Muira Puama, (Ptychopetalum olacoides) ID: 712-41

Often referred to as the 'Viagra of the Amazon', Muira Puama has a long history of traditional use as an energy booster and offers a natural treatment approach to loss of libido in men and women.

In Europe it also has a long history of use as an antirheumatic, aphrodisiac, tonic for general health and for gastrointestinal disorders.

In Brazilian herbal medicine, Muira Puama is a well-known sexual stimulant with a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac.

Historically, all parts of Muira Puama have been used for medicinal purposes, but the bark is the most used parts of this plant.

Benefits

Sexual Health

Also known as "power wood," Muira Puama has long been used by the Amazonian people to manage a variety of age-related conditions. It is marketed in Brazil as a "body stimulant, energetic tonic and aphrodisiac." It can be particularly useful in supporting healthy erectile response and restoring libido in men suffering from the effects of fatigue or age-related complaints.

Muira Puama contains 'sterols', the building blocks of sex hormones such as testosterone.

One study found that this herb relaxes the corpus cavernosum—a sponge-like area that holds blood during an erection. This relaxation allows more blood to flow to the penis, producing a stronger and more stable erectile response. Dr. Jacques Maynberg conducted two studies at the Institute of Sexology in Paris, where he gave men with low libido and erectile dysfunction Muira Puama for two weeks. In both studies between 60% - 70% of men reported a marked increase in libido and an improvement in their ability to maintain an erection. A study was conducted with 202 women to investigate the potential of Muira Puama as a libido boosting herb for women with low sex drive.

It was found that after one month of supplementing with this herb, 65% reported improvements in sexual desire and satisfaction.

Some of the women also experienced more sexual fantasies and increased intensity of orgasm.

Central nervous system

The indigenous people of the Amazon have been consuming Muira Puama for centuries as a remedy for a sluggish central nervous system.

When this plant was studied for its effect on the central nervous system, it was found that, "Muira Puama roots possess various central nervous system activities, including mild anxiogenic effects" - meaning they help stimulate the CNS which can lead to increased mental performance and physical endurance.

Memory

Studies have shown that Muira Puama can also help improve memory among older people.

This memory enhancing effect is believed to be due to its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is essential for cognition and memory. By protecting acetylcholinesterase, this herb may have therapeutic properties for people with cognitive and memory problems.

Usage

We make Muira Puama like a tea.