Submitted at Apr 24, 2026, 1:00 PM
(Freepik/Divulgação)
In a world where the routine of work and the constant notifications from the cellphone seem to give no respite, finding moments of peace has become a true challenge. Many people struggle with the difficulty of switching off the mind when lying down, facing sleepless nights or a tired awakening.
It is in this context that natural solutions gain prominence, and mulungu tea emerges as one of the most potent home remedies, respected by folk wisdom and phytotherapy.
Mulungu. (Eurico Zimbres/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
Extracted from the bark of the Erythrina mulungu tree, common in the central region of Brazil, this tea has been used for centuries for its calming properties. But does it really work? Let's explore how this plant acts on our nervous system and why it has become the 'darling' of those seeking emotional balance and deeper nights of sleep.
Mulungu. (Árvores do Bioma Cerrado/Divulgação)
mulungu is a tree with exuberant orange blossoms, but its true treasure lies in its bark. Scientifically, the plant is rich in alkaloids and flavonoids, substances that act directly on the central nervous system. Unlike other synthetic sedatives, mulungu works more gently, helping regulate emotional tone without causing that 'chemical hangover' feeling upon waking.
Sementes de mulungu. (CostaPPPR/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
Its properties include sedative, anticonvulsant, hypotensive, and antipyretic action. This means that, in addition to relaxing, it helps lower blood pressure (which tends to rise in moments of stress) and prepares the body for a state of absolute rest.
O chá de mulungu é feito a partir das cascas secas da árvore. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
Anxiety often manifests as mental hyperactivity — racing thoughts that generate palpitations and muscle tension. mulungu acts by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain and influencing levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter responsible for inhibiting nervous excitation.
Mulungu. (iStock/Divulgação)
When consuming the tea, the individual feels a gradual decrease in agitation. It is especially indicated for cases of:
Hysteria and panic.
Excessive nervous agitation.
Stress-related binge eating.
If your problem is insomnia, mulungu may be the key to your rest. As a natural sedative, it reduces the time needed to fall asleep and improves the quality of the deepest stages of rest.
(Freepik/Divulgação)
Unlike chamomile, which has a mild relaxing effect, mulungu is considered more potent. It helps to 'silence' mental noise, allowing the body to enter a state of homeostasis. For those who suffer from chronic sleep disorders, the strategic use of this plant can help reestablish the circadian cycle in a way that is less aggressive than controlled medications.
(Content Pixie/Unsplash/Divulgação)
To extract the maximum benefits, the correct method is decoction, since we use the plant's bark, which are more rigid parts.
4g to 6g of dried mulungu bark (approximately 1 dessert spoon).
200ml of filtered water.
Boil the water together with the bark in a pot for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat and cover the container, letting it rest for another 5 minutes.
Strain and drink while still warm.
The ideal is to drink the tea about 30 to 60 minutes before sleeping so that the alkaloids begin to take effect in the body.
Mulungu. (Flora Londrina/Divulgação)
Although natural, mulungu tea should not be consumed indiscriminately. Because it has a hypotensive effect (lowers blood pressure), people who already suffer from low blood pressure should avoid it, as they may feel dizziness or weakness.
In addition, it is contraindicated for:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
People who already use sedative or antidepressant medications (there may be dangerous potentiation of the effect).
Young children.
Always consult a phytotherapist or doctor before including new medicinal herbs in your routine, ensuring that your path to well-being is, above all, safe.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creating agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Chrys Hadrian.
