Graviola - Annona muricata

The Graviola tree (Annona muricata) is more commonly known as Soursop or Guanabana, basically one of many varieties of Durian, a fruit popular in making juices and frozen desserts in a wide variety of tropical and southern hemisphere countries, ranging from Malaysia to Jamaica. Promising studies reported in 1976 by USA's National Cancer Institute (NCI) indicated Graviola contained a special class of lactones called annonaceous acetogenins, eventually leading to attempts to patent medicines developed from these lactones. Although research is preliminary, it appears that a traditional beverage has been secretely hiding as bedtime relaxant, when in fact it may be a very important tool in the management of several forms of cancer. A review from Purdue University suggested that acetogenins appear to have a special affinity for "resistant" cancer cells in particular.

Graviola is especially renowned for its ability to assist in the management of nervous conditions, especially insomnia, where it's principal role is a soothing sedative soporific used as a simple tea infusion. Rich in active ingredients such as alkaloids, lactones, sugars, sterols, and much more, Graviola has a wealth of substances with proven physiological effects. The effects depend primarily on two factors, one being the part of the plant used, eg. bark, fruit, leaf, or seed, plus the second factor being the various preparation methods, such as fruit juice, alcohol extraction, oil infusion, water infusion (simple tea) or decoction (simmered tea). The leaf in particular has been adapted traditionally to be useful for problems related to the liver and gallbladder, more commonly as a decoction. It appears that the lactones relax the "electrical" system of the cell membrane, which is toxic primarily to cancer cells, especially the otherwise resistant cells.

The precise mechanisms of action may never be fully understood in this complex plant, with fruit so nutritious it serves to enhance the breastmilk of new mothers, and seeds so toxic they function as vermicides and even insect repellant. If we are to presume the lactone content is the primary source of benefit in both the nervine and chemotherapeutic effect, it makes sense that this would be weaker in a simple tea, and stronger in alcohol extraction, however it is not necessarily that simple. Positive anecdotal evidence is piling up fast, although some cases report worsening of symptoms which subesequently improve or worsen in tandem with the herb's removal or re-introduction. It is almost impossible to keep track of the multitude of studies, the different compounds and effects, ranging from anti-viral claims to anti-depressant dreams. Anyone using this leaf as a treatment for cancer or serious disease, i.e. more than occassional use as a relaxing night-time tea, is well advised to seek advice from a natural health professional familiar with this issue.

Traditionally meanwhile, none of this stopped people from using Graviola for at least two dozen "diseases", yet it must be remembered that it is not known for sure which part of the plant was used, how it was used, if it was mixed with other treatments, and so on. The primary uses which keep showing up include several diverse "classes" of problems such as a variety of different names for different types of parasitic-like infestations, eg. ringworm, worms, vermin, and helminths. It is typically described as anti-parasitic, however it holds a special role as a gastrointestinal regulator in such cases also, where it is a strange combination of relaxing and astringent, very soothing in the cramping diarrheal spasms associated with biliousness, dysentery, malaria, flu and fevers in general, which may explain claims of value in cases of fainting and fatigue. The sedative effect is varyingly described as tranquilizing and analgesic, relevant in spasms, hypertension, childbirth, after child birth, coughing, asthma, rheumatism, arthritis, neuraligia, and palpitations. Other traditional uses of Graviola are not as well understood, yet they exist as a testimony to this wonderful plant. It is not uncommonly used as a general aid to the kidney, and finds use in skin disorders such as boils, sores, rash, scurvy, internal ulcers, and dermatosis. It is occassionally referred to as a pectoral, meaning it is a complex array of detoxifying and nourishing forces, cleaning and building the body from the depths of the cells to the surface of the skin.

Cut and sifted or powder
$34.00 per pound