Guarana is a climbing lliana vine native to the Amazon Basin, particularly Brazil. It bears fruit, which each contain one lrge seed, which has a very high concentration of caffeine and other stimulating substances such as theobromine, which is also found in chocolate.
Guarana has a long folk history and shamanic use attached to it. Traditionally, the seeds are ground up and mixed with water to form a paste, which is then dried into cylinder shapes. This is known as 'Guarana bread'. It is the grated for use into drinks etc.
In the 50's, Guarana became popular in the west and is now the active ingredient in many herbal enrgy drinks and supplements.
Recent medical research may show that Guarana produces an effect on cognition, increasing the brain power and improving the memory. It has also been shown to have an effect upon the metabolism, possibly aiding in weight loss. It has been found to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Care is advised as Guarana has been know to cause seizures when combined with other caffiene containing substances or Taurine, which is found in some energy drinks.
50g of the whole seeds.