Traditional use
How chuchuhuasi has traditionally been used
In the Peruvian Amazon, chuchuhuasi is valued as a tonic, traditionally to help support everyday vitality. Its use as a tonic has been on record in Loreto since 1906 (Prieto Mendoza, 2025; Malaník et al., 2019).
Across the Amazon, the most common local preparations use the tree's stem bark and root. They're either boiled in water or steeped in a local spirit made from sugar cane (Malaník et al., 2019).
In Peru, the tree is recorded in Amazonian regions including Loreto, San Martín and Ucayali, the region around Pucallpa.
Same plant, different names
"Chuchuhuasi" is a local name, and it isn't always used for the same tree. A 2019 scientific review notes that it may refer to Maytenus macrocarpa, to Maytenus amazonica, or to both. It also notes that the scientific name Maytenus chuchuhuasha actually belongs to a different species, Maytenus krukovii (Malaník et al., 2019). You'll also see the spellings chuchuasi, chuchuwasha and chuchuhuasca. Pure Vitality is Maytenus macrocarpa, the species confirmed for this product.
How to take
How to take chuchuhuasi extract
Shake well, then start with 2 drops under the tongue or in a little water or juice. The suggested use is 2–5 drops under the tongue or in a beverage, or as directed by your healthcare provider. There's no need to go past the low end until you know how it suits you: a little goes a long way.
How often? Follow the suggested use above, or your healthcare provider's directions. If you'd rather not taste it straight, a drink is the easier way to take it.
What to expect
Effects vary from person to person and are often subtle. We don't promise a particular result or a timeframe, so take it at the low end and notice how it suits you.
Who it's for, and who shouldn't use it
Pure Vitality is for adults. Don't use it if you're under 18, pregnant or nursing. If you have a medical condition or take any medication, check with a healthcare professional before use, and stop if you notice any adverse reaction.
What's inside
What's in the bottle
One plant and nothing else: chuchuhuasi, distilled water and cane alcohol in a 1 fl oz bottle. The chuchuhuasi inner bark is extracted in water, and cane alcohol is added to preserve it.
| Plant | Chuchuhuasi |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Maytenus macrocarpa |
| Plant family | Celastraceae |
| Part used | Inner bark |
| Ingredients | Chuchuhuasi inner bark, distilled water, cane alcohol |
| Size | 1 fl oz |
| Concentration | 40:1 (owner-stated) |
| Process | Water extract, brewed over a wood fire in 30-gallon pots, hand-stirred over several days, in small batches; preserved with cane alcohol |
| Origin | Sourced around Pucallpa, Peru, with Shipibo and local communities |
| Suggested use | 2–5 drops under the tongue or in a beverage, or as directed by your healthcare provider. |
| Storage | Cap closed, out of reach of children |
Why a liquid extract?
Chuchuhuasi is traditionally prepared by boiling the bark or steeping it in a cane spirit, and here that step is already done. There's nothing to simmer or strain: shake the bottle and take 2–5 drops under the tongue or in a drink. It's concentrated at 40:1 (owner-stated) and the 1 fl oz bottle is easy to carry. The ingredient list is three items long: chuchuhuasi, distilled water and cane alcohol. The plant is extracted in water and preserved with cane alcohol, so it isn't alcohol-free.
Shipping & returns
Shipping and returns
We ship to US addresses only, by USPS, at the rate shown at checkout. Orders are processed within 2 business days, and most arrive within 7 business days of purchase. All sales are final. If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 14 days of delivery with your order number and a photo, and we'll replace it. Details are in our shipping policy and refund policy.
Questions
Questions about chuchuhuasi extract
How many drops of chuchuhuasi extract should I take?
Start with 2 drops. The suggested use is 2–5 drops under the tongue or in a beverage, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Can I take it in a drink?
Yes. A little water or juice works well, and it's the easier way if you'd rather not taste it straight.
Is all chuchuhuasi the same plant?
No. The name is used for more than one Maytenus tree. Ours is Maytenus macrocarpa.
How concentrated is Pure Vitality?
Pure Vitality is concentrated at 40:1 (owner-stated). That's why the suggested amount is only 2–5 drops: a little goes a long way.
Can I take it if I'm pregnant, nursing or on medication?
Not if you're pregnant or nursing. If you take any medication or have a medical condition, check with a healthcare professional first.
How Pure Vitality is made
Each small batch is brewed over a wood fire in 30-gallon pots and stirred by hand over several days. We source the chuchuhuasi with Shipibo and local communities around Pucallpa, and it's harvested with regenerative practices, so the forest that grows it stays whole. It's one of our eight Amazonian herbal tinctures.
Warnings: Do not use if pregnant or nursing, or with other medical conditions unless advised by your physician. Discontinue use if adverse reactions develop. Keep out of reach of children.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
