Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath
Muira puama or Marapuama (also commonly called natural impotence ) is a typical plant of Brazil well known for its aphrodisiac effects. Let's find out better.
Properties of Muira puama
The properties of Muira puama are:
- It is an excellent sexual stimulant (it improves the erection in men and the genital swelling in women) and, in general, it has aphrodisiac properties (it increases vigor and sexual desire in both men and women).
- It is an excellent neuromuscular tonic for the whole organism.
- It has excellent effects against fatigue, as an antineuralgic, as a digestive.
- It treats inappetence, depression, exhaustion, menstrual pain and rheumatism.
- It can reduce body fat, increasing lean muscle mass as well as reducing cholesterol.
- It has a beneficial effect on memory and nervous disorders.
The active ingredients of Muira puama are found in almost all parts of the plant but it is mainly in the bark and in the root that substances rich in fatty acids are extracted, essential oils (including beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene), plant sterols, triterpenes (including lupeol) and in particular an alkaloid, muirapuamine, with a specific vasodilatory action and with 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 supervise the decisive role of generating the feeling of energy and overall physical vitality, resulting in a general revitalizing action that has positive effects on the general state.
Method of use
Muira puama uses roots, where many resinous substances and a particular alkaloid (muirapuamina) are found in considerable quantities. Muira puama is used in cases of impotence, decreased libido, mental fatigue, and physical and intellectual fatigue.
This medicinal plant is used to fight impotence in internal use, in the form of drops, 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 a lemon. Sugar to taste. Start with one cup a day and possibly increase up to two cups a day.
- Infusion: one teaspoon per cup. Boil 5 minutes, infusion 5-10 minutes. 1 to 2 cups a day.
Many studies have shown that a two to 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 nervous stimulant . However, do not overdo the doses, because the increase of acetylcholine in the muscles can even alter the coordination in the movements.
Discover also the properties and contraindications of Drosera
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 pains in the stomach and head, associated with nervousness and hyperagitation. In any case, always contact your doctor before using products based on Muira puama.
Description of the plant
Muira puama is also known as marapuama whose name means " wood of power " and "grass of love". It is Ptychopetalum olacoides belonging to the Olacaceae family. Ptycopetalum olacoides is a shrub with thin branches and evergreen oval leaves that can reach up to 5 m in height. It has white flowers that have a pungent and aromatic odor reminiscent of jasmine.
Habitat of the Muira puama
Muira puama, is a typical tree of the Brazilian Amazon and other areas of the rainforest. In the genus Ptycopetalum there are different species among which the Ptycopetalum olacoides typical of Brazil of the Amazon forest, and Ptycopetalum uncinatum of Brazil. Of the two species it is preferred to use the first as it is richer in the active ingredients useful to man.
Background
The ancient native tribes attributed to this plant fantastic properties, 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 natives of Amazonia used the Muira puama to cure multiple pathologies.
Once brought to Europe, this plant became part of English herbal medicine and is included in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, an authoritative source of English herbal medicine, where it is recommended for the treatment of both impotence and dysentery.
