Muira puama is a tree that grows naturally in the Amazon rain forest, where it produces orange fruit, displays white flowers and reaches heights of up to 50 feet. The root of the Muira puama has long been used by Amazonian tribes for a variety of medicinal purposes, and today it is harvested, manufactured and shipped around the world as an herbal supplement. It is readily available in capsule, tablet and tincture preparations without a prescription.
Sexual Aid
Also known as the "potency wood," muira puama is the source of one of nature's best-known herbal sexual stimulants. Considered a powerful aphrodisiac and a treatment for sexual impotency, clinical trials conducted in France have suggested that a muira puama regimen in men may enhance libido, encourage more frequent intercourse, improve the psychological aspects of sexual function and make it easier to maintain an erection. Immediate effects may include an increase in blood flow to the sexual organs, and with long-term use, it can promote the production of sex hormones. A tincture of muira puama root and bark is widely considered to be the most effective preparation for its aphrodisiac effects. Some consider muira puama root to be a safer alternative to yohimbe, another natural aphrodisiac herb, because of its smaller range of possible side effects.
Nervous System Improvement
Another common application of muira puama root tincture is the treatment of the central nervous system. Purported benefits include diminished mental fatigue, reduced stress and improved memory. Muira puama root extract may also relieve some depression symptoms. It is currently used in Brazil and throughout South America as a neuromuscular tonic, and has been used in England and other European countries to treat exhaustion and mental disturbances.
Baldness Treatment
Because preparations of muira puama root are believed to promote testosterone development, they are used as part of certain treatments for male pattern baldness. Muira puama tablets and capsules are sometimes marketed for this purpose, and root extracts are common ingredients in prescription and over-the-counter hair loss treatments.
Menstrual Symptom Relief
One of the newest common applications for muira puama root extract is menstrual symptom relief. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that root tinctures can reduce the severity of cramping and PMS when taking before and during menstruation. When taken regularly, it may also help regulate irregular menstruation cycles.
References
- "Nature's Aphrodisiacs"; Nancy L. Nickell; 1998
- "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals"; Leslie Taylor; 2005
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- Raintree Nutrition: Muira Puama
- Herbwisdom.com: Muira Puama
