What is Bixa?

BIXA - also known as Bixa oreellan , Achiote, Annatto and the Tree of Lipstick - is a bushy shrub or a small tree originally originally from Latin America. In the 17th century, Spanish explorers transferred the plant to similar warm areas around the world, such as Africa, Carribean and Southeast Asia. The leaves, bark and roots of the shrubs were used in a wide range of traditional herbal drugs. In some regions, they are often planted as landscape shrubs, but Bixa is most commonly grown for their seeds, which are used to produce a yellowish orange pigment called Annatto or Bixin. In the southern parts of the United States, the shrub is most often decorative. In other regions, including Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, the Caribbean and Phillipins, it is grown primarily to harvest their seeds to become Annatto.

bixa bush are evergreen, covered with shiny, wide, pointed leaves. Mature Bixa can reach anywhere from 5-30 feet (1.5-10 m) and can live for 50 years. Shrub is densely covered with pink or white flowerThose that produce prickly, heart pods, each of which is filled with about 50 seeds. From one single plant can harvest up to £ 600 (270 kg) seeds.

Annatto is one of the oldest known pigments in the world and has been used for centuries. The native Americans made Annatta a paste for war. It has a clear orange yellow shade and is used worldwide to dye textiles, colors, cosmetics, varnishes and food. In the US, beta carotene is more commonly used for colorful foods, but the interest in natural ingredients has led many manufacturers to consider the use of Annatta. Annatto is sometimes used as a spice and can be used to taste food and color. Sometimes toes is used as a cheaper alternative to saffron.

Paste made of Bixa has been used as a sunscreen and insect repellent for centuries. It is also used as in traditional herbal remedies for constipation and respiratory complaintsnation. Nausea and similar complaints about the stomach were treated with tea made from Bixa leaves. The roots, bark, pulp and seeds are used to treat everything from small cuts and burns to fever, diarrhea, jaundice, snake bites and leprosy. Consultation with a doctor is recommended before using these substances to treat any condition.