Annatto (Atsuete) recommended for heart diseases

The very popular natural dye for culinary purposes.This tree grows on Tropical and semi tropical land. The tree can grow from 4-6 meter which bears spiny fruits that has a spiny fruits which is the one that is use to make dye. The fruits are dried and collect the seeds to make a dye. My mother usually use this when prepare some dishes like karekare. This tree is widely cultivated all over the country here in Philippines. We use to play this during our childhood to make some pigment or paint. Or even use it like a blood stain. Aside from being useful in food preparation Atsuete or Annatto is also use in natural medicine.

Medicinal Use

to remove mucous secretion from the respiratory tract
recommended for heart diseases
antidote for prussic acid


The pulp of the seeds taken by infusion helps take care of problems listed under medicinal use

10 to 15 grams of the seeds  for one liter of  water. Use 2 or 3 cups a day.