Winter'S Canella (Canella winterana)

Winter'S Canella (Canella winterana) is a member of the Gentianaceae family, native to Central America, Northern South America, and Caribbean Islands. Traditionally, its bark, leaves, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, carminative, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Winter'S Canella (Canella winterana) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Winter'S Canella (Canella winterana) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Winter'S Canella
Scientific Name	Canella winterana
Plant Family	Gentianaceae
Genus	Canella
Species	winterana
Native Range	Central America, Northern South America, Caribbean Islands
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Leaves, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Carminative, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Canella winterana
Common Name: Winter'S Canella
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Winter'S Canella, Canella Winterana, Canella Winterana
Plant Family: Gentianaceae
Genus: Canella

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Lateral, sessile, elliptic, dark green upper surface, pale green lower surface, with two stomatal bands on the abaxial side.
Flowers: Flowers are solitary, actinomorphic, with white to pale yellow petals arranged in a 5-merous whorl, and have a prominent, elongated stamen cluster.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched, with opposite, oval-shaped leaves and persistent, smooth, grayish bark.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a warming bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a soothing carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a moderate anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a cooling tonic, for foundational support.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Available information does not clearly establish general precautionary concerns for this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.