What is Muira Puama? Uses, Benefits, & History

Under the shade of the canopy in the Brazilian rainforest, there grows a lush plant called Muira Puama. What is Muira Puama? This plant—known botanically as Ptychopetalum olacoides—is a small tree that grows to a height of 5 meters (16 feet) and has small, sweet-smelling white flowers with a jasmine-like fragrance.Over the centuries, Muira Puama has risen to fame as a potent aphrodisiac, even coming to be nicknamed “erection root” and “potency wood.” It is also said to help with muscular discomfort and even paralysis. In this post, we’ll explore some of the potential benefits of Muira Puama and some of the many ways that this tropical tree has been used by people around the world.

What is Muira Puama to Indigenous Cultures

Muira Puama’s benefits have been enjoyed for a long time by the indigenous inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest—with the plant only becoming known in the Western world in more recent times. The parts of the tree that are traditionally used by local communities are the bark and roots which are soaked overnight before being used.

This is not the only way that Muira Puama is used, however. Tribal men have also been known to rub some of the bark (soaked first—we presume!) on their genitals for an enhanced erection and as a homespun remedy for impotence. Other, less exciting, methods of preparation by Amazonian communities include alcohol extracts (tinctures), hot H2O extracts, and internal and external applications of the bark decoction.

What is Muira Puama Used For?

As with most plants, Muira Puama has a wide range of traditional uses—from a general tonic and stimulant to a natural remedy for diarrhea and nervous system problems such as paralysis. Muira Puama’s benefits for nervous-system disorders are not surprising, as increased sensations throughout your body will naturally enhance your sensitivity to pleasure as well!

Muira Puama Goes Global

Now that this Amazonian plant has gone global, people are purchasing Ptychopetalum olacoides and enjoying Muira Puama’s benefits in a host of different ways. Most commonly, Muira Puama is sold in its dried bark form, although it is also possible to find powdered bark and/or root varieties, capsules, resins, and combinations with other libido-boosting herbs such as horny goat weed and damiana.

At Kratora, we sell a Muira Puama 4:1 extract in which 4 units of plant material are condensed down into 1 unit of extract for an all-natural boost to Muira Puama’s benefits.

What are Muira Puama’s Uses?

While our Muira Puama extract is not sold for human consumption, this remarkable plant is used in a number of different ways around the world today. In many Amazonian cultures, Muira Puama is prepared as a powdered drink, tea, tincture, or decoction to help with a variety of ailments including lost libido, impotence, and nervous-system stimulation.

Contraindications

While many local tribes believe in the supposed benefits of Muira Puama, some studies suggest that Muira Puama is not suitable for anyone with a heart condition or those who are taking blood pressure or heart medications. It is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as no studies have been completed to confirm its safety for these groups. If in doubt, always check with your licensed healthcare practitioner before taking any health supplement.

Are the Supposed Muira Puama Benefits Supported by Research?

What is the effectiveness of Muira Puama according to research? Unfortunately, very little research has been done to confirm the traditional uses of Muira Puama, and the studies that have been cited by authors are not currently available online.

However, while no specific compound has been identified in the plant that explains Muira Puama’s benefits, centuries of use speak for themselves. In one study, subjects who took Muira Puama daily for two weeks reported increased libido, increased frequency of intercourse, sustained erections, increased stamina in general, and improved sleep. That sounds very promising!

Shop All-Natural Muira Puama Online at Kratora

At Kratora, we sell a premium Muira Puama 4:1 extract that uses only the highest-quality bark and is sourced using ethical practices. Shop our complete collection of other kratom alternatives today or browse by product, aroma, and world region above!

Shop our ethnobotanicals today to experience for yourself what Muira Puama is and to receive same-day shipping on orders submitted before 3 PM EST Monday through Friday and 1 PM EST on Saturdays (excluding holidays).

Please note that none of the products sold on our website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Please note that the US FDA has not approved this product to be sold for human consumption, sold for external use only. None of the products sold on our website are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.