🔮Shipibo & Upper Amazonian Shamanism

Abuta (Curare Vine)

Abuta grandifolia

About Abuta (Curare Vine)

Abuta (Curare Vine) (Abuta grandifolia) is a herb used in the Shipibo & Upper Amazonian Shamanism tradition to help with Fever, Women's Health, Menstrual Issues, and Pain, among 1 other condition it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.

Botanical background

Abuta grandifolia is a species of tree in the family Menispermaceae. It is found across much of South America, and has a stable population.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · bothLeaves · both

Conditions addressed

Fever Women's Health Menstrual Issues Pain Wound Healing

🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily

Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Abuta (Curare Vine) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
Cover while steeping.
Strain and drink.

💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily

Pack dried Abuta (Curare Vine) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.

💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily

Grind dried Abuta (Curare Vine) into a fine powder.
Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed

Mash fresh Abuta (Curare Vine) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.

🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily

Fill a jar with dried Abuta (Curare Vine).
Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
Use topically or as a salve base.

🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed

Brew 4–6 tbsp of Abuta (Curare Vine) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Contraindications

Pregnancy — may stimulate uterine contractions (avoid entirely)
Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible

Warnings

⛔ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May affect hormone levels

Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications

Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Various global regions

Climate

Varied

Habitat

Cultivated in traditional medicinal gardens, botanical gardens, and herb farms worldwide

🌿 To see Abuta (Curare Vine) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Abuta (Curare Vine), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.