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Camu Camu Powder
 Camu camu is a bush, native to the South
American rainforest, that grows in the black water rivers
of the Amazon. Its small, purplish red fruits are a rich
source of antioxidants and powerful phytochemicals that
support and enhance health.
Camu camu fruits contain more vitamin C than any other plant in
the world from 30 to 60 times more than an orange. They also
contain amino acids including serine, valine, and leucine; and
significant levels of beta carotene, calcium, iron, niacin,
phosphorus, riboflavin, and thiamin.
The phytochemicals in camu camu are highly effective in curbing
the effects of the herpes virus; in fact, on a list of plants
with anti-herpetic compounds, camu camu takes the highest
honors as most potent. It is effective against depression, and
has even been used to wean users off dangerous antidepressive
medications (under medical supervision, of course.) Alternative
medical practitioners have also been using it to combat
attention deficit disorder.
Camu camu also:
* Provides immune system support
* Helps maintain good eyesight
* Reduces inflammation
* Supports collagen, tendons, and ligaments
* Helps fend off viral infection
* Improves respiratory health
* Helps maintain clarity of mind during stress
Our wildcrafted camu camu berries come in the form of a pure,
unadulterated powder with a light tan color. It takes 15 pounds
of berries to make one pound of the powder, which has 13-16%
vitamin C by weight. Thus only a little is needed to provide
you with a powerful antioxidant boost.
Suggested use: 1 teaspoon one or more times daily mixed in
water, juice or smoothies.
Camu camu (Mycaria dubia) is a bush that grows in black water
rivers, especially in those abandoned courses called "cochas",
ecosystems of great social and economic importance for the
Amazonian jungle of Peru. The fruit contains powerful
phytochemicals with health benefits, including the amino acids
serine, valine, and leucine, and more Vitamin C than any other
known plant in the world. The camu-camu fruit is approximately
2 centimeters in diameter and has a purplish red skin with a
yellow pulp. Camu camu fruit contains 30 to 60 times more
Vitamin C than an orange. It has astringent, antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, emollient and nutritional properties, and
also contains important levels of beta carotene, calcium, iron,
niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin and thiamin.;/p>
The camu camu fruit has a surprising range of medicinal
effects. In joint studies with IIAP, Sandoval (2000) of Albany
University has demonstrated that camu camu flesh has a great
antioxidant power, and it inhibits the radical DPPH
(1,1-diphenil-2-picrilhydrazil), surpassing that of ascorbic
acid and trolox (water soluble analog of vitamin C).
Some of the extraordinary medicinal properties of this Amazon
rain forest fruit are described by Gary Null, Ph.D., a
nationally known nutritionist and researcher. In discussing the
holistic treatment of depression he lists 19 plants containing
chemical compounds with antidepressant properties. In order of
potency, Camu camu is listed second in effectiveness. Some have
been able to gradually wean themselves off of their
anti-depression prescription medication (such as Zoloft and
Prozac) under medical supervision and substitute camu camu
powder with no relapse into depression. Although the amount
taken varies for different people, some have taken, on an empty
stomach, 1/2 teaspoon of camu camu powder in a glass of water
four times daily. Others have taken one tsp. either once or
twice daily. One alternative health care provider in New York
City has had twenty patients on Zoloft and Prozac gradually
wean themselves off these medications while taking camu camu
and they have succeeded in avoiding depression. Good results
have also been noted for patients who are anxious, talkative,
and those with panic attacks.
Pharmacological Information
Camu camu has been part of an effective protocol for a 14 year
old boy who was hospitalized for 15 months at the age of eight
for suicidal depression. This boy also has learning
disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.). His
psychiatrists put him on 40 mg. of Prozac, 100 mg. of Ritalin,
as well as Clomadine and Imiprimine, which he remained on for
years, keeping him in a barely functional, drugged state.
Working with an alternative medical professional, his mother
withdrew him gradually from these drugs and began a protocol
which included Ginkgo Biloba, high amounts of Vitamin C and B
vitamins. In the last few months she has added two teaspoons of
camu camu (divided dose on empty stomach with water) and one
capsule a day (500 mg.) of maca to his protocol. She reports
that since adding these two herbs her son's immune function has
improved--he gets sick less often, his mood is better - "it has
smoothed him out" - and the combination of these two herbs have
increased his ability to focus.
Camu-camu is at the top of Null's list of plants with medicinal
effectiveness against the herpes virus. All forms of the herpes
virus lie dormant at the base of the spine and become active
when the immune system is stressed beyond its ability to
respond effectively against pathogens. Common stressors include
emotional upsets, other illnesses, prescription drugs,
insufficient rest, poor diet, menstrual periods, vaginal yeast
infections, and too much sunlight on the skin. Genital herpes
is usually transmitted sexually. The principal anti-viral
pharmaceutical medicine is acyclovir, which has unpleasant and
even toxic side effects. The herpes virus takes a number of
different forms and is widespread today as a public health
problem in the United States. More than 50% of the U.S.
population gets cold sores, which is the result of the herpes
simplex virus 1 (HSV1). The Epstein-Barr virus is a common form
of the herpes virus which may linger in the body for years,
raising the total viral load which the body must combat. Yet
another form of the herpes virus is genital herpes which is
caused by the herpes simplex virus 2. In total, more than 80%
of the U.S. population suffers from some kind of herpes
infection. Null lists 19 plants which contain anti-herpetic
phyto-chemicals. Camu camu is listed as the most potent.
In Brazil, camu camu is being promoted as a product that
untangles and strengthens hair, and protects it from external
damage, adding to its shine and vitality. Camu camu is being
used in a new line of cosmetics specially recommended for
damaged and dull hair that include shampoos, conditioners, hair
masques, hair renewal that add body and shine to hair.
Our raw cacu camu powder is drum-dried at a low temperature
(under 110 degrees) and contains no additives or
carriers.
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