Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides), also known as Sexuelle marapuama, Potency wood, Ptychopetalum uncinatum, and Ptychopetali lignum, is one of the most active botanicals, with a long history of traditional use as an energy tonic, immune booster, and treatment for impotence. It is often referred to as the “Viagra of the Amazon” and has long been considered an effective natural therapeutic approach for loss of libido in both men and women.

As a plant with a long history of remedying sex-related health problems, the root and bark of Muira Puama are the most commonly-used parts. Traditionally, it has been used to boost libido, reduce stress, stimulate appetite and some studies suggest that the plant may even stimulate the brain as well. In addition, Muira Puama is used to get rid of an upset stomach, painful joints, and an irregular menstrual cycle. The plant is also able to cure paralysis caused by poliomyelitis.

Muira Puama is a popular herbal medicine in Brazil, South America, and around the world as it used as a neuromuscular tonic and remedy for paralysis, asthenia, ataxia, severe rheumatism, sexual impotence, grippe, and disorders that affect the central nervous system.

The plant is also considered helpful for boosting physical performance and in the treatment of dysentery and impotence.

Health Benefits of Muira Puama

Muira Puama contains an impressive range of health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the top benefits this plant offer.

Increases Libido and Treats Impotence

Poor sexual function and low sex drive is a topic that makes most people uncomfortable. There is a general belief that men, particularly, should be virile and due to this, many people have an expectation that virility should last forever. What can then be done if your libido nose-dives? Luckily, there are several medicinal herbs that encourage a healthy sex drive in men and women; Muira Puama is one of them.

According to several studies on the impact of Muira Puama on impotence and low libido in both sexes, there are indications that it is effective in improving libido and treating erectile dysfunction. People who experience a lack of sexual desire and the inability to get or maintain an erection can experience improved libido and sexual performance with the help of the extract of Muira Puama.

Similar to Viagra, the extract has a profound effect on erectile dysfunction. However, the plant is not just for men. Studies show that Muira Puama provides a significant improvement in all areas of libido and sexual performance in and pre- and postmenopausal women too.

Traditionally the bark and root of Muira Puama have been used by indigenous tribes in Brazil for the treatment of influenza, rheumatism, neuromuscular problems, stomach upset, and low sex drive. However, this herb is best known for its aphrodisiac qualities. This is why it is commonly referred to by other names like “erection root” and “potency wood”. Over the years, the herb has proven to be a potent sexual enhancer for both sexes.

Alleviates Stress, Exhaustion, and Trauma

Apart from its positive effect on impotence, there are other health benefits associated with Muira Puama. In recent studies, it was reported that Muira Puama extracts contain adaptogenic, anti-fatigue, anti-stress properties and have a significant effect on the central nervous system. When used as a tonic for the nervous system, the herb may also help in the treatment of mild fatigue, stress, and trauma.

Busy working mothers who need to balance work with home are often under a lot of stress. The effects of stress can lead to a range of health problems. In fact, several studies indicate that severe, unmanaged stress can have negative effects on the immune system as well as increase the levels of blood sugar and insulin. Fortunately, Muira Puama may be helpful for alleviating anxiety and significantly lower mental and emotional stress.

Aids in Weight Reduction

Other studies show that Muira Puama may play a role in decreasing the percentage of body fat, increasing lean muscle mass, and reducing cholesterol in the body with no toxic side effects even after long-term use.

Boosts Physical Performance

Historically, many people of all ages use herbs to enhance physical performance, and Muira Puama is not an exception. For instance, in Brazil, the herb is considered a tonic for physical and athletic performance and is often used to combat exhaustion. The reason for this, according to some studies, is attributed to Muira Puama’s function as a mild stimulant.

Treats Gastrointestinal and Reproductive Problems

Furthermore, Muira Puama may also be helpful in treating stomach issues and reproductive disorders. The herb is believed to also be helpful in the treatment of stomach upset, menstrual disorders, paralysis caused by poliomyelitis, rheumatism, and as an appetite stimulant.

How to Take Muira Puama

The herb is most effective when taken as an alcohol-based tincture. This is because it has a resin that is not easily dissolved in water. The herb is not as effective when taken in capsules and tea forms.

Dosage

The right dose of Muira Puama is largely dependent on many factors, including the user’s health, age, and a number of other conditions. At the moment, there is not enough scientific data to ascertain the right range of doses for Muira Puama.
It is important to also keep in mind that herbal products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be vital. Ensure you adhere to relevant directions on product labels and check with your pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare professionals before using any herb.

Side Effects of Muira Puama

Muira Puama is generally considered safe for use. However, the herb has some mild side effects.

• Muira Puama may direct blood flow away from the heart which can result in short-term hypotension.
• Muira Puama may lead to headaches and upset stomach.
• Muira Puama is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children.
• Although there are no clinical studies on the herb yet, Muira Puama might interact with nitrates (similar to Viagra) leading to severely low blood pressure.

Interactions

Muira Puama may actually interfere with certain drugs. Therefore, people who are undergoing any kind of treatments should be careful. It is best to check with your doctor before consuming the herb.

Some of the drugs with which it will interact include steroids, nitrates like nitro-glycerine, medications for heart problems, Alzheimer’s medications, drugs for erectile dysfunctions, hormone imbalance medications, and blood pressure medications.

If you decide to start using Muira Puama, be careful not to consume any of the drugs mentioned above. It is not advisable to use Muira Puama when you are undergoing medications for high blood pressure, heart-related issues, and many other health problems.

Bottom Line

Muira Puama is a plant with bark and roots that are used for medicinal purposes. The herb is used for preventing and treating sexual disorders as well as to increase sexual desire. It is also effective as an appetite stimulant and for treating menstrual disorders, upset stomach, joint pain, and paralysis caused by poliomyelitis.

Some people actually apply Muira Puama topically to the skin as an aphrodisiac and for muscle paralysis, and rheumatism. When used in combination with other herbs, Muira Puama is also used as a remedy for erectile dysfunction.

However, like with all herbs, you should consult your doctor before using Muira Puama.