Synonyms: Barbasco, Cissampelos pariera
Abuta is a tough, woody vine native to the jungles of Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador. Because of its lush leaves and large, inedible ber- ries, the plant is often incorporated into decorative South American gardens. Western medicine has conducted extensive research into the alkaloids contained in the Abuta vine, most notably tet- randrine, which has been found to be effective as a pain reliever, muscle relaxant, and anti-in ammatory agent.
Given its reputation for being effective for women’s ailments in particular - including relieving menstrual cramps and excessive bleeding, as well as pre- and postnatal pain, and increasing fertil- ity - many in South America refer to it as the midwives’ herb. It also has a wide range of other applications, from relieving diges- tive problems and internal bleeding, to use as a diuretic and anal- gesic. Virtually every part of the plant can be used.
