Common names: chasser vermine, congo root, douvant-douvant, emeruaiuma, garlic weed, guinea henweed, guine, guinea, guinea hen leaf, gully root
Description: Anamu is an herbaceous perennial ayahuasca retreat that grows up to 1 m in height. It produces dark green leathery leaves that lie close to the ground and tall spikes lined with small white flowers. It is sometimes called “garlic weed,” as the plant, and especially the roots, have a strong garlic odor.
Location: It found in the Amazon rainforest ayahuasca retreats and tropical areas of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Uses: Anamu is commonly used for an astonishing number of physical ills and ailments. It has been used throughout history as a natural remedy to treat colds, coughs, respiratory and pulmonary infections, and influenza. Certain medical conditions common to both humans and animals, including: venereal diseases, arthritis, pain, cancer, womb inflammation and as an abortifacient, diuretic, anticoagulant, snake bite, hysteria, paralysis, fever, and rabies. In Brazil, it is used to treat arrow poisoning and as a bat and insect repellent, and for immune system support.
Although relatively still unknown, people in the United States and around the world (in developed countries) are learning about its uses, and it is now available in capsules and tablets under several labels. Patients taking blood-thinners need to be aware, before taking Anamu as a supplement, of its natural blood-thinning properties.
Anamu has a long history in herbal medicine in all of the tropical countries where it grows. It contains a specific sulfur compound called dibenzyl trisulfide, a known cancer-fighting agent. In Cuba, herbalists decoct the whole plant and use it to treat cancer and diabetes, and for its anti-inflammatory and abortive properties. Anamu’s traditional use as a remedy for arthritis and rheumatism has been validated by clinical research confirming its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, it is also used for spiritual means. For example, in Ayahuasca ceremonies, Anamu it is used for ritual cleansing against witchcraft.