Botanical name: Pullinia cupana Other names: Brazilian cocoa, quarana Family: sapindaceae Part used: seed Action (karma): Analgesic, anti-depressive, appetitie suppressant, aphrodisiac, arteriosclerosis, astringent, blood thinner, cardiotonic, chronic fatigue sysndrome, diarrhea, dilates blood vessels, diuretic, febrifuge, fights free radicals, gout, gout prevention, hangover, mild laxative, memory enhancement, nervine, pain relief, purgative, stimulant, tonic, vasodilator, weight loss Dose: 1 to 2 teaspoons of guarana powder mixed in hot chocolate Contraindications: do not have after 3pm in case of insomnia

Ref: ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’ by Sebastian Pole; ‘Ayurvedic Pharmacology & Therapeutic Uses of Medicinal Plants’ by Vaidya V.M. Gogte; ‘Yogi of Herbs’ by V. Lad & D. Frawley; ‘Herbs Are Special’ by Isabel Shipard.