Andiroba

Carapa guianensis

Physical Characteristics

Carapa guianensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 35 m (114ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Guatemala; Caribbean - Trinidad to Dominican Republic.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Edible Uses: Oil Oil. See medical uses below. The oil should not be consumed because it is poisonous in quantity[ 46 ]. The seed contains up to 70% oil[ 419 ].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antidiarrhoeal Antifungal Antiinflammatory Antirheumatic Antitussive Astringent Bitter Demulcent Dysentery Eczema Febrifuge Malaria Parasiticide Skin The bark contains tannins and a bitter-tasting alkaloid, carapine. It is astringent, bitter and febrifuge[ 303 , 348 ]. It is used internally in the treatment of malaria, stomach aches, diarrhoea, dysentery and rheumatism[ 348 , 378 ]. The stem bark is used externally as a wash for treating a wide range of skin complaints including the spots of chicken pox and measles; eczema, ulcers, burns, wounds and sores[ 348 ]. The leaves are boiled in water and used as a wash on itchy skin, wounds and persistent ulcers[ 303 , 348 ]. A fruit rind decoction is taken orally for the treatment of fevers and intestinal worms[ 303 ]. A cream-coloured, intensely bitter oil of high acidity and very unpleasant smell, called 'carapa oil', is obtained from the seeds[ 378 ]. The oil is anti-inflammatory, demulcent and soothing[ 348 ]. A decoction is taken orally in the treatment of hepatitis and tetanus[ 303 ]. It is used to treat a range of pulmonary conditions including a hacking cough, bronchial tract discomforts and lung problems[ 348 ]. Applied externally, it is used as a skin lotion and softener, especially for children with thrush and dried, cracked skin; and to treat a range of skin conditions including eczema, ringworm, running sores, pain, swelling and itching. It is applied three times daily to treat painful piles[ 348 ]. It is rubbed on to a painful stomach and used to reduce pus-filled abscesses[ 348 ]. It is mixed with anatta paste (Bixa orellana) and applied it to the hair and skin in order to repel mosquitoes, sand fleas, ticks, lice and other biting insects[ 348 ]. A drop of the oil, combined with a drop of red lavender, is used to treat thrush in children[ 348 ]. The grated nut is mixed with hot water, and drunk as a treatment for malaria, diarrhoea and dysentery, and to reduce excessive menstrual flow[ 348 ] Applied externally, the grated nut is mixed with palm oil and used as an analgesic for muscular aches and pains; as an antifungal; as a treatment for dry skin, sores and eczema; for relieving itches caused by measles and chicken pox[ 348 ].

Known Hazards

None known