powdered and used to treat mouth infections – directly applied to the
affected area. After 3 or 4 days the fungus begins to turn white in colour and
at this stage of ageing is highly toxic (see interview 8 in the addendum).
Koduiro (Eschweilerasp.)
Koduiroor Eschweilerasp. is a tree found in primary tropical forest,
Caquetá medio. The bark is collected (Figure 4.11) and used to prevent and
cure infections and to heal wounds. It is also used as a body and hair
colorant (see interview 9 in the addendum).^14
Phytolacca americanaL.
Also known as Pokeweed, hierba carmín, tintilla and granilla.
The leaves of Phytolaccaare heated (Figure 4.12) and applied directly to
the affected area to treat inflammation (see interview 10 in the addendum).
Curative medicine of animal origin
Mojojoy larvae (Rhynchophorus palmarumL.)
Mojojoy larvae (Figure 4.13) are found in palms such as Canangucho
(Mauritia flexuosa). According to Sabedor Oscar Roman Enokai- (see
78 |Traditional medicine
Figure 4.10 Fungus ‘Oreja de palo’(Pycnoporus
sanguineus) at a young stage, when it is used by
Uitotos to treat mouth infections; Caquéta medio,
Amazonas, Colombia, 13 February 1998.
Figure 4.11 Collection of Koduiro
bark by Tomás Román, Uitoto,
Araracuara, Caquéta, Amazon tropical
forest, Colombia, 1989.