Botanical Index No. 482

Guarana

paullinia cupana

Medicinal Actions

Analysis pending research update.

General Dosage

500–1000 mg dried herb; 1 g powdered guarana; 0.5–4 g powdered guarana; 1–2 g crushed seed or resin per cup water 3 ×/day providing up to 50 mg guaranine each cup.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 2d. CNS-stimulant. Not recommended for excess or prolonged use. Lininger et al. don’t say this about all the caffeine containing herbs as they do about guarana, “Caffeine may have adverse effects on the blood vessels and other body systems as well as on a developing fetus and presumably guaranine would have similar effects. As with any caffeinated product, guarana may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety, palpitations, urinary frequency, and hyperactivity”. Should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

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