Muira Puama
Updated Jul. 12th, 2023
Many call muira puama, “Viagra of the Amazon” and locals call it, “potency wood” because it can improve erectile function and prevent sexual disorders in both men and women.
What is Muira Puama?
Muira puama, also known as ptychopetalum, is a small Amazonian tree native to Brazil.
Traditionally, Brazilian natives made a decoction (strong boiled tea) out of the root and bark to to use as an energy tonic, aphrodisiac and to increase sexual vitality.
What is Muira Puama used for?
While there have only been a handful of studies done on muira puama, it does have a long history of use by natives of the Amazon rainforest to improve sexual function. Many alternative doctors and herbalists prescribe it to strengthen erections, to improve orgasm in women and to improve libido. It's also an energy tonic with calming action, which improves the ability to cope with stress and exhaustion. Stress and exhaustion is often one of the underlying causes of low libido.
Muira puama has also been used to treat menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), arthritis, joint pain and paralysis. It has also been used to enhance athletic performance because it is thought to have testosterone-like effects, however this has not been proven.
How does Muira Puama work?
While the exact mechanism of action for muira puama is unknown, researchers believe that it increases blood flow to the pelvic area, which aids in erections in men and increases sensation and orgasm in women. Studies on rabbits show relaxation of erectile tissue, which allows increased blood flow into the penis. Other studies on rats showed muira puama improved memory retrieval and protects brain tissue. It also improves alertness and high doses can cause insomnia.
How do you use it?
Like most herbs, you will find muira puama available as dried bulk herb, encapsulated dried herb, tincture and liquid extract. The traditional way to use it is to use 1 tsp of dried herb for each cup of water, bring to a boil and then simmer for 15-30mins and drink 1-2 cups daily. You can also take 2-4ml of the tincture daily or 1-2ml of the liquid extract 2 times a day. Tincture or liquid extract is the most effective way to take muira puama. Take herbs on an empty stomach for better absorption.
