in color. As it ripens, the fruit splits and a large black seed emerges, giving it the appearance of an eyeball, which the Natives told legends of.
Traditional Usage
Amazonian Natives believed that [easyazon_link identifier=”B000UYC2RK” locale=”US” tag=”freeonline012-20″] consuming guarana[/easyazon_link] would help fight off malaria and dysentery. In modern day, it’s used across the world as a stimulant to help improve functionality and sharpen the mind. It’s also added to alcohol to give your drink a larger kick, and is often used by Brazilians in beverages as a substitute to coffee or tea. While caffeine was once identified as its main constituent, it is now known that guaranine also plays a part in these seeds and leaves.
Modern Usage
Guarana has many effects and most of them are positive. It’s known to increase energy, treat low blood pressure and high blood pressure, and can help with one’s sex drive. It’s often used as a flavoring in drinks, but because of its high level of caffeine, it’s most commonly used in soft drinks and energy drinks, such as Monster and AMP. In Brazil, [easyazon_link identifier=”B005HHEMOG” locale=”US” tag=”freeonline012-20″]Guarana Antarctica[/easyazon_link] is one of the best selling soft drinks in the entire country, second to Coca Cola.
Supplements and Blends
When used in addition to herbs such as passionflower and valerian, guarana has been found to relieve anxiety. Drinking tea with these herbs three times a day for at least twenty-eight days has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety immensely, however it hasn’t been shown if guarana on its own has as large of an effect.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00C5U96FI” locale=”US” tag=”freeonline012-20″]Supplements that contain guarana[/easyazon_link] have been proven to assist with weight loss and boost athletic performance. However, if supplements are too pricey for you, there’s always the option of adding it to your meals. Dissolving a gram of guarana paste into your water or juice in the morning is the easiest and cheapest way to gain this plant’s many benefits. Not only will your mood brighten, but you’ll find an increase in energy, concentration, and mental awareness.
Hannah Clark is a talented young writer who is quickly making a name for herself. She has been writing for Smokable Herbs since July of 2015. Hannah’s interests include nerd culture, Star Wars, video games, and 80’s pop music. Follow her Facebook page for updates.
