Let’s talk Chuchuhuasi. If you’ve been feeling stiff, sore, drained, or like your body’s been yelling at you lately, this might be the plant you’ve been missing.
This wild Amazonian bark has been used for generations to support the joints, warm the body, boost circulation, and restore energy, especially when you’ve been doing too much, holding too much, or just need a serious reset.
Chuchuhuasi is warming, blood-moving, and yang-supportive. It helps to dispel cold + damp, which often shows up as pain, heaviness, or low energy. Think of it like a plant that gently stokes the internal fire when your flame is low.
Let’s get into how you can use this herb in more ways than just drinking it to heal.
1. Drink It Like a Medicinal Tea (aka Decoction)
If you’re stiff, cold, crampy, or fatigued, this is your go-to.
This method helps warm the Kidney Yang, move stagnant Blood, and support Qi circulation.
How to Make It:
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Add 1–2 tablespoons of bark to about 3 cups of water
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Simmer on low for 30–45 mins
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Strain and sip throughout the day
What it’s good for:
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Joint + lower back pain
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Menstrual cramps or PMS
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Cold hands/feet or sluggish circulation
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Feeling drained or achy for no reason
✨ Add cinnamon, clove, or ginger for extra warming fire and a lil flavaaa.
2. Blend It Into a Smoothie (Yes, Really)
If you don’t love bitter tea, or want something that feels more like self-care than medicine, this is it.
Combining Chuchuhuasi with tonifying herbs and fruits supports the Spleen, nourishes Blood, and rebuilds post-stress depletion.
How to Do It:
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Brew your tea first (just like above), then let it cool
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Use about ½ cup as the liquid base
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Blend with:
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Banana
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Irish Moss
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Sarsaparilla or Maca
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Nut milk or water
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Dash of cinnamon
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Why it’s fire:
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Rebuilds strength + stamina
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Supports hormonal balance
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Great for muscle recovery after workouts
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Libido-boosting when you’re not feeling it
3. Use It as a Warm Compress
For when you’re hurting and need relief now, this is a direct, no-nonsense way to use Chuchuhuasi.
Warm compresses on painful areas help move Qi + Blood, dissolve cold, and reduce stagnation (aka pain).
How to Use:
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Brew a strong tea
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Soak a clean cloth in it
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Apply to sore joints, lower back, or abdomen
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Cover with plastic or towel to trap heat
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Chill for 20–30 mins (or vibe with music while it does its thing)
What it helps with:
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Knee pain
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Back tension
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Menstrual pain
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Postpartum recovery
4. Turn It Into a Bath Ritual
If your body’s been through it, physically or emotionally, this is a whole reset.
Soaking in herbs helps open the channels, move stagnation, nourish the Kidneys, and calm the Spirit (Shen).
How to Do It:
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Brew ½ cup of bark in 6–8 cups water for 30–45 mins
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Strain and pour into your bath
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Soak in it for 20–30 mins
Optional Add-Ins:
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Epsom salt (for muscle support)
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Lavender oil (to calm the nervous system)
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Damiana or Rose petals (for heart + womb vibes)
When to do this:
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After an emotional release or long day
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If you’re feeling disconnected from your body
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When your back or joints are just not cooperating
Chuchuhuasi is that herb you bring in when your body’s asking for backup.
In both the Amazonian and TCM lens, it’s a plant that restores yang energy, warms the core, relieves pain, and keeps things moving. Blood, Qi, emotions, all of it.
You don’t have to overthink it. Just start slow, notice how your body responds, and trust the process.
Ready to work with it? You can experience Chuchuhuasi here.