Lipidami™ Rocou

Rocou is native to Central America and the coastline of the Caribbean Sea, but it has acclimated to many tropical countries and the Pacific islands. In the countries of the Amazon basin, Rocou is often planted close to dwellings and hamlets, and the orangey-red dye extracted from the seeds has many uses. The Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas all used this dye to stain fabrics for clothing. Rocou seeds were used by South American Indians to produce a body paint to which they attributed a religious and magical meaning, probably because its red colour resembles blood. In addition, this red paint provided protection from the sun and insects. Rocou is also involved in the preparation of many traditional remedies. In South America and Asia, the leaves and roots of Rocou cure headaches. In Colombia, the leaves and branches are used to treat snake bites. Rocou extracts are used against cancerous lesions in Mexico and Paraguay. In Peru, decoctions of the leaves are prescribed for prostate ailments, cystitis, and renal failure, while in Brazil they are used to fight malaria and fever. Rocou is the symbol of vital energy because of the blood-red dye it produces. The oily extract of Rocou seeds contains carotenoids, essential oils, tocotrienols and tocopherols with antioxidant and moisturising powers.