Muira puama is a medicinal plant that is classified as species Ptychopetalum unicatum A or Ptychopetalum alkaloides B. It is rich in alkaloids and sterols, with aphrodisiac and tonic properties, and is therefore widely used to increase vitality and libido, as well as reduce tiredness and fatigue.
The parts used of this medicinal plant are the fresh leaves or the dried bark, from which the active substances are extracted to prepare tea or capsules.
Muira puama can be found in health food stores and some compounding pharmacies. should be used under the guidance of a doctor or a professional with experience in medicinal plants.
Health benefits
Muira puama has several health benefits and is normally recommended for:
- Poor blood circulation
- Cellulitis
- Anemia
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Low libido
- Stress and fatigue
- Reduced memory
- Diarrhea
- The flu
- Intestinal dysfunctions
- Rheumatism
- Swelling
- Stomach ache
- Menstrual cramps
Muira puama can also be used to help treat sexual impotence or erectile dysfunction, due to its aphrodisiac properties and ability to improve blood circulation.
Although it has many benefits, muira puama should not replace medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. You should speak to your doctor or medicinal plant specialist before using muira puama.
How to use
Muira puama can be found fresh, or in the form of chopped and dried peels. It can be used to prepare tea, or used in compresses to apply to areas affected by poor circulation.
1. Muira puama peel tea
This tea can be made using dried and chopped muira puama bark and taken to increase libido or reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of chopped and dried bark
- 1 liter of water
Directions
Place the muira puama bark in a pot with water and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, wait for it to cool and strain. Drink up to 3 cups of this tea per day.
This tea can also be used in the form of compresses, and applied to joints to relieve pain caused by rheumatism.
2. Muira puama powder tea
This tea is prepared with muira puama powder, and can be used as an aphrodisiac to increase sexual desire.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of muira puama powder
- 300 mL of water
Directions
Add the muira puama powder and water to a pot and boil. Turn off the heat, let it rest for about 10 minutes, wait for it to cool, strain and drink one cup 2 to 3 times a day.
Another way to use muira puama powder is by adding it to juices or fresh drinks, due to its bitter taste.
3. Muira puama capsules
Muira puama can also be found in the form of capsules at pharmacies or natural product stores. The amount of muira puama in capsules can vary from 100 mg to 500 mg.
Generally, the recommended doses are 500 mg to 1500 mg per day of muira puama, as directed by a doctor, for a maximum of one month of treatment.
It is important to highlight that the use of muira puama capsules should be monitored by a doctor as these are prescribed according to the condition to be treated. It is important to highlight that these capsules or other muira puama treatments should not replace your prescribed medical treatment.
Possible side effects
Muira puama is considered safe for adults when taken in recommended doses and for a maximum of 1 month of treatment. However, when used in doses greater than 1500 mg per day or for a prolonged period of time, it can cause side effects such as agitation, nervousness, hand tremors, palpitations or premature ejaculation.
Contraindications for use
Muira puama should not be used by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, nor by people who have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular problems.
Furthermore, muira puama should not be used by people who are allergic to any of the components of this medicinal plant.
