Description: South and North American natural health practitioners commonly rely on abuta as an excellent natural remedy for menstrual difficulties, including and pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), excessive bleeding, and endometriosis. Its ability to ease cramping and to curb excessive menstrual bleeding very quickly can be quite remarkable. It is often employed in overall female balancing formulas, in kidney formulas and for kidney stones (for its diuretic and smooth-muscle relaxant effects), and, in combination with other plants, for heart tonics, and for hypertension and upper respiratory remedies. For more information about abuta (Cissampelos pareira), please refer to the Database File for Abuta in the Tropical Plant Database and in Leslie Taylor's Blog on Abuta.

Suggested Use: This plant is best prepared as a decoction. Use one teaspoon of abuta 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 cup dosages, 2-3 times daily. For more complete instrutions on preparing herbal decoctions see the Methods for Preparing Herbal Remedies Page.

Contraindications:
1. Abuta has been documented to lower blood pressure in two animal studies; therefore, abuta is probably contraindicated for people with low blood pressure. An alkaloid in abuta, tetrandrine, has been documented to have various actions on heart function in animals and humans. Those with a heart condition or taking heart medications should consult with their doctor before using this plant.
2. Abuta has demonstrated to be a uterine relaxant and traditionally employed as a childbirth aid. A pregnant woman should use it only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Drug Interactions: Based on animal studies, abuta may potentiate heart medications.