> Supplement Index > Andiroba / Carapa guianensis / Crabwood > Andiroba General Information Andiroba Uses & Scientific Evidence For Andiroba Dosage Information Andiroba Safety & Interaction Information - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Andiroba General Information For centuries, all parts of the Andiroba tree were used by the Amazon Indians. The Munduruku Indians used the seed oil for mummifying human heads taken as war trophies. Other Indian tribes used the oil to remove ticks and treat other skin parasites. The bark was brewed in a tea for treating fevers and intestinal worms, and applied it to the skin for skin ulcers, insect bites, and as an insect repellent. Andiroba oil burns cleanly with little smoke and is used as lamp fuel in the rainforest. Andiroba oil when burned also repels mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The flowers have anti-tumor actions while the heartwood is an anti-fungal. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Andiroba Uses & Scientific Evidence For Today, Andiroba oil is applied on joints to soothe arthritis and rheumatism pain. The oil improves circulation to the skin, relieves pain and swelling, and promotes quicker healing of fractures. The oil drops can also be used in the ear for ear infection and works well in soothing coughs. Externally, the oil helps the skin heal more quickly and is used on cuts, scrapes, abrasions, gonorrhea, insect bites, and psoriasis. It is also a base for many anti-wrinkle creams. Andiroba bark in a tea works well in aiding digestion. Research performed at the Museum of Medicinal Plants, in Macapa, Brazil, showed anti-carcinogenic actions in Andiroba oil. In Brazil, capsules containing the oil have been used for the treatment of internal cancer, but its effectiveness is unknown. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Andiroba Dosage Information Andiroba comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For best results, read and follow product label directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Andiroba Safety & Interaction Information Andiroba is generally regarded as safe for use topically. There are no known safety issues associated with Andiroba when taken internally; however, it is best to consult with a physician for use of this oil internally. If you are pregnant, nursing, epileptic, have liver or kidney damage, or have cancer, do not use Andiroba without the guidance of a qualified physician. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -