Products Used by People in the Rainforest

Cinchona Tree Bark

• The bark of the cinchona tree has been used by the indigenous people of the rainforest for hundreds of years. Specifically, the bark of this rainforest tree has been used to treat malaria. Once the key ingredient in quinine, the alkaloid taken from the bark was heavily sought especially during World War II. In addition to being a cure for malaria, the extracts from the bark of this tree has also proven itself as a fever reducer.

Curare

• This large leafed plant is found throughout the rainforest. Known for its poisonous qualities, the indigenous people of the rainforest cook its roots and stems into a paste which is then applied to the tips of arrows. The paste from the curare plant creates a neurotoxin that paralyzes animals hit by the arrows when being hunted. In addition to being used as a hunting tool, curare has been used in small amounts to treat many neuromuscular diseases like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis in addition to being used as an anesthetic.

Cocoa

• Said to have over 150 chemicals in everything from its stem to its seeds, the cocoa tree has been used by the indigenous people of the rainforest dating back hundreds of years. Over time, the products of the tree have been used to treat coughs, colds, fatigue, anxiety, kidney stones, cuts, bruises, burns and fever. Additionally, the antioxidant quality of the cocoa bean has been shown to reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

Annatto Tree

• This tree, which is known for its right red flowers, is also called the lipstick tree. The tree has been used to successfully repel insects and to lower blood pressure. It has also been used by the indigenous people of the rainforest in love potions. Another popular use for the products of this tree is as a treatment for various snakebites. The carotenoids of the plant have been shown to successfully repel UV light, and derivatives from the tree are used as a sunblock.

Trumpet Tree

• The trumpet tree has been used as a curative for a variety of illnesses, in particular respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis. Every part of the plant has medicinal qualities and has been used by the indigenous people of the rainforest regions of the world. Besides respiratory illnesses, the derivatives of the tree have been used to treat snakebites and diabetes.