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The annatto tree seeds contain an alimentary orange-red coloring substance utilized in Mexico even before Spanish colonization. Also, the fruit of this tree is used as a seasoning, and its bark provides a textile fiber.
The Mayans and the Aztecs used the annatto tree to treat leprosy, who had notable phytotherapeutic knowledge. This tree shares botanical and chemical similarities with the Hydnocarpus kurzii [King] Warb. ( = Tarakogenos kurzii King), An Asian tree from which oil is extracted is used today to treat leprosy.
Annatto Tree Scientific Facts
- Other names: Annatto
- French: Roucouyer
- Spanish: Achiote
- Environment: Native to Mexico, the West Indies, and hot regions of South America. It is cultivated because of the orange-red dye obtained from its seeds.
- Description: Tree of the Bixaceae family, growing up to five meters high. It has big red flowers. The fruit looks like oval-shaped capsules, about 4 cm, covered with soft thorns and several seeds.
- Part of the plant used medicinally: The seeds and leaves.
Preparation and Use
- Infusion with a spoonful of seeds per liter of water. Drink two or three cups daily.
- Gargles with an infusion made with 40-50 g of leaves per liter of water.
- Baths and compresses with the same infusion on the affected skin area.
- Poultices with the powder of the seeds.
The seed powder is obtained by cold extracting them for four hours, mashing them, and steeping them under sunlight until the water evaporates. Mix a spoonful of powder with 100 ml of olive oil and apply as a fine poultice on the burn area.
Properties and Indications
The LEAVES of the annatto tree have astringent and cicatrizant properties thanks to their tannin content. Gargles, mouth aphthas, pharyngitis, and tonsilitis will improve with their infusion.
In external applications (baths and compresses), the infusion of annatto tree leaves has interesting cicatrizant, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its use is highly recommended for skin infections, rashes, mild burns, and cellulitis.
The seeds contain bixin ( a coloring substance) and resin. The infusion of seeds is used as an expectorant for bronchitis or asthma. The powder of the seeds, dissolved into the oil, has emollient properties and externally applied, it is an excellent remedy against mild burns.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- https://scholar.google.com/
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-23/annatto
- Carotenoids and Retinal Disease” – Review Article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3763901/
- RxList: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/annatto.htm