Carapa guinensis or andiroba as it's commonly referred to as, is a tall forest tree native to tropical Brazil, Guyana and Columbia. The medicinal parts of the tree include the leaves, seed oil, and oil of the nut and tree bark.

Andiroba oil gets its anti-inflammatory properties from the compounds known as limonoids, which enable it to relieve pain and swelling and promote normal circulation to the skin. In the Northwest Amazon, the bark and leaves are a popular choice for reducing fever. They are also used to make a worm-inhibiting tea and externally they are used as a wash for ulcers, insect bites and as an insect repellant. The seed oil is widely used in Brazil as an antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory. The fruit oil is ingested for coughs.

Research indicates that the bark is antibacterial, the heartwood is antifungal and the flowers are antitumor. In 1993, studies performed at the Museum of Medicinal Plants in Macapa, Brazil suggested that andiroba may have anticarcinogenic activity. Many internal cancers have been treated with gelatin capsules containing the oil in Brazil.

Andiroba is beneficial in treating the following conditions:

Fractures - Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in abundance in andiroba. These essential fatty acids are quickly absorbed through the skin and circulated to the affected area of the fracture. Once there, they obstruct the production of chemicals that restrict circulation and cause inflammation.

Skin damage from scrapes, cuts and abrasions; insect bites; gonorrhea; and psoriasis - By providing one of the chemical building blocks of an enzyme that links the proteins that form the protective outer layer of the skin together called myristic acid, andiroba oil speeds healing of damaged skin. Linolenic acid, which is a fatty acid found in andiroba as well can help restore a normal life cycle to skin cells. This chemical stops the uncontrolled growth of skin cells that occurs with psoriasis, as well as the uncontrolled growth of the pigment-producing cells that cause age spots. Andiroba is helpful in preventing scaling because the linolenic acid also signals skin cells when it is time to stop growing.

Arthritis and rheumatism - Hot andiroba oil can be rubbed into the skin to relieve symptoms associated with arthritis and rheumatism. Increased circulation reduces swelling. Decreased production of inflammatory chemicals reduces pain.

Andiroba is used as an oil applied to the skin. It can also be used as a base for some antiwrinkle creams. Within the oil are fats, which transport healing alpha-hydroxy acids and other ingredients as they moisturize and shield the skin.