Internal Applications
Tea (chá) - various plant parts or the whole plant are placed
in a pot of water then boiled. The boiling time varies depending
upon the quantity of plant material, the type and amount of water.
Plant parts including the fruit rind, root, bark or inner bark
generally require longer boiling times than leaves, seed or whole
plant.
Drink [cooled] (bebida morno) - various plant parts or the whole
plant are placed in a pot of water then boiled similar to preparation
of teas. However, the water is allowed to cool for a period and
then is consumed. Tonic is a type of bebida generally applied
to conditions of 'bad blood', lack of energy with the objective
of boosting the persons' energy or strength, and immune system.
Infusion (infusão) - plant parts are place in a pot or cup of
water, sometimes water, which has already been boiled. Cold water
is also used and the length of time for leaving plant part in
the water varies from minutes to overnight to several days.
Juice (suco) - a drink commonly obtained by squeezing or compressing
mature fruit in to liquid by hand.
Garrafada - various plant parts or the whole plant are placed
in a plastic 1 liter or 2 liter container similar to preparation
of teas. An admixture of grain alcohol (cachaça) is added and
stirred. Sometimes stored for extended periods.
Syrup (xarope/lambedor) - various plant parts or the whole plant
are placed in a pot of water then boiled similar to preparation
of teas. An admixture of sugar or honey is added and stirred for
a period to allow the mixture to congeal. Sometimes stored for
extended periods.
Inhalation (inhalação) - various plant parts or the whole plant
are placed in a pot of water then boiled similar to preparation
of teas. Individuals will cover head with a cloth and inhale the
vapors being given off, sometimes used in collaboration with a
bath and consumed as a tea following inhalation of vapors.
External Applications
Compress/Poultice (compressa) - various plant parts or the whole
plant are placed in a cloth and applied gently to the region or
body part being treated, sometimes the plant is boiled, or passed
over a fire to be heated briefly. Sometimes a cloth or plant part
may be bound to the body part.
Bath (Banho) - various plant parts or the whole plant are placed
in a pot of water then boiled. After boiling this is added to
water in a large washtub. Individuals usually sit in the basin
and either wash themselves or are in the case of elderly individuals
or young children are bathed.
Direct application/Rubbing (expressão) - various plant exudates
including resin (resina), sap, juice (suco), water (água), latex,
gum (goma) are directly applied gently to the region or body part
being treated including the ear, eye or skin. Exudates are often
rubbed into the skin.
