Chuchuhuasi (Monteverdia macrocarpa)

Chuchuhuasi (Monteverdia macrocarpa, formerly Maytenus macrocarpa) is a large tree up to 30 m in the Celastraceae family, native to the Amazon (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, northern Brazil). The name from Quechua means 'trembling back': bark and roots are traditionally used for back pain, arthritis, rheumatism. Bark is very bitter; decoctions and tinctures are used for diarrhea, women's issues, and as a tonic. Contains triterpenes and sesquiterpenes; research shows antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity.

In dietas chuchuhuasi goes as a plant of structure and directness: it aligns the internal axis and makes a person more collected. It is credited with the ability to 'center', correct internal imbalances, and bring up family and intergenerational patterns for processing. The bodily image of 'trembling back' — the load the plant helps to bear and transform.

Dieta with chuchuhuasi is the classic 'dieta of strength': resilience, clarity, the ability to carry responsibility without falling apart. It is often chosen when one needs to 'get back on one's feet' after a crisis or to prepare a foundation for further dietas. Guidance by a maestro.

Bark and extracts at traditional doses are usually well tolerated. Contraindications are general for dietas; in severe back or joint disease — consultation with the maestro and if needed a physician.