The urucum or achote could be considered an ancient medicine plant, since the indigenous people were the first to take it as part of their regular diet and to use it as a natural remedy for different conditions. However, in recent times it has become popular. Here we tell you why.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Originally from the Amazon, both its leaves and its pulp and its seeds were used for the treatment of different ailments. The leaves were used as a poultice to relieve headaches and sore throats. The pulp served to relieve the pain of burns and prevent the formation of sores and blisters.
On the other hand, urucum seeds served as an antidote against poisoning caused by snake bites. They were also used as expectorants, digestive and to relieve cough.
Urucum was also used for prostate problems and internal inflammation, to control high blood pressure, cholesterol and uric acid, and to treat cystitis and kidney failure.
PROPERTIES of urucum AND its CURRENT USE
It is a plant from which, whatever part we take, we are going to obtain multiple health benefits. Its seeds are digestive and its beneficial effect on the reduction of triglycerides in the blood is being studied. Its leaves are currently also used in the treatment of kidney conditions.
It contains beta-carotene (in much higher concentrations than carrots), lutein (a pigment from the carotene family that has strong antioxidant properties), and zeaxanthin (a pigment that also plays a key role in vision). This combo gives urucum a powerful antioxidant effect on the macula of the eye, preventing its degeneration. It is also used to prevent and treat cataracts.
Today, its seeds are famous because they help to maintain the beauty of the skin, to achieve a fast, even and healthy tan and to prevent the appearance of spots. This is so because they are rich in bixin and norbixin, compounds responsible for contributing to the formation of melanin.
Urucum also helps collagen production and has anti-free radical properties, which helps to care for the skin and prevent the appearance of wrinkles, in addition to tanning it. As if that were not enough, it is generally well tolerated and rarely produces adverse effects.
HOW TO USE URUCUM TO GET AN EVEN TAN?
An ideal recipe for summer is iced tea with urucum. To prepare it, we must place a dessert spoonful of seeds in a glass of cold water and leave them to soak for a day. The next thing is to remove the seeds using a strainer and serve.
A hot version of the same tea can be made. In this case we must place water in a kettle and let it boil. Then, add the seeds and let it boil for a few more minutes. Turn off the heat, let the water cool down a bit and strain. We must drink the tea in the next 12 hours so as not to lose the active ingredients of the seed.