For centuries the indigenous peoples of the Amazon have used the bark and leaves of iporuru (Alchornea castaneifolia) for many different purposes and prepared it in many different ways. The Alchornea castaneifolia plant commonly is used with other plants during shamanistic training and, sometimes is an ingredient in ayahuasca (a hallucinogenic, multi-herb decoction used by South American shamans). Throughout the Amazon the bark or leaves of iporuro are tinctured (generally with the local rum, called aguardiente) as a local remedy for rheumatism, arthritis, colds, and muscle pains.
For centuries, indigenous peoples in the Amazon have used the bark and leaves of iporuru (Alchornea castaneifolia) for various purposes and prepared it in numerous ways. The Alchornea castaneifolia plant is often combined with other plants during shamanistic training and sometimes serves as an ingredient in ayahuasca (a hallucinogenic, multi-herb decoction used by South American shamans). In the Amazon region, the bark or leaves of iporuru are infused (typically using local rum called aguardiente) as a traditional remedy for rheumatism, arthritis, colds, and muscle pains.