There is no doubt that ascorbic acid [Vitamin C] is required for the synthesis of collagen in the bodies of human beings and other animals. One of the important functions of collagen is its service in strengthening the intercellular cement that holds the cells of the body together in various tissues. It is not unlikely that part of the effectiveness of vitamin C against the common cold, influenza, and other viral diseases can be attributed to this strengthening effect, and in this way preventing or hindering the motion of the virus particles through the tissues and into the cells.
—Linus Pauling, Vitamin C, the Common Cold, and the Flu
Camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a bush native to South American tropical rainforests that produces a fruit containing more vitamin C than any other known botanical source (for comparison: a fresh camu camu berry may contain up to 4 percent vitamin C, whereas a lemon may contain up to 0.5 percent vitamin C). Some estimate that camu camu berries have thirty times as much vitamin C as oranges.
Consider the words of Dr. James Duke, USDA scientist and author of The Green Pharmacy: “I take vitamin C for colds … I prefer to get mine from camu camu, the amazing Amazonian fruit that has the world’s highest vitamin C content.”
Indigenous Amazonian peoples traditionally pick the camu camu berries in season, dry them, and use them medicinally for the rest of the year. This purplish-red berry becomes light beige in color when dried and powdered.
The camu camu berry is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, the amino acids serine, valine, and leucine, as well as small amounts of the vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. Camu camu berry is usually available in a dried, powdered form. The powder tastes delicious and tangy. Traditionally, camu camu has been used to:
maintain excellent eyesight,
create beautiful skin,
ward off viral infections,
support strong collagen, tendons, and ligaments,
decrease inflammation,
improve respiratory (lung) health,
help maintain optimal clarity of mind in times of stress and anxiety, and
especially support the functions of the brain, eyes, heart, liver, and skin.
In a comparative study of hundreds of botanicals, ranked in order of effectiveness for various health conditions, camu camu was placed by Dr. Duke among hundreds of herbs as follows*:
| Antimutagenic | #4 |
| Antioxidant | #4 |
| Antiviral | #6 |
| Asthma | #1 |
| Atherosclerosis | #1 |
| Cataracts | #1 |
| Colds | #1 |
| Depression | #2 |
| Edema | #1 |
| Gingivitis/Periodontal disease | #1 |
| Glaucoma | #1 |
| Hepatitis | #1 |
| Infertility | #1 |
| Migraine headaches | #1 |
| Osteoarthritis | #1 |
| Painkiller | #1 |
| Parkinson’s disease | #1 |
1 level tbsp. (3 grams) of camu camu berry powder per person per day. One can increase dosage with time. Diarrhea symptoms indicate excessive intake.
Add one level tbsp. (3 grams) or more to juices, smoothies, raw ice creams, raw desserts, or simply to your drinking water. As a natural vitamin C source, this product may be used in conjunction with MSM powder to rejuvenate collagen.
*Note: This comparative study’s results are not FDA approved. We make no specific claim as to the camu camu berry’s medicinal properties.