Rain forest plants, while not as well known or as well studied as the herbs used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicines, contain many healing properties. You can learn more about them in the book Kava: Medicine Hunting in Paradise by Chris Kilham, who conducted research on medicinal plants around the world. In the meantime, here are some of the most important, as listed in the book Herbal Secrets of the Rain forest by Leslie Taylor:
- Acerola. Contains vitamin C. Promotes a healthy circulatory system—and your brain needs a healthy circulatory system!
- Guarana. Promotes health and energy.
- Muira puama. Relieves stress and promotes a healthy central nervous system.
- Suma. Aids in the regulation of cholesterol. Also used as a general health tonic. Also known as Brazilian ginseng.
Rain forests currently provide sources for one-quarter of today’s medicines, and 70 percent of the plants found to have anticancer properties are found only in the rain forest. The rain forest and its immense undiscovered biodiversity hold the key to unlocking tomorrow’s cures for devastating diseases. Put some rain forest into your life—it’s good for your brain.