Also known by its botanical name, Coffea arabica, coffea cruda is simply unroasted coffee beans. Often used as a homeopathic remedy for tinnitus, headaches, toothaches, teething, insomnia, restlessness, racing thoughts, labor pains and menopause, the beans are thought to help calm the nervous system. When restlessness or insomnia are caused by too much coffee consumption, however, they do not perform as a sleep aid.
Coffea cruda is often sold alongside other homeopathic remedies in globule or pellet form. The claims for its use as a homeopathic remedy have not been rigorously tested, however. Therefore, it should not be used in lieu of treatment prescribed by a qualified medical professional.
It also is not a good idea for elderly people to regularly use this treatment. Just like roasted and brewed coffee, it might increase the production of uric acid. This type of acid is known to contribute to arthritis symptoms and to hurt the kidneys. Its use should be monitored carefully to decrease the likelihood of over-consumption.
Besides having possible curative properties, unroasted coffee beans also have been studied for their agricultural benefits. Some scientists believe that they might act as a natural insecticide for crops while also being safe for human consumption. This is because raw beans contain unique proteins known as globulins, which are believed to be fatal to certain insects; most of these proteins are destroyed when coffee beans are roasted, so only the raw beans contain sufficient amounts of them. It also is believed that, if the genes containing these proteins are somehow introduced into the biology of other food crops, other plants also can produce globulins that will act as insecticides. The proteins may repel or be fatal to pests such as cowpea weevil larva and other insects, but raw coffee beans also are known to be a food choice for certain species of butterflies and moths.
Coffea cruda is primarily used as a homeopathic remedy because it is believed to stimulate the organs while calming the nervous system. It might also have broader uses in protecting food crops. In whichever way the beans are used, they are highly regarded for their natural properties. Whether roasted or unroasted, however, the caffeine contained in the coffee bean might cause addiction in some people and should, therefore, be used sparingly.