Other Names: Paullinia cupana, Brazilian cocoa
The word "Guarana" comes from the Portuguese guaranĂ¡, and the plant was named for the Brazilian Guarani tribe.
Guarana played an important role in Tupi and GuaranĂ Brazilian culture. According to an ancient myth, a beloved village child was killed by a serpent god. A kinder god took the left eye from the child and planted it in the forest, causing wild Guarana to grow. He then took the right eye and planted it in the village, resulting in the domestic form of the plant.
It is easy to find the the basis for this myth. The fruit of the Guarana looks very much like an eyeball with a small dark seed surrounded by white aril.
The GuaranĂs make Guarana into a tea by shelling and washing the seeds, and them pounding them into a fine powder. The powder is kneaded into a dough and then shaped into cylinders. This product is known as Guarana bread or Brazilian cocoa, which would be grated and then immersed into hot water along with sugar.
Guarana was introduced to western civilization in the 17th century following its discovery by Father Felip Betendorf. By 1958, Guarana was commercialized.
From Guarana History & Culture to Why Guarana?
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice fro your physician or healthcare provider. You should not use information from this web site for the treatment of any health problem. As with any herbal or dietary supplement, talk to a health care professional before making Guarana a part of your regular diet. Additionally, may want to consult with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements.
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