Potential Benefits of Brazilian Pepper Tea

Brazilian pepper tree is a shrub that belongs to the sumac family that may include poison oak, poison ivy, poisonwood, and poison sumac. It is native to southern Brazil and is found in Alagoas, Espirito Santo, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Parana, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Sergipe.

Although it goes by the name pepper tree, it is not a real pepper. It has red-berried that is known as Hawaiian Christmas Berry or Florida Holly because of the berries that mature in Christmas month, i.e., December /January. It is also used as a part of Christmas decorations.

Nutritional Facts of Brazilian Pepper Tree

Brazilian pepper tree is green and turns bright red once they mature. Known for the bitter taste, but the nutritional profile mentions it to be a diuretic, a wound healer, anti-bacterial, and antifungal as well.

It offers its nutrition benefits when consumed in the form of syrups and vinegar

How Does It Work on Our Health?

These are Brazilian pepper tree uses for the body.

• Brazilian pepper tree since ancient times has been used as a diuretic and especially for treating tumors.
• Holistic practitioners have used it for treating diseases like gout(1), rheumatism, and even syphilis.
• The leaves of the plant are often dried to treat urinary tract infections and respiratory infections.
• The plant is said to be rich in calcium and is commonly used to treat fractures.
• The plant is known to have antiseptic properties and heals wounds.
• It can treat diseases like respiratory disorders, mouth ulcers, wounds, gout, skin ailments, diarrhea, and arthritis.
• The stem from the bark treats scabies, sore throat, and inflammations in the body.
• The sap has used a diuretic and also works as a mild laxative.
• Brazilian pepper tree(2) works as an antiseptic and is known to be anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and also a digestive stimulant.
• This tree is full of medicinal benefits for your body and also for the skin.

The Best Ways to Use the Brazilian Pepper Tree

This shrub is usable in the following ways to maximize health benefits.

1. Brazilian Pepper Bark Tea as a Laxative

You need

• Water
• Steel pot to boil water
• Water, a sweetening agent like honey/sugar
• Brazilian pepper bark

Method

1. Take the steel pan and put it on heat. Add some water and let it boil. Bring down the heat and let it simmer.
2. The next step is to add the bark so that it doesn’t stick to each other. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Turn off the flame and sieve it.
4. You can add a few tbsp of honey or sugar to sweeten the tea.

Drink every day half an hour before bed-time for best results

[Read: Benefits of Wormwood]

2. Bark-And-Leaf Tea Is Used as a Stimulant and Antidepressant

You need

• Dried leaves of the Brazilian pepper plant
• The bark of the Brazilian pepper tree
• Steel pot
• Water and sweetening agent

Method

1. Take a pot and heat it. Add some water and put it to boil. Let it simmer by bringing down the heat and add dried leaves and the bark.
2. Let it boil for 10 minutes and cover and keep aside for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid and pour it into a cup. Add some sugar or a few tsp of honey for better taste. You can drink this tea twice daily to treat cold

[Read: Benefits of Nettle Tea]

3. Brazil Leaf Tea for Cold

You need

• Dried leaves of the Brazilian pepper plant
• Water, steel pant
• Sweetening agent
• Tulsi leaves
• Cloves

Method

1. Take a steel pan and heat it. Add some water and put it to boil.
2. Now, mix tulsi leaves, cloves, and dried Brazilian pepper tree leaves together.
3. Reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Cover the pot and switch off the flame.
4. Strain and add to a cup. To make it sweet, add some jaggery powder, sugar or honey to it.

[Read: Matcha Tea Benefits]

Precautions

• It can cause some severe allergic reactions in sensitive people because of its aromatic sap.
• If your skin comes in contact with the sap, it can lead to allergic reactions like rashes, itching, oozing wounds, redness, and swelling in the eyes.
• If you eat these berries, you might suffer from diarrhea and vomiting.
• The sap can cause dermatitis and eye irritation.
• If you are flowering the trees, you may experience sneezing and watery eyes.
• The flowers and fruits may cause respiratory problems.

Brazilian pepper trees are invasive as they form a canopy and shade other neighboring plants and provide a very poor habitat for the other species. People often use these plants for garden decor, but it must be noted that people suffering from allergies or respiratory disorders must avoid having them around. It can trigger such allergies. They can’t stand cold temperatures and are restricted to warmer climates and is common in the United States.

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FAQ

1. Is Brazilian Pepper Tree Edible?

They are usually not known to be safe to eat. You must check it out carefully before consumption. The skin might get rashes just getting in contact with the plant, so caution is a must if you consume them.