Capirona – Calycophyllum spruceanum

Capirona is a canopy tree in the Amazon that grows tall and straight up to a height of about 30 meters. For this reason, it has been used as a source of good, high density lumber. It produces an abundance of small, white, aromatic flowers which are followed by elongated seed pods with 3-5 seeds inside. It can often be found near water as it can survive common periodic flooding in the region.It is noted for its ability to completely shed and regenerate its bark on a yearly basis, making harvesting the bark a totally renewable and sustainable enterprise. The bark is smooth (as if polished) and changes colors throughout the year as it matures – going from a green tone to a brownish tone.

Capirona bark is used as an admixture to ayahuasca, but it is more often used as a poultice made from the bark to treat cuts, wounds and burns.  It is believed to have antifungal and wound-healing qualities. A tea made from the bark is used as a lotion after bathing. This forms a thin film covering their bodies believed to help fight the effects of aging, parasites and fungal infections. A bark decoction is also used to treat diabetes. 1kg of the bark is boiled in 10 liters of water until 4 liters remain. It is believed that if this decoction is drunk every day (about 5 ounces daily) for three consecutive months that it is a “cure” for diabetes. Peruvian tribes also apply the powdered bark to fungal infections of the skin. They also prepare a bark decoction to treat skin parasites – especially “sarna negra” – a nasty little bug that lives under the skin which is commonly found in the Amazon basin area.

A bark decoction is used topically for eye infections and infected wounds as well as for skin spots, skin depigmentation, wrinkles and scars. It also stops bleeding quickly and is often applied to bleeding cuts and to soothe insect bites and reduce bruising and swelling. The resin is used for abscesses, and skin tumors.