‘Mulungu’ sounds like something in Swahili out of deepest darkest Africa, but this herb is recorded as being found in the Amazon region of Brazil around 1829. Of course South America’s indigenous population had already been using it for centuries before that as a natural sedative and for its other medicinal values.
The Mulungu tree or ‘coral flower’ tree as it is also known because of its orange colored blossoms grows all over South American rainforests in marshlands and along river banks. It is the bark and roots of this tree that are used for medicinal purposes as Mulungu is one of the most powerful naturally occurring plants.
Health Benefits of Mulungu
Although the mulungu herb is not very well known or widely used in North America, there have been many clinical studies and much research undertaken that scientifically supports claims of its healing properties. Mulungu is found to be a natural tranquilizer comparable to the chemically based sedative diazepam. It calms nerves, eases anxiety, stabilizes the central nervous system, lowers blood pressure and steadies the heart’s rhythm by sedating overactive neurotransmitters. Mulungu also effectively kills pain, kills bacteria and has strong antioxidant capabilities. Furthermore Mulungu, unlike kava-kava (which is an alternative plant based medicine found to actually cause liver damage) is not harmful to the liver and in fact has proven to tone, balance and strengthen that organ. Because of this, mulungu is now being used to treat hepatitis.
In both Brazil and Peru medical professional are using Mulungu successfully as a treatment for epilepsy. One of the latest studies indicates that it may be used for nicotine addiction because it has the properties to block nicotine receptors. Mulungu has also shown helpful in stimulating milk flow in lactating females.
Mulungu and Weight Loss
Because of the calming nature of this herb, Mulungu causes an overall physical sensation of well-being, which may act as a natural appetite suppressant. For this reason, Mulungu is particularly effective for weight loss in people who are emotional eaters.
Side Effects of Mulungu
So far the only known negative or side affect of this herb is that it can cause drowsiness, so don’t drink and drive until you know how it affects you. Anyone with low blood pressure should consult with their doctor before taking Mulungu.
How to Take Mulungu
Available in powdered or dried herb form, this plant is intended to be used as a decoction (extracting by boiling). Simply add 1 teaspoon of powdered Mulungu or 2 teaspoons of dried Mulungu herb to 1 cup of boiling water, simmer for 20 minutes, remove from heat, strain, cool and drink. Recommended dosage is ½ a cup of the decoction, no more than one or two times daily. As always if you are on any other medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist for any contra-indications.
Where to Buy Mulungu
Mulungu is available to purchase on-line in both the powdered form and as a dried herb. Check with local health food stores and herb suppliers near you to find a source loser to home.