Palo Pereira | Traditional Bitterwood Tonic

Botanical Name: Geissospermum vellosii Other Names: Bitterwood, Geissospermum laeve, Geissospermum martianum, Tabernaemontana laevis, Pau Pereira, Pau Forquilha, Pau de Pente, Paratudo, Canudo Amargoso, Ubá, Pereiro, Quinarana, Bergibita, Tinguaba, Chapéu de Sol

🌱 What is Palo Pereira?

Palo Pereira, also known as Bitterwood, is a traditional South American medicinal bark widely used in Amazonian and Brazilian folk medicine. Belonging to the Apocynaceae family, it has been valued for centuries as a tonic, digestive aid, and fever reducer. Known for its intensely bitter compounds, Palo Pereira is often prepared as a decoction or tincture to support wellness and resilience.

✨ Key Benefits:

Digestive Support → stimulates healthy appetite and aids digestion
🔥 Fever & Infection Aid → historically used to manage fevers and microbial imbalances
🩸 Blood Health → supports circulation and cleansing
⚖️ Immune Strength → traditional use for strengthening overall vitality
💧 Detoxifying Properties → promotes elimination of toxins and balance in the body

📌 Traditional & Modern Uses:

• Extensively used in Brazilian herbal medicine for fevers, infections, and stomach troubles

• Indigenous healers prepared it as a bitter tonic for liver and digestion

• Studied in modern herbal research for its alkaloid content (geissospermine and related compounds) with potential immune-modulating effects

🌼 Herbal / Product Pairings:

• Quassia Bark → complementary bitter digestive tonic

• Cat’s Claw → immune support synergy

• Burdock Root → blood purification and detox pairing

🧴 Available Forms:

• Dried Bark

• Decoction/Herbal Tea

• Alcoholic Tincture

⚠️ Due to its potency, Palo Pereira should be used with caution and under the guidance of a qualified herbal practitioner. Avoid use during pregnancy or with pre-existing liver conditions.