Bulk Herbs: Muira Puama Bark (Wild Harvested)
Ptychopetalum olacoides
Format: Bark
Size: 1 oz package
Also Known as: Ptychopetalum olacoides is the preferred plant, although Ptychopetalum uncinatum has similar efficacies. Marapama, marapuama, marapama, muirat, muiratam, pau-homen, potency wood, and Potenzholz. A completely different species of Brazilian tree, Liriosma ovata, also goes by the common name of muira puama, but it is a completely different tree with a different phytochemical makeup and different medicinal uses.
Farming: Wild Harvested
Location: Brazil
Muira puama is an understory tree in the Amazonian rain forest. Growing 15 feet (5 meters) high, it bears white flowers with an intense scent of jasmine. The bark and root are employed in herbal medicine and also as a powerful aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant. It is a useful remedy for low libido, and also for menstruation related cramps. The bark of the tree has also been known to be helpful with nervous exhaustion and depression, and indigenous South Americans consider it a tonic for the nervous system. Muira puama bark is also thought to soothe indigestion and other symptoms of gastro—intestinal disorders, though it has a slightly stimulating effect on some individuals. The short term effects of Muira Puama include increasing blood flow to the pelvic area, aiding erections in men as well as sensation and orgasm in women. Longer term use enhances the production of sex hormones in both sexes.
It has no noted side effects though, as with many sexual stimulants, it can slightly raise blood pressure. Can be taken as a tea, but more effective if used as a tincture. Take the tincture with a small amount of warm water to which you have added a little lemon juice. This assists absorption of the therapeutic tannins. Another convenient form is a capsule. The native peoples of the Amazon who use muira puama combine it with catuaba, allowing the mixture to stand in warm water overnight to make an amber medicinal infusion.
To make a tea, add one tablespoon of muira puama bark for every cup of water to a pot and boil for 15 minutes. Let the decoction cool slightly before straining and drinking.
NOTE: As with Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra, erections lasting more than 4 hours require emergency medical (surgical) attention. Not recommended for pregnant women.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.