The name Muira Puama stands for ‘potency wood’. These are shrubs that come in two varieties the Ptychopetalum olacoides and Ptycopetalum uncinatum. This herb is commonly used medicine for treating sexual problems in South America although there are many other benefits that this plant has to offer too.

Energy Booster and Stimulant

The Muira Puama is considered an energy booster and it has been used since ancient times to improve stamina. The herb has been found effective in addressing problems pertaining to impotence and acts as a nerve stimulant too. Research has shown that this herb contains sterol which helps in the production of testosterone and other similar hormones.

Various Forms in Which Muira Puama is Consumed

The oil from this plant is also found to be extremely beneficial in alleviating symptoms of rheumatism. The root and bark is often used to treat painful cramps that arise during menstruation. Similarly, the herb is also very effective in addressing the discomfort that usually accompanies the onset of PMS in many women. For this purpose, the root and bark are made into a tea. Problems with the reproductive system may also be treated in the same way.

The root and bark are ground into a paste and used as an application for treating beri beri and paralysis of the limbs. Massaging the oil of the Muira Puama is also found to have good effect with people suffering from such ailments.

While the bark of this tree has been found to have a hypotensive effect that extends over a short period, the leaves have an analgesic effect. The root restricts the growth of ulcers that are the result of excessive stress. Thus, every part of the tree has some benefit to offer.

Helps Reduce Stress

Muira Puama also helps reduce stress and related problems. Fatigue and exhaustion are also common complaints often treated with Muira Puama brews. The herb is believed to improve overall cardio vascular health as well as enable smooth functioning of the gastrointestinal system. As heart problems and poor digestion are common complaints faced by over stressed people, Muira Puama can be called an effective stress buster herb.

Other Benefits

The Muira Puama herb is used as an effective nerve tonic and general health booster. Many traditional medicine health care givers use this herb for treating patients suffering from severe rheumatism and ataxia. According to the British Herbal Medicine Association, Muira Puama is useful for treatment of dysentry and other gastrointestinal disorders. This herb is also one of the few natural aphrodisiacs that come with negligible side effects. Muira Puama is also considered a good cure for baldness.

It is important to note that a completely different species of plant Liriosma ovate is also called Muira Puama. This tree is commonly found in Brazil and it is completely different from the Ptychopetalum olacoides and Ptycopetalum uncinatum. It is best to purchase Muira Puama from a trusted source to prevent any confusion between the two species and any adverse effects resulting from it.

Author Bio: Teisha Mahabir specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about health-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out at Boomers Forever.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: muira puama, medicinal herb, relieves rheumatism, reduces stress, nerve tonic, general health boost