Annatto is a small tree found in the tropical region of South America. It is cultivated for its natural colourant properties.

In South, America it is used as textile and food dye, used as body paint, used in herbal medicine, and employed in rituals and ceremonies. In Central America and the Caribbean, it is used for centuries to treat all kind of diseases.

It can be bought in various forms like powder, seeds, in a paste form and can be infused in oil. You can buy it from big grocery stores or spice stores.

Herein are the benefits and uses of annatto:

1. It can be used to improve wound healing:

It is very efficient to treat wounds and burns of skin or any skin irritation. It contains an antimicrobial property that helps to prevent infections. To accelerate the healing process, just apply the seed paste on wound or scar.

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2. It is good for eye health:

Its seed contains carotenoid. Buy those which are red and orange in color because of carotenoid breaks down. Carotenoids are responsible for preventing macular degeneration and development of cataracts and keep your eye health active for years.

3. Annatto as an antioxidant:

It contains an organic compound known as tocotrienols, which aids as antioxidants. It reduces the blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles from your face and acts as anti-ageing. There are various Anti-Ageing Foods that will make you look young forever.

Method to use it to reduce wrinkles:

Take a tablespoon of its seed. Grind the seeds to make it a fine paste. Then apply this paste on your face and neck. Wash it off after 30 minutes with water. Follow this procedure regularly for the supple and elastic skin.

Check this video to know benefits of ANNATTO seeds:

4. Annatto to treat heat stroke:

Its leaves decoction is effective to curb heatstroke.

Method to use it to treat heat stroke:

Take ten leaves, Put these leaves in a pot filled with 2 cups of water. Boil for 15 minutes. Strain and use the water.

5. Annatto for stomach problems:

It can efficiently calm the upset stomach. It can cure discomfort caused by heartburn due to eating too much spicy food and stomach infection.

6. Annatto to prevent congenital disabilities:

It has a right amount of folic acid. Folic acid is responsible for preventing the neural tube defects in the just born child.

7. Annatto for improved digestion:

Its seeds have a huge amount of fibre, and its leaves also are full of fibre that keeps the digestive system healthy and your bowels smooth. The fibre content in It also helps in lowering cholesterol and manages diabetes.

8. Annatto for cancer:

Its seeds are antioxidant. A pigment called norbixin found in it gives antimutagenic effect to healthy cells that are exposed to free radicals and cancerous cells. Regular usage helps to prevent cancer from spreading.

9. Annatto to strengthen bones:

It is a rich source of calcium. Calcium is an essential source to supplement for your bone mineral density. It can prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis.

10. Annatto for vaginal wash:

It is antimicrobial and antifungal, and in Peruvian medicine, diluted it is used as antiseptic.

11. Annatto for leprosy:

Its leaves are helpful for the treatment of leprosy. Consume three times per day the concoction of its leaves to reduce the symptoms of the disease.

12. for the healthy respiratory system:

It is helpful to treat a cough and cold and can be used as an expectorant. A decoction of Its seeds pulp is used to deal with a cough and cold. For young children infusion of annatto, the flower is used as an expectorant.

13. Annatto as blood coagulant:

If you are injured or have had a minor cut and its bleeding, its pulp is capable of stopping the bleeding.

14. Annatto as an aphrodisiac:

Its seeds are used in Amazonia as libido enhancer.

15. Annatto as an antidote:

It can be very useful to cure poisoning of cassava, jatropha and can be helpful to treat an allergy caused by sandbox tree.

Method to use it as an antidote:

Take ten leaves of it, wash and pat dry then cut and make a paste of it. To treat allergies apply on the affected area, wash off after 30 minutes.

To treat poisoning Take a pot filled with 2 cups of water, put the leaves paste in a pot and boil for 15 minutes. Leave it for few minutes till it is cold then drink two times a day.

16. Annatto as hair tonic:

Its seeds and bark are helpful for hair strengthening and hair growth. You must look for benefits of coconut oil, benefits of tea tree oil, benefits of jojoba oil, and benefits of aloe vera juice for hair.

Method to use it as hair tonic:

Take the seeds, ground and make a paste. Apply on hair and wash off after 20 minutes with water and shampoo. Look for the best Vitamins for Hair Growth.

Benefits and Uses of Annatto- Lesser Known Seeds