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Anamu (Petiveria alliacea)
Materia Medica
Family: Petiveriaceae
Botanical name: Petiveria alliacea L.
Common names: Anamu, Guinea Hen Weed, Garlic Weed, Mucura
Parts used: Leaves, root, aerial parts
Growth habit: Perennial shrub
Primary traditions: South and Central American Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian herbalism
Actions & Energetics
Traditional records describe the plant as antispasmodic, diuretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and diaphoretic. It has a strong garlic-like odor due to sulfur compounds. Spiritual and protective uses are also recorded in Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous traditions.
Botanical Description
Petiveria alliacea is a perennial herb or small shrub with alternate simple leaves, small white flowers in elongated racemes, and a strong garlic-like scent when crushed, especially in the root. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions.
Traditional Indications
Central and South American traditions record the plant for colds, fever, headache, rheumatism, pain, and respiratory conditions. Leaf infusions or decoctions are used for digestive issues and as an analgesic. Root preparations appear in records for malaria, worms, and as an abortifacient. The plant is also used in spiritual baths and protection rituals in Brazilian and Caribbean traditions.
Preparations & Dosage
Leaf Infusion
Traditional use includes a tea of the leaves or aerial parts for colds, fever, and pain. Specific gram doses vary by region and are not standardized in classical texts.
Topical Use
Leaves or root are applied externally for pain, skin conditions, and as a poultice.
Constituents
The plant contains sulfur compounds (responsible for the garlic odor), flavonoids, triterpenes, and other secondary metabolites. Dibenzyl trisulfide and related compounds have been identified.
Modern Research
Laboratory studies have examined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. Human clinical data remain limited. The plant is of ongoing ethnobotanical and pharmacological interest.
Adverse Effects
Traditional sources note the plant as an emmenagogue and abortifacient in some regions. Ordinary topical or low-dose leaf use is the more common traditional application. Individual sensitivity is possible.
Interactions & Contraindications
No well-characterized modern drug interactions are established. Traditional sources exclude the plant from use in pregnancy because of emmenagogue and abortifacient records.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Historical and ethnobotanical sources record the plant as an abortifacient and emmenagogue. It is not used in pregnancy in traditional practice.
Habitat & Cultivation
- Native range: Tropical America; naturalized in parts of Africa and Asia
- Habitat: Disturbed ground, forest edges, gardens
- Cultivation: Grown in home gardens in its native range
Harvesting & Drying
Leaves and roots are gathered as needed. The fresh plant is preferred for many traditional preparations. The root is often considered stronger than the leaves.
History, Folklore & Spiritual Use
Anamu has a long record in Indigenous American and Afro-Brazilian traditions for both medicine and spiritual protection. In Brazil it is used in Candomblé, Umbanda, and other practices for cleansing and protection. The strong odor is part of its traditional identity. The plant was noted by early European collectors in the Americas.
Materia Medica Summary
Anamu (Petiveria alliacea) is a tropical American herb with a garlic-like scent, recorded in Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian traditions for colds, fever, pain, and spiritual protection. Leaf infusions are the most common traditional preparation. The plant is excluded from pregnancy use in historical records because of emmenagogue and abortifacient associations.