Muira PuamaThe
Herbal Romancer
Family: Olacaceae
Genus: Liriosma
Species: ovata Part Used: Bark. Used as a tea. Common Name: Muira Puama, Marapuama. Ethnic Names: Marapuama, Marapama, Potency Wood, Potenzholz. Properties/Actions, uses:
Aphrodisiac, asthenia,anti-rheumatic, anti-stress, cramps(menstrual), depression,
impotency, nervine, neuralgia, neurasthenic, PMS, rheumatism, tonic. Medicinal Notes:
MUIRA PUAMA is a promising herbal aphrodisiac from the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
Tea infused from the bark of this small jungle tree generally tonifies the nervous
system, stimulating neurosexual activity, and is thought to fortify the stomach
and intestines. Used in disturbances of the genital organs and in cases of impotency.
Marapuama is considered influential in treating symptoms of nervous problems
and disorders (neurasthenia, neuralgia). Helps alleviate symptoms of depression.
Brazilian uses and Folklore:
Marapuama has long been valued as an aphrodisiac and tonic for the nervous system.
Jungle inhabitants have traditionally prepared a tea from the shaved wood by
boiling two to four tablespoons for about fifteen minutes in half a litre of
water. This potent beverage was comsumed by both lovers an hour before making
love. It was considered to enhance sensuality as well as sexuality
M. Penna, in his book "Notas Sobre Plantas Brasileiras" (Araujo Penna
&, Cia., Rio de Janeiro,1930) states that Marapuama is, "Neurosthenetic,
aphrodisiac and anti-rheumatic. It is recommended on a basis of confirmed experience,
in the treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
Through the latest physiological and therapeutic experiments done in Paris by
Dr. Rebourgeon, the efficiency of this plant has been confirmed giving good
results in gastrointestinal and circulatory asthenia and in impotency of the
genital organs." (p. 258). G. L. Cruz concurs, indicating the use of Marapuama
for problems of the nervous system and sexual impotency. When treating the symptoms
of sexual impotence or lack of desire, Brazilian men usually mix teas made from
Marapuama and Catuaba.
Muira prama; can enhance the romance…..
Three herbs from the Amazon act as aphrodisiacs and have traditionally been
used for impotence: Marapuama, Catuaba, and Cajueiro.
The Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, found that Marapuama more effective
than Yohimbine (pharmaceutical extract from the plant Yohimbe) for erectile
dysfunctions. Marapuama has been the subject of many experiments and is valued
as a libido enhancer and considered tonic to the nervous system. It is believed
to enhance the libido because of it neurosexual stimulation.
Athletics in training and recovery use the primary Amazon herbs, Catuaba and
Marapuama for their synergistic effects, reknowned as strong tonics and nervous
system fortifiers. Marapuama is also considered for its anti-rheumatic properties.
Amazon herbs traditionally used as nervous system tonics or fortifiers include
Catuaba, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Marapuama, Mulungu, Star Anise, Suma, and
Una de gato. Marapuama is a good soothing tonic for the nervous system and useful
in treating symptoms of neuralgia or nervous depression, especially helpful
in cases of nervous exhaustion. Has been used for treating stress and trauma.
Marapuama is a well known fortifier and stimulator of the nervous system.
Marapuama, is among the herbs of the Amazon which are thought to help establish
balance during the menstrual cycle or during menopause the others are Abuta,
Maracuja, Star anise and Una de gato. According to Brazilians, Marapuama commonly
used for menstrual cramps, premenstral syndrome and frigidity.
It has been considered to be useful in prevention of some types of baldness.
It is also used for neuromuscular problems. Therapeutic and physiological experiments
confirm the usefulness of Marapuama in treating gastrointestinal and reproductive
disorders.
A tea made from the bark or wood chips is used in South America as an aphrodisiac.
This may also be mixed with Damiana and cocoa to make an invigorating drink.
Muira puama has also been useful in treating male impotence.
Seed
