Urucum: More Than a Food Coloring

Urucum, or Bixa orellana, is known internationally as Annatto, but to me it’s very much a Brazilian herb and I’ve known about it since I was a child. The Urucum tree grows to as high as six meters (20 feet) and produces a spiny, copper-colored fruit. Inside this fruit are red seeds that are used principally for their color.

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Devil’s Claw is God’s Gift for Back and Muscle Pain

Brazilians are using all sorts of plants and herbs to alleviate pains and strains. What’s “in vogue” today is an herb called garra do diabo, or devil’s claw (scientific name, Harpagophyitum procumbens). But don’t be startled by the name; it’s not what you think. Devil’s claw got a bad rap in the name department. As you will see, it’s more like a gift from the gods in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, fibromialgia, bursitis, tendonitis, spinal problems, osteoporosis, and general muscular pain.

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