If you're walking anywhere in Brazil it's very likely that you've already come across the aroeira-mansa tree (Schinus terebinthifolia), also known as Aroeira Vermelha, Aroeira Pimenteira, Pimenta-Rosa or even "Brazilian Peppertree". Aroeira is a medium-sized tree species native to South America. It occurs in the Atlantic Forest, the Cerrado, the Pampas and the restingas, and is very common on the banks of rivers, streams and floodplains.
Its fruit, clusters of small red balls, is called pink pepper, with a slightly spicy taste and much appreciated by wild birds. It is also used in cooking as a spice to finish salads, sauces and even spicy truffles. Because it is a pioneering species, the Schinus tree can be planted in any area, and is especially recommended in reforestation processes. The fruit attracts several native species of birds, so it can be said that the mastic tree contributes to ecological restoration.
But as well as contributing to the ecological balance, serving as a food for birds and being considered an exotic spice in the preparation of fine cuisine, aroeira-mansa is also a medicinal plant used for various purposes. Traditionally it is used as an astringent, antirheumatic, to reduce swelling of the legs and feet and for rheumatic pains. Aroeira was used by women for sitz baths after childbirth, and also for diseases of the urinary and respiratory tracts. Research has demonstrated the healing action of the Schinus terenbithifolia tree, which also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action for fungi and bacteria. Aroeira-mansa has been shown to be effective in treating wounds and mucous membranes, including inflamed wounds and gingivitis.
All parts of the plant have antiseptic action, mainly due to the essential oil present in the plant, which can also be used for therapeutic purposes in aromatherapy.
In Brazil's colonial past, the resin of the Schinus tree was used by the Jesuits in the missions, becoming known as "Balsam of the Missions", but its use was also widely spread among the different indigenous groups. Among the Guarani it was used to treat thrush (oral candidiasis) in children's mouths, and among the Kaingang it was used as an analgesic for toothaches.
Aroeira is one of the medicinal plants authorized by the Ministry of Health of Brazil that can be prescribed and distributed by the Unified Health System (SUS) to treat wounds and ulcers.
The pink pepper in aromatherapy
One of the characteristics we love most about the aroeira-mansa tree is the essential oil present in the fresh fruit, leaves, bark and flowers. It smells sweet and citrusy at the same time, with a refreshing scent of green forest and cool mornings, of wind hitting the trees after a storm.
As well as the essential oil concentrating all the medicinal benefits of this divine Brazilian tree, it offers therapeutic effects when used in aromatherapy. Aroeira helps produce thoughts of prosperity, helps with the feeling of deserving wealth, awakens libido, helps connect with the body, helps grounding, stimulates vitality, awakens bodily sensitivity.
Herbal Saboaria was born in the middle of Serra Gaúcha, located in the South region of Brazil, surrounded by pink pepper trees, our favorite part of the garden. We closely follow the development of the aroeira tree and its annual cycles. One of our favorite distillations is that of the Schinus tree, not only because of its wonderful, warm, refreshing and unique aroma, but also because of the oil yield. One of our favorite soaps is aroeira-mansa soap, in which we use a mixture of noble vegetable oils, such as coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil, saponify the oils and add the plant extract of aroeira-mansa and its essential oil at the end. At home we have a lot of kittens, who are always scratching us when they play, so we always keep a bar of aroeira soap on hand because the relief comes immediately after using the soap.
You can find out more about our soap here: https://www.herbalsaboaria.com.br/produtos/sabonete-aroeira-pimenta-rosa/
Our production is 100% handmade and all batches are unique and limited.
We hope you've enjoyed learning more about aroeira-mansa and what this incredible tree is used for. Cheers,
- Herbal Saboaria.
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