Traditional Uses:* for menstrual problems (pain, cramps, premenstrual syndrome [PMS], and to promote and normalize menstruation); for upper respiratory bacterial and viral infections; to relieve pain of all types (arthritis, migraines and headaches, stomach aches, muscle pain, etc.); to tone, balance, and strengthen heart function (and for mild hypertension); for venereal diseases and urinary tract infection.
Ingredients: 100% pure vassourinha (Scoparia dulcis) whole herb (root, leaf, stem, flowers). No binders, fillers or additives are used. This product is non-irradiated and non-fumigated. It is a wild harvested product—grown naturally in the Brazilian Amazon without any pesticides or fertilizers.
Suggested Use: This plant is best prepared as an infusion (tea). Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Pour boiling water over herb in cup and allow to steep 10 minutes. Strain tea (or allow settled powder to remain in the bottom of cup) and drink warm. It is traditionally taken in 1 cup dosages, 1 or 2 times daily.
Contraindications:
The traditional use as an abortive and/or childbirth aid warrants that vassourinha should not be taken during pregnancy. Vassourinha has shown in animal studies to lower blood sugar levels. This plant is probably contraindicated in people with hypoglycemia. Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar levels if they use vassourinha to monitor these possible effects. Avoid combining with antidepressants or barbiturates unless under the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner (see drug interactions below).
Drug Interactions: One human study documented that an ethanol extract of vassourinha inhibited radioligand binding to dopamine and seratonin. Another study reported that a water extract given intragastrically to rats potentiated the effects of barbiturates. As such, it is possible that vassourinha may enhance the effect of barbiturates and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants.
