Cissampelos pariera

ORDERS OF 250G OR MORE MAY REQUIRE UP TO 4 WEEKS FOR PROCESSING AND SHIPPING.

Main action: Antispasmodic, antihemorrhagic (reduce bleeding), muscle
relaxant, uterine relaxant, antiviral
Main uses: For menstrual problems (pain, cramps, excessive bleeding,
fibroids, endometriosis); as a general antispasmodic and muscle-relaxer
(asthma, stomach cramps, muscle pain/strains, irritable bowel syndrome,
diverticulitis); for bacterial and viral upper respiratory infections, cold, flu; for
kidney support (kidney stones, kidney/urinary infections and pain); as a
strong antioxidant and cellular protector in cancer, viral and bacterial
infections
Cautions: It relaxes the uterus and is contraindicated in pregnancy. It may
also potentiate medications used to treat hypertension.

Abuta is a woody, climbing rainforest vine with leaves up to 30 cm long. It produces inedible, dark, grape-sized berries. It belongs to the genus Cissampelos, of which thirty to forty species are represented in the tropics. Abuta vine is blackish-brown and tough; when freshly cut it has a waxy luster. Abuta is found throughout the Amazon in Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, and Colombia, and it is cultivated by many to beautify their gardens.

The common name of this plant has caused some confusion in herbal commerce today. In Brazil, this plant is well known as abutua, and in Peru it is known as abuta or barbasco. References to abuta in herbal commerce today may apply to either Cissampelos pariera or to a completely different plant, Abuta grandiflora. Another tropical vine, Abuta grandiflora, also has the common name of abuta in South America, but this is a very different plant with different chemicals and uses in herbal medicine. This plant is referred to in Peru as chiric sanago as well as abuta (hence the confusion).

Abuta (Cissampelos pariera) is commonly referred to as the midwives' herb throughout South America because of its long history of use for all types of women's ailments. The vine or root of abuta is used in tropical countries to prevent a threatened miscarriage and to stop uterine hemorrhages after childbirth. Midwives in the Amazon still carry abuta with them for menstrual cramps and pre- and postnatal pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, and uterine hemorrhaging. Abuta is also believed to aid poor digestion, drowsiness after meals, and constipation.

Virtually all parts of the plant have been used by indigenous peoples throughout the South American rainforest for thousands of years for other ailments and are still in use today. Members of the Palikur tribe in Guyana use a poultice of abuta leaves as a topical pain-reliever, and the Wayapi Indians use a decoction of the leaf and stem as an oral analgesic. Ecuadorian Ketchwa tribes use the leaf decoction for eye infections and snakebite. The Creoles in Guyana soak the leaves, bark, and roots in rum and use it as an aphrodisiac. Indigenous tribes in Peru use the seeds of abuta for snakebite, fevers, venereal disease, and as a diuretic and expectorant. Amazonian herbal healers (called curanderos) toast the seeds of abuta and then brew them into a tea to treat internal hemorrhages and external bleeding. They also brew a leaf tea for rheumatism and a vine wood-and-bark tea to treat irregular heartbeat and excessive menstrual bleeding.

In Brazil, abuta is widely employed in herbal medicine today as a diuretic and as a tonic (a general overall balancer), as well as to reduce fever and relieve pain. It is often employed for menstrual cramps, difficult menstruation, excessive bleeding and uterine hemorrhages, fibroid tumors, pre- and postnatal pain, colic, constipation, poor digestion, and dyspepsia. In Mexico, abuta has a long history of use for muscle inflammation, snakebite, rheumatism, diarrhea, dysentery, and menstrual problems.

In North American herbal medicine, abuta is used for many of the same conditions as in South America as well as for inflammation of the testicles and minor kidney problems.

This information is gathered directly from
https://rain-tree.com/abuta.htm

CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA (VELVETLEAF)

The Hormonal Balancer—A Tropical Vine for Reproductive Health, Fever Management, and Urinary Support

BOTANICAL IDENTIFICATION

Scientific Name: Cissampelos pareira L.
Common Names: Velvetleaf, Abuta, False Pareira, Patha (Ayurveda), Pareira Brava
Family: Menispermaceae

Cissampelos pareira is a perennial, climbing vine reaching up to 10 meters in length, with slender, twining stems and simple, heart-shaped leaves that have a velvety underside. The small, yellow-green flowers are dioecious (male and female flowers occur on separate plants), and the fruits are small red drupes.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it is found throughout South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It thrives in forested areas, riverbanks, and moist lowland environments.

The roots, stems, and leaves are all used medicinally.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL USE

In Ayurvedic medicine, known as Patha, the plant is traditionally used for balancing female reproductive health, regulating menstruation, and reducing fever.

In South American ethnobotany, particularly in Amazonian traditions, Abuta is considered a women’s health herb, used to ease menstrual cramps, prevent miscarriage (in low doses), and promote postpartum recovery.

Caribbean folk medicine uses it for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and as a mild diuretic and febrifuge.

Historically, it was also employed as a decoction for snakebites and as a muscle relaxant.

KEY BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND BENEFITS

These phytochemicals combine to regulate smooth muscle contraction, reduce inflammation, and support urinary and reproductive health.

HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY

Isoquinoline alkaloids like cissampeline act as smooth muscle relaxants, particularly beneficial for menstrual cramps, spasms, and tension headaches.

Flavonoids and tannins reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting immune function and recovery from infections.

Its diuretic properties aid in flushing toxins and stones from the urinary system.

Mild antipyretic effects help lower fever by promoting sweating and gentle detoxification.

DOSE GUIDELINES

Traditionally, low to moderate doses are used long-term for reproductive support.

PREPARATION AND USES

In Ayurveda, Patha root is boiled with milk or ghee-based formulas to support reproductive health and hormone regulation.

South American traditions prepare a root decoction combined with other jungle herbs for postpartum recovery.

The leaves are sometimes applied as poultices for skin inflammation or wounds.

Modern herbalists combine it with shatavari or chasteberry for female reproductive tonics.

OPTIMAL CONTEXT FOR USE

Best suited for menstrual irregularities, cramps, or uterine tension.

Used as a supportive herb during postpartum healing and for mild urinary tract infections.

Works well when paired with adaptogens such as ashwagandha or rhodiola for stress-related reproductive issues.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL HARVESTING

Cissampelos pareira grows abundantly in tropical regions and is not considered endangered.

However, wild harvesting should be done selectively, taking partial roots and leaving the plant to regenerate.

Cultivation is common in Ayurveda farms across India and Sri Lanka.

SAFETY AND CAUTIONS

Not recommended during pregnancy due to its potential uterine-relaxing and emmenagogue effects.

High doses can cause hypotension or dizziness due to muscle relaxant properties.

Avoid concurrent use with pharmaceutical muscle relaxants or sedatives.

Safe for most adults when taken in moderate doses.

REFERENCES

Nadkarni, K.M. (1954). Indian Materia Medica.
Kirtikar, K.R., & Basu, B.D. (1935). Indian Medicinal Plants.
Perry, L.M. (1980). Medicinal Plants of East and Southeast Asia.
American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (2020). Cissampelos pareira Monograph.

FINAL NOTE

Cissampelos pareira is a plant of balance—soothing muscle tension, harmonizing reproductive cycles, and aiding the body’s cleansing processes. Rooted in the healing traditions of Ayurveda and South America, it remains a vital ally for women’s health and urinary wellness.