| |  | | Guarana Seed
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Joe
Posted on: December 29, 1998
Guarana seed. Compare to caffeine. Contraindications? Dosages?
According to Thomas Bartram in "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" (Grace Publishers, Mulberry Court, Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PS, England), Guarana seed is a sacred fruit of the Amazon Indians, used as a stimulant drink throughout South America. It contains theobromine, theophyllin, caffeine (7%), saponins, tannins and choline.
Actions include anti-stress, nutrient, nerve relaxant, astringent, diuretic, aphrodisiac, revitaliser, anti-depressant, immune system stimulant and adrenal stimulant. It is used to increase stamina, for nervous depression, diarrhea, jet-lag, recovery from illness and hang-over symptoms, stress-related headaches and to sustain the brain during prolonged mental effort.
Dosage: Two 500mg capsules may be taken on rising; two 350 mg tablets may be taken twice a day, or as the popular Brazilian drink, mix one half to one teaspoon of the powder to a glass of lemonade.
The caffeine content of guarana will cause the same stimulating effects as other forms of caffeine when taken in the same quantities. The caffeine content of one cup of coffee is 60-150mg, tea 60-90mg, cola beverages 40-70mg. Caffeine is used to increase physical and mental activity, and can cause palpitations, headache, sleeplessness, excessive stomach acid, anxiety and high blood pressure.
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