Ethnomedical Uses:  In Brazil, abutua is widely employed in herbal medicine today as a diuretic and as a tonic (a general overall balancer)as well as to reduce fever and relieve pain. It is often employed for menstrual cramps, difficult menstruation, excessive bleeding and uterine hemorrhages, fibroid tumors, pre- and postnatal pain, colic, constipation, poor digestion, and dyspepsia.

Properties / Actions Documented by Research: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antioxidant, antispasmodic, diuretic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), muscle relaxant, uterine relaxant

Cautions: It relaxes the uterus and is contraindicated in pregnancy. It may also potentiate medications used to treat hypertension. Abutua has been documented to lower blood pressure in two animal studies; therefore, Abutua is probably contraindicated for people with low blood pressure. An alkaloid in abutua, tetrandrine, has been documented to have various actions on heart function in animals and humans. Those with a heart condition or taking heart medications should consult with their doctor before using this plant. Abutua has demonstrated to be a uterine relaxant and traditionally employed as a childbirth aid. A pregnant woman should use it only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

How to use/ Preparation:  A standard decoction is generally prepared and taken two or three times daily in 1/2 cup doses.