Dried and crushed bark is traditionally simmered gently in water for about fifteen minutes, then filtered. This preparation, reserved for supervised traditional use, requires professional advice before any use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Fresh leaves are crushed then applied directly to the affected area, sometimes held in place with a clean cloth. A healthcare professional must be consulted before any application, especially on broken skin. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
A few dried leaves are steeped briefly in hot water, according to occasional folk use. Due to insufficient data on safe dosage, professional advice remains recommended. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
This plant grows naturally in the tropical and subtropical forests of South America, particularly in Brazil; it remains rare outside its native range and is seldom available in European herbal shops.
The bark and leaves are traditionally harvested in the dry season, when local gatherers consider the sap less abundant.