In 1669 a missionary named Bettendorf noted that the Maues-Sateres Indians tribe who live in the Brazilian rainforest were by far the most healthy of the natives that he encountered in his travels.

The missionary also noted in his journals how the Maues-Sateres used guarana as a tonic and stimulant to help them cope with extreme heat, to endure long journeys, and also to cure headache and cramp. The plant was regarded as something of a miracle worker and was even used as a form of currency.

Healing Claims

Mrs Grieve wrote in her Modern Herbal (1931) that guarana was a 'tonic, stimulant and is useful for mild forms of diarrhoea.'

Guarana is useful in maintaining energy and endurance, particularly during times of stress when the body can become depleted. The South American Indians also attribute cooling effects to guarana, making it a useful summer beverage or supplement. Its tannins can help relieve and perhaps protect against diarrhoea, making guarana an excellent traveller's supplement, both as an energy booster and a protector for a sensitive stomach. Guarana is also claimed to suppress appetite, and so may be a beneficial part of weight loss program.

Whether it is due to its energy-lifting effects, or some possible male hormone-like activity, the general tonic actions of guarana will no doubt see some improvement in that area along with other health benefits.

How it works

Analysis of guarana reveals that it contains certain substances-about 3 to 5 percent of the total-called methlaxanthines. Some researchers say that one of these substances is caffeine, and that this accounts for the herb's stimulating actions. Others hold that there is no caffeine in Guarana but rather that a group of chemicals very similar to caffeine, known as guaranine is responsible for the effect.

Guarana does contain some caffeine but the effects of the herb are so different from those of caffeine it would appear the other substances in the herb, such as tannins and saponins, act as a buffer and modify any short-term stimulation caused by any caffeine present.

Studies reported by Michael Van Straten in his book, Guarana, show guarana to have a strong and consistent positive effect on mood and some positive effects on performance. In fact, guarana can lead to long term sustained energy without the side effects of caffeine-rich drinks.

How to take it

In Brazil today, the national soft drink is not one of the massively promoted cola drinks but rather a drink made from the guarana seed; such drinks are also now available in Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, guarana is available in powder, tablet, and capsule form. Terry Robson, N.D. Health Medicine Magazine Feb/March 1999