Mulungu - Nature's Sedative

Known by its botanical name, Erythrina mulungu, mulungu is a medium sized tree sometimes called "coral flower" because its flowers resemble orange coral.  It is native to Brazil, parts of Peru, and tropical areas of Latin America.  Used in herbal medicine as a sedative, mulungu can promote restful sleep as well as treat asthma, bronchitis, hepatitis, high blood pressure, inflammation of the liver and spleen, and epilepsy.  Mulungu is not widely known in North America; however, it has been used by herbalists to quiet hysteria from trauma and to regulate heart palpitations in addition to the more traditional uses.

Mulungu's benefits were validated in 2002 when researchers concluded that use of mulungu positively altered anxiety-related responses.  In fact, the results from the mulungu extract were similar to those of the popular anti-anxiety drug diazepam.  Further research has shown mulungu's positive results when used to treat throat and urinary infections.  It also effectively kills pain and bacteria and has antioxidant properties. It may also work for nicotine addiction and has an appetite suppressant.

With no known side effects beyond drowsiness, mulungu is a safer alternative to the popular kava-kava herb that is used for stress, anxiety, and as a sedative.  Kava-kava has been linked with negative side effects on the liver.  Not only is mulungu effective for stress, anxiety, and insomnia, but also, it has been shown to have positive effects on the liver.

For more information mulungu (Erythrina mulungu), please refer to the Raintree Database File for Mulungu in the Tropical Plant Database.

Ingredients: 100% pure Mulungu bark (Erythrina mulungu). No binders, fillers or additives are used. It is a wild harvested product—grown naturally in the Brazilian Amazon without any pesticides or fertilizers.

Suggested Use: This plant is best prepared as a decoction. Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Bring to a boil and gently boil in a covered pot for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and settle for 10 minutes and strain warm liquid into a cup (leaving the settled powder in the bottom of the pan). It is traditionally taken in 1/2 cup amounts twice daily.

Contraindications:

• This plant is traditionally used as a sedative and may cause drowsiness.
• Mulungu has demonstrated hypotensive actions in animal studies. It is probably contraindication in persons with low blood pressure.

Drug Interactions: None documented; however, mulungu may enhance the effect of some antianxiety drugs and blood pressure drugs.

Products that contain Mulungu