Araroba

/ˌærəˈroʊbə/ noun

Definition

A powder or resin obtained from a South American tree, historically used in traditional medicine and as a skin treatment.

Etymology

From Portuguese, derived from Tupi. 'Araroba' refers to both the tree and a yellow powder (chrysarobin) extracted from its heartwood. The powder was valuable in 19th-century European medicine and dermatology.

Kelly Says

Araroba powder was considered a miracle cure for skin diseases in Victorian times and was so popular that it was exported to Europe by the ton—modern science confirmed it actually does have real medicinal properties!

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