Muira Puama, also known as Marapuama or "potency wood", is a typical plant from Brazil, widely known for its aphrodisiac and stimulating effects.
In this article, we will explore the various properties, benefits and contraindications of Muira Puama, a natural remedy that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Property of the Muira Puama
Sexual stimulant
Muira Puama is known to be an excellent sexual stimulant.
Improves erections in men and genital swelling in women, increasing vigor and sexual desire in both sexes.
Neuromuscular tonic
This plant has tonic properties at a neuromuscular level, helping to reinvigorate the body and counteract fatigue.
Antineuralgic and Digestive
Muira Puama has beneficial effects against fatigue and also acts as an anti-neuralgic and digestive.
Treatment of Inappetence and Reduction of Cholesterol
The plant is able to cure inappetence, reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass, as well as reduce cholesterol, contributing to the overall health of the body.
Benefits for Memory and Nervous Disorders
Muira Puama performs a beneficial action against memory and nervous disorders, improving cognitive functions and psychological well-being.
Active principles of Muira Puama
The active ingredients of Muira Puama are contained in almost all parts of the plant, but it is mainly in the bark and root that substances rich in ester fatty acids are found,
essential oils (including beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene), plant sterols, triterpenes (including lupeol) and in particular an alkaloid, muirapuamine, with a specific vasodilator action and a marked aphrodisiac action.
This alkaloid would act on the "catecholaminergic" systems of the central nervous system and its active ingredients would function as precursors of brain neurosteroids.
Catecholamines and neurosteroids oversee the decisive role of generating the feeling of energy and overall physical vitality, resulting in a general revitalizing action that has positive influences on the general state.
How to use the Muira Puama
Decoction and Infusion
The roots of Muira Puama are used, where many resinous substances and a particular alkaloid (muirapuamine) are found in considerable quantities.
It is used in cases of impotence, decreased libido, mental asthenia, physical and intellectual tiredness.
This medicinal plant is used internally, in the form of drops, to combat impotence, and as an external use, in the form of a concentrated decoction, to wet the genital parts.
Decoction: put 10-15 g of Muira puama in infusion in 1 liter of boiling water and leave to boil for 15 minutes with the juice of one lemon.
Sweeten to taste. Start with one cup a day and eventually increase to two cups a day.
Infusion: one teaspoon per cup.
Boil 5 minutes, infuse 5-10 minutes. 1 to 2 cups a day.
Recruitment Cycles
Many studies have shown that a two/three week intake cycle, respecting the recommended dose, improves erectile status in general, sexual functions, vigor and desire in both men and women.
Excellent as a nerve stimulant.
However, one must not exaggerate with the doses, because the increase of acetylcholine in the muscles can even alter the coordination of movements.
Contraindications of Muira Puama
The side effects associated with the use of Muira Puama are mild and mostly limited to the possible appearance of occasional stomach and head pains, associated with nervousness and hyperagitation.
In any case, it is always advisable to contact your doctor before using Muira Puama-based products.
Description of the plant
Muira Puama is also known as marapuama whose name means "wood of power" and "herb of love".
It is the Ptychopetalum olacoides belonging to the Olacaceae family.
Ptycopetalum olacoides is a shrub with thin branches and evergreen oval leaves that can even reach 5 m in height.
It has white flowers that have a pungent and aromatic smell reminiscent of jasmine.
Muira puama habitat
Muira Puama, is a typical tree of the Brazilian Amazon and other areas of the rainforest.
In the genus Ptycopetalum there are several species including the Ptycopetalum olacoides typical of Brazil in the Amazon rainforest, and Ptycopetalum uncinatum of Brazil.
Of the two species, it is preferable to use the first as it is richer in active ingredients useful to man.
Background
The ancient autochthonous tribes attributed fantastic properties to this plant, calling it the herb of love and using it in many propitiatory mating ceremonies.
The first European explorers, in the years 1920-1930, observed that the indigenous