Mulungu (Erythrina mulungu)

The mulungu tree is known by two botanical names, Erythrina mulungu and Erythrina verna. The tree is sometimes called "coral flower", as the flowers resemble the colour of orange coral. Mulungu is well known as one of the most powerful naturally occurring tranquilizers.

Effects

In Brazil mulungu has been used for a long time as a natural sedative. The herb is said to be able to stabilize the central nervous system. In stressful times it helps to balance and calm the nerves. The herb is also used as an antioxidant; to tone, balance and strengthen the liver. The use of mulungu may influence the heart beat regulation positively. It might help lower the blood pressure as well. The active substances in mulungu are studied extensively. The herb contains large amounts of novel flavanoids, triterpenes and alkaloids.

Two studies point out that one of them, erysodine, could be of use in treating nicotine addiction, because it works as antagonist and blocks nicotine receptors.

For a long time, kava kava has been nature's most widely used sedative. However this plant gained a lot of negative publicity, because of its possibly damaging effects on the liver. Mulungu has the same sedating qualities (if not more) as kava kava and happens to have positive effects on the liver. This uplifted the popularity of mulungu and now it is one of the most popular natural tranquillizers worldwide.

Usage

About half of a cup of a standard bark decoction (per day) should be a normal dosage. People with a low blood pressure should use Mulungus with caution and monitor their blood pressure accordingly.

A decoction is commonly made of 1 teaspoon powdered herb or 2 teaspoons of cut herb per 250 ml of boiling water. Cover and reduce heat to medium so that the mixture stays at a good simmer, and keep covered for 20 minutes. Then the decoction has to be cooled, strained and consumed.

Warning

• Mulungu is a sedative and may cause drowsiness.
• In traditional medicine the plant is used to lower blood pressure. Clinical research with animals has documented hypotensive actions. It is recommended that those on medications to lower blood pressure (and those with low blood pressure) use mulungu with caution and monitor their blood pressure accordingly.