Angostura is an evergreen tree growing to 49 ft (15 m) with grey bark, shiny bright green leaflets, and foul-smelling flowers, native to some Caribbean islands and to tropical South America.
• Angostura Bitters gets its name from the town it originated from which is native to Venezuela.
• It is branded by House of Angostura at Trinidad and Tobago and been made with the same ingredients since 1824.
Plant Description
The aromatic Bitters may be diStinguish it from all other aromatic Bitters by its fine flavour and aromatic odour.
Because of its delightful flavour and aroma it has become extremely popular for use in soft drinks, cocktails and other Alcoholic beverages.
Plant Description
Angostura is an ambiguous tree or shrub which grows between 10 meters and 20 meters in height.The plant has straight stem irregularly branched, covered with smooth plenteous chunky external grey bark.
The outer layer of bark is a yellowish grey cork which is easily removed, often being soft, the inner surface is lighter brown and sometimes laminated, fracture short and Resinous white, points being visible on broken surface; the transverse section shows numerous cells filled with circular crystals of Calcium Oxalate, small oil glands, small groups of bast Fibers with a musty smell and bitter taste.
Leaves
Leaves are alternate, petiolate and composed of three leaflets oblong and pointed, smooth, glossy and vivid green, sometimes with small white spots on them and in their First state having a tobacco-like aroma, this odor is one of the characteristics diStinguishing the true Angostura from the false which is odorless.Flower & Fruit
Flowers have salver-shaped corollas and arranged in auxillary, terminal, peduncled racemes.The flowers also have a peculiar nauseous smell.
Fruit is a 5-celled seed capsule, two or three of which are often unsuccessful; two seeds in each capsule, round and black, one only is normally fertile.
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
Bark. The bark is gathered throughout the year.
Recommended Dosage
Its Active Constituents:
Angostura bark contains:
• Quinoline Alkaloids (including cusparine),
• Volatile oil (1–2%)
Precaution:
* Use under professional guidance only.
* Higher doses can have direct effects on health and may cause Diarrhea and Vomiting.
* Its Bitters can act as an emetic and Laxative, if had in large doses.
* Pregnant and breast feeding mothers should keep away from Bitters as its contraindications and adverse reactions are not known.
* It should be used with caution in patients taking Anti-Biotics, Anti-Cancer or Anti-Malaria drugs or being treated for Tuberculosis.
Health Benefits of Angostura
Circulatory System
• Angostura aids in stimulating blood circulation in the body so that each and every cell of the body receives enough amount of nutrition and stays healthy.
Foods & Circulatory System
Detoxification
• Its known as a Diuretic that helps to increase perspiration and urination, and removal of excess water from the body solving water retention in the body. It Flushes out the harmful toxins and pathogens from the body.
Foods & Detoxification
Digestive System
• Angostura stimulates The Stomach and Digestive tract, due to its strong bitter with tonic properties.
• Its Anti-Spasmodic properties is very useful in treating disorders caused by weak Digestive System (such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s Disease) and also helps to improve digestion, Metabolism.
Foods & Digestive System
Hair
• Its stimulates the health of Hair by encouraging outward circulation of blood and the flow of blood to the scalp, supplying large amounts of nutrients to the scalp and Hair follicles.
Foods & Hair
Immune System
• Angostura bark is a shrub-like tree that has potential Anti-Biotic and cytotoxic (cell killing) activity.
Foods & Immune System
Intestine
• Angostura is considered valuable as a remedy for Diarrhea and dysentery, and typically given for weak digestion.
• It helps in combating Dehydration and dysentery. The plant has been used in South America as one of the best remedy for dysentery and Diarrhea. Consumption of its extract helps in reducing stomach pain too.
Foods & Intestine
Musculoskeletal System
• Angostura is Anti-Spasmodic, reported to act on the Spinal nerves, helping in paralytic conditions.
• Its bark is used in helping people with minor to chronic paralytic problems and has been found to be very effective on the nerves of the spine.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Respiratory System
• Angostura bark contain Alkaloids which have Anti-Microbial activity against the Tuberculosis bacillus.
• Its strong bark decoction helps to treat problems related to the human pulmonary system (such as recurrent and whooping Coughs).
• Its bark chemical compounds (such as angosturin and galipine) displays useful Anti-Tuberculosis qualities, thus used for natural, safe and permanent treatment of Tuberculosis.
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• Angostura bark has remarkable Anti-Microbial and anti-bacterial qualities that heals various types of Skin problems and disinfects small and major injuries.
• Its indirectly positively affect the Skin by making it flawless and blemish by efficiently detoxifying toxins in the form of perspiration and urination, giving one smooth and spotless and beautiful Skin easily.
Foods & Skin Health
