Camu camu (Mycaria dubia) is a bush that grows in black water rivers, especially in those abandoned courses called "cochas", ecosystems of great social and economic importance for the Amazonian jungle of Peru. The camu-camu fruit is approximately 2 centimeters in diameter and has a purplish red skin with a yellow pulp. The fruit contains powerful phytochemicals with health benefits, including the amino acids serine, valine, and leucine, and more Vitamin C than any other known plant in the world. The dehydrated camu camu fruit powder contains 8 - 9% Vitamin C, which is 30 to 60 times more Vitamin C than an orange and 3 times more than acerola.

Camu Camu is traditionally made into a juice by people of the rainforest to support the immune system, ward off viral infections, and help maintain optimal health, especially under conditions of stress and anxiety, which tend to deplete the immune system. It also contains bioflavenoids, the amino acids, serine, valine, and leucine, as well as important amounts of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Camu-camu helps to promote healthy gums, eyes, and skin and supports the functions of the brain (nervous system) and heart (circulatory system).

Traditionally, native medicine practioners and herbalists have recommended camu-camu for:

Strengthening the immune system

Improving symptoms of herpes infections, including mouth blisters, genital blisters, shingles blisters and other viral infections

Promoting energy and vitality of people with chronic immune dysfunction

Strengthening the nervous system

Supporting healthy levels of white blood cell formation

Detoxifying the body, especially the liver

Promoting health of upper respiratory organs, including lungs, sinuses, nasal passages
Promoting a healthy heart and circulatory system

Dosage:

Many people have stopped using large dosages of synthetic Vitamin C because they find that just 1 to 2 grams (1 tspn) of camu camu powder is energizing, mood-lifting and highly effective in strengthening the immune system. It has the additional benefit of being non-irritating to sensitive stomachs and bladders.

Although the number of milligrams of Vitamin C, which Camu-Camu contains, is low compared to the milligrams in synthetically derived Vitamin C tablets, the effects on the human body are incomparable. Because of its food form, with bioflavanoids and other phytochemicals, clinical evidence suggests that it is far more effective, milligram for milligram, than synthetic Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), even Ester C. Many people report that 1000 mg (1/3 tsp.) is sufficient to significantly increase their wellness.

In Brazil, camu camu is being promoted as a product that untangles and strengthens hair, and protects it from external damage, adding to its shine and vitality. Camu camu is being used in a new line of cosmetics specially recommended for damaged and dull hair that include shampoos, conditioners, hair masques, hair renewal that add body and shine to hair.