Forests and Health

The Amazon rainforest is critical to the health and well-being of our planet, and so to our own. It aids in temperature regulation and offers critical ecological functions including carbon sequestration, water regulation and purification, and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, it is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species, providing a critical source of subsistence and medicine for the region’s inhabitants. Several plant species found in this rainforest are unique to the Amazon and can be used as treatments and health supplements. Traditional and indigenous Amazonian knowledge of these plants has been passed down through generations and has played an essential part in the development of modern medicine. 

By protecting the Amazon rainforest, we can ensure that these benefits are available to us and future generations.

 _{Sound Effect by  Placidplace}  

Indigenous communities have lived in the Amazon Rainforest for thousands of years and have a deep understanding of this ecosystem and the social and cultural benefits provided by its natural resources.

For thousands of years, traditional healers in the Amazon rainforest have employed medicinal plants to cure a broad range of diseases, including fever, pain, infections and inflammation.

Explore the nutrient-rich foods and remedies of the rainforest

Knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses has been passed down through generations in the Amazon, and their traditional medicine practices continue to play an important role in the health and well-being of local communities. For centuries, these communities have depended on the nutritional properties of plants and fruits. Today, these natural treasures are highly popular around the world for their exceptional nutrient content and health benefits, as many are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and often utilized in supplements and other products to promote wellness.

Community-led enterprises (particularly with a gender approach) are to be strengthened to participate in value chains associated with medicinal plants, generating jobs and new income sources under fair benefit sharing mechanisms.  

Many current-age pharmaceuticals have been developed from these medicinal plants, including ones used to treat malaria, hypertension, among other ailments . Sustainable forest management practices, including agroforestry can help to maintain the health of the Amazon rainforest while also providing economic benefits to local communities.

Discover the fascinating world of traditional medicine in the Colombian Amazon in this podcast episode (in Spanish): 

 _{Credit:  Forest Conservation and Sustainability in the Heart of the Colombian Amazon Project}   

From the Amazon forest to support the world’s health:  

 _{Euterpe oleracea}  This small, purple fruit is native to the Amazon rainforest and is highly nutritious and rich in antioxidants. For generations, indigenous communities in Brazil have consumed this fruit for its many health benefits.  ( The Nature Conservancy, 2021 )

 Açaí has gained worldwide popularity in recent years and has been found to promote skin health, support digestion, and protect the body from free radicals.

Myrciaria dubia

A small type of cherry fruit from a bushy riverside tree native to the region. This fruit is high in vitamin C, with up to 2-3% of its weight being made up of this nutrient. Camu camu has long been used by indigenous communities in the Amazon for its medicinal properties, including as a treatment for infections, inflammation, and pain. It is also used in traditional Amazonian cuisine and has gained popularity in recent years as a health supplement due to its properties.

Uncaria tomentosa This woody vine grows in the Amazon rainforest and other parts of Central and South America.   For centuries, indigenous communities have used it to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis, digestive disorders, and infections, as it is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body from harmful free radicals. In recent years, Cat's Claw has gained popularity as a natural supplement for overall health and wellness. It is available in various forms, including capsules, teas, and tinctures. 

Cinchona officinalis

The Cinchona is a tree native to the Amazon, known for the therapeutic benefits of its bark, which contains various natural alkaloids, including quinine. Since pre-Hispanic times, quinine has been used to lower fever, battle malaria, and act as an analgesic, making it an effective therapy for a variety of ailments. 

Note: While these plants serve various purposes, they should not be used for medicinal purposes without consulting with a qualified healthcare professional first.

The  GEF  funded Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Program, as many other programs, is working to conserve, restore and sustainably use the natural resources in the Amazon rainforest, via integrated approaches. Safeguarding the Amazon rainforest, ensures a healthier planet and a brighter future for all. 

  See some examples of the work some of the Program's projects are actively doing to preserve the forests, and support its communities:

Let's continue to work together to preserve the Amazon rainforest for generations to come. 

If you want to learn more about the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Program led by the World Bank, visit the Program's  website  or follow its posts on social media: #AmazonSustainableLandscapes The  Amazon Sustainable Landscapes (ASL)  is an Impact Program funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and led by the World Bank, which brings together seven countries - Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname – with the objective to improve integrated landscape management and conservation of ecosystems in targeted areas in the Amazon region.