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Muira Puama

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Muira puama is a plant native to the Amazon and is sometimes referred to as Viagra of the Amazon. It is most famous for its aphrodisiac properties, but this tree is also a brain and nervous system tonic, energy tonic and anti-rheumatic with no toxicity or drug interactions. More people should know about this valuable herb.

BOTANICAL NAME: Ptychopetalum olacoides 

COMMON NAMES: Potency Wood, Viagra of the Amazon 

FAMILY: Olacaceae 

PARTS USED: Bark, root 

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: Muira puama is a small evergreen tree/bush that grows to 14-17 ft tall, has short-petioled leaves that are light green on top and dark brown on the bottom. It produces small, white, jasmine scented blooms in short axillary racemes of 4-6 flowers. Its roots that are tough and fibrous thin bark and broad wood, with a light brown interior. 

GROWING/HARVESTING/PROCESSING: Muira puama is native to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, northern South America, and has many indigenous names. It requires a tropical climate, light to heavy soils, preferring those that are well-drained, near neutral pH, requires full sun exposure, and plentiful moisture to thrive. Bark and root are harvested throughout the growing season and can be used fresh or dried and stored in a cool, dry place. 

ENERGETICS AND TASTE: Warming, relaxing/calming, sweet, astringent, stimulating, earthy

ACTIONS AND PROPERTIES: Tonic, aphrodisiac, aromatic, adaptogenic, analgesic, anti-fatigue, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, hypotensive, nootropic, nervine, neuroprotective, neurasthenic, anti-depressant, astringent, cardiotonic, bitter, cholagogue, anti-cholesterol, anti-rheumatic

INDICATIONS: A tonic for nervous conditions, depression, memory enhancement, stress relief, promotes overall nerve function and relieves nerve pain. 

Supports reproductive system function. Increasing blood flow to the pelvis. Treats the discomfort of menopause in women and cramping associated with menses.

It has also been used for alopecia, low libido (mainly for men), impotence, Beri beri (vitamin B1 deficiency), erectile dysfunction, anorexia, dysentery, rheumatism, and hair loss/balding. 

Traditional medicinal uses:

Historically, all parts of Miura Puama have been used medicinally, but the bark and roots are the most-utilized parts of the plant. It has long been used in the Amazon by indigenous peoples for a number of purposes. Native peoples along the Brazilian Amazon’s Rio Negro use the stems and roots from young plants as a tonic to treat neuromuscular problems; a root decoction is used in baths and massages for treating paralysis and beri-beri; and a root-and-bark tea is taken to treat sexual debility, rheumatism, grippe, and cardiac and gastrointestinal weakness. It’s also valued there as a preventive for baldness. In Brazilian herbal medicine, Miura Puama still is a highly regarded sexual stimulant with a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac. It has been in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia since the 1950s. It is used as a neuromuscular tonic for weakness and paralysis, dyspepsia, menstrual disturbances, chronic rheumatism (applied topically), sexual impotency, grippe, and central nervous system disorders.

Early European explorers noted the indigenous uses and the aphrodisiac qualities of muira puama and brought it back to Europe, where it has become part of herbal medicine in England. It is listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (a noted herbal medicine source from the British Herbal Medicine Association) where it is recommended for the treatment of dysentery and impotence.  In Germany, muira puama is employed as a central nervous system tonic, for hookworms, menstrual disturbances, and rheumatism. Muira puama has been gaining in popularity in the United States, where herbalists and health care practitioners are using it for impotence, depression, menstrual cramps and PMS, nerve pain, and central nervous system disorders.

CURRENT RESEARCH REVIEW: 

In one of the early studies, researchers indicated that muira puama was effective in treating disorders of the nervous system and sexual impotence, and that “permanent effect is produced in locomotor ataxia, neuralgias of long standing, chronic rheumatism, and partial paralysis.” In 1930, Meiro Penna wrote about muira puama in his book Notas Sobre Plantas Brasilerias. He cited experiments conducted in France by Dr. Rebourgeon that confirmed the efficacy of the plant for “gastrointestinal and circulatory asthenia and impotency of the genital organs.”

The benefits of treating impotence with muira puama have been studied in two human trials in France, which reported that muira puama was effective in improving libido and treating erectile dysfunction. In one French study among 262 male patients who experienced lack of sexual desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection, 62% of the patients with loss of libido reported that the extract of muira puama “had a dynamic effect,” and 51% of patients with erectile dysfunction felt that muira puama was beneficial. The second study evaluated positive psychological benefits of muira puama in 100 men with male sexual weakness. The therapeutic dosage was 1.5 g of a muira puama extract daily. In their final report, researchers indicated muira puama could “enhance libido [in 85% of test group], increase the frequency of intercourse [in 100%] and improve the ability to maintain an erection [in 90%].”

In other recent clinical research, muira puama extracts have been reported to have adaptogenic, antifatigue, antistress, and beneficial effects on the central nervous system. A specially-prepared extract from the root of muira puama has been patented for its ability to “relieve physical and mental fatigue” and for “ameliorating a weakened constitution.” Researchers in Brazil documented a definite central nervous system effect of the bark in studies with mice. The bark of muira puama also has demonstrated a mild, short-lived, hypotensive effect. The root was found to inhibit stress-induced ulcers, while the leaf demonstrated an analgesic effect. Another U.S. patent has been filed on muira puama, citing that it can “reduce body fat percentage, increase lean muscle mass and lower cholesterol” in humans and animals with long-term use (and with no toxicity noted).

The newest research confirms muira puama’s traditional use for memory and nervous disorders. Brazilian researchers reported in 2003 that an alcohol extract of muira puama facilitated memory retrieval in both young and aged mice and noted it may be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients. Their next study published in 2004 reported that an alcohol extract of muira puama protected and increased the viability of brain cells in mice (partly through an antioxidant effect) which may be beneficial for stroke victims. Toxicity studies with mice published in 1983 indicates no toxic effects.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Avoid using while pregnant/ breastfeeding due to lack of info on safety. 

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

  • Cold Infusion: 3-6 oz each morning
  • Tincture: Dried bark (1:5, 70% alcohol), 1-3 ml (0.2-0.6 tsp) each morning

DRUG INTERACTIONS: None reported

COMBINATIONS: Goes well with Damiana, maca, and oats to increase its aphrodisiac effects. Also pairs well with ashwagandha. 

REFERENCES:

  1. WebMD
  2. Herbal Safety 
  3. Mountain Rose Herbs 
  4. Happy Herb Company
  5. National Nutrition
  6. Rain-tree.com – Muira puama profile (contains research references)

Rosemary

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Rosemary is a well-known culinary herb with a distinct flavor that pairs well with citrus, meats, vegetables and cheeses. Its powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties made it an ideal spice help preserve foods in the days before refrigerators and preservatives. It’s got a strong flavor and a strong personality and a pinch of rosemary a day can do wonders for your nervous, digestive and circulatory systems.

BOTANICAL NAME: Rosmarinus officinalis 

FAMILY: Lamiaceae (mint)

PARTS USED: Arial parts (primarily leaf, but flower and stem can be used)

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: A strongly fragrant, evergreen, woody shrub native to the Mediterranean region, characterized by needle-like, dark green leaves and small, two-lipped, pale blue to purple flowers that bloom in clusters along the stems. The stems are woody and branched, with new growth being soft and flexible, becoming more rigid with age.

GROWING/HARVESTING/PROCESSING: Rosemary comes from the Mediterranean coast, where the soil and air are dry and well-drained and nutrient poor. It is fairly drought tolerant and will not thrive if overwatered. Plant rosemary in the spring after frost danger has passed and the soil is warming, spacing starter plants 2-3 ft apart. Use cuttings from established plants for the best results as seeds are slow to grow and may take several years to reach maturity for harvesting. Mulch the plant to keep it insulated in winter. If growing in colder climates, it may be best to place in a container and bring it inside in the winter. Prune dead woody branches annually before new spring growth to encourage vigor and avoid the plant becoming woody, leggy and straggly. After about 5 years, it is best to replace with a fresh cutting to continue having quality harvests.  Rosemary can be harvested at any time but provides the freshest taste and most potent volatile oil content from fresh tips harvested in the spring. Snip off stems and use fresh or hang upside down in bunches in a dry, dark area to dry for later use. 

ENERGETICS AND TASTE: Spicy, warm, stimulating, diffusive, astringent

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Volatile oils (including borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole, limonene, linalool, a-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene), flavonoids, rosmarinic acid and other phenolic acids, diterpenes, triterpenes (1)

ACTIONS AND PROPERTIES: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-spasmodic (smooth muscle relaxant), circulatory stimulant, tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, stomachic, cholagogue, capillary stabilizer

INDICATIONS: Rosemary’s warming and stimulating action stimulates the metabolism, enhancing the burning and consumption of blood sugars and fats, thereby warming, cleaning, and oxidizing throughout the body and mind. As a circulatory tonic, it is said to embrace all 3 elements necessary to treat the heart – tonic, cleansing, and nervine actions. It is therefore ideal for atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Rosemary decreases capillary fragility, increases coronary blood flow and supports circulation all over the body, including the skin, extremities, and head. As a diaphoretic, it can bring more blood to the surface and open the pores, releasing trapped heat and helping to break a fever. 

It has a reputation for increasing memory and clearing stagnated cerebral flow which causes vertigo, fainting, loss of memory, ‘foggy brain,’ and headaches. Secondary effects from increased cerebral flow help clear depression, anxiety, and nervousness. It may also improve vision.  Matthew Wood recommends rosemary for persons with lack of self-identity and strength of personality, older persons with poor circulation, and those with diminished appetite, bitter taste in the mouth, or bad breath (3). 

While it may be stimulating to circulation and metabolism, it is also relaxing to the nervous system and smooth muscles. Not sedating, but it relieves tension on both a physical and emotional level. The volatile oils influence the limbic system and shift one’s sense of awareness to be calm yet alert. Studies done with rosemary essential oil showed that participants exposed to rosemary oil (as aromatherapy) had decreased frontal alpha and beta power, increased alertness, lower anxiety and reported feeling more relaxed and alert. When given simple math problems before and after the rosemary treatment, participants were able to complete the equations faster, but not necessarily more accurately, following treatment (5).

Rosemary makes an excellent tonic for the elderly as it will stimulate the appetite, support the digestive fire, prevent digestive stagnation and the accompanying fermentation, and relieve flatulence and distension due to weak digestion. The bitter taste stimulates digestive secretion and aids in assimilation by stimulating the liver and gallbladder, increasing bile production and supporting the breakdown of fats. 

Topically, it can provide follicle stimulation to decrease hair loss and stimulate new growth. It can also be helpful for neuralgia and other acute pains when applied topically as an infused oil or essential oil (essential oil must be diluted before applying to skin). Rosemary baths are lovely way to enjoy this herb as well and were once considered tonifying for people who are run-down, hypotensive and pale. Baths can also be helpful for breaking a fever, relieving arthritic and muscular pains and gently warming and relaxing the body. Perfect for a cold winter day!

PREPARATION & DOSAGE: Soluble in water, alcohol, oil, glycerin

  • Tea/infusion: 1 cup up to 3x/day
  • Tincture: Dried leaves (1:5, 65% alcohol, 10% glycerin); 10 drops to 3 ml (0.6 tsp) up to 3x/day
  • Glycerite: Fresh leaves (1:6, 80% glycerin sealed simmer method); dried leaves (1:6) 1-5 ml (0.2-1 tsp) 1-3x/day
  • Capsule: 500-1500 mg up to 3x/day
  • Topical use: Prepare a salve from oil (1:4) and apply as needed. The essential oil can be applied neat or added to salves, oils, and ointments. 

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Brinker contraindicates the use of Rosmarinus during pregnancy due to empirical emmenagogue and abortifacient effects and toxic side effects of the essential oil. (7) That is referring to therapeutic dosing, and it is safe for pregnant women to enjoy rosemary as a culinary herb without concern. Essential oils are highly concentrated and are very different than whole plant preparations. 

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Rosemary may interact with anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, lithium, and anti-diabetic medications because of its actions on the cardiac and circulatory system. Consult a physician before adding clinical doses of rosemary to existing pharmaceuticals for these conditions.

COMBINATIONS: For improved cognitive function, use with gotu kola, bacopa, ginkgo biloba, and lion’s mane

HOMEOPATHIC USE: None listed in Boericke’s New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory, William Boericke

FLOWER ESSENCE USE: The flower of loyalty. Rosemary brings clarity of mind, and peace and balance to the emotions, enabling a meditative state. The remedy increases both physically and emotionally and enhances creativity. It symbolizes the blooming of higher thought form in the midst of activity (2). 

ETHNOBOTANY/FOLKLORE/HISTORY: A sprig of rosemary was often placed in the hands of the deceased at a funeral because it is a symbol of remembrance. Brides often wore rosemary at their weddings because it was also a symbol of happiness, loyalty and love. Legend has it that rosemary originally had white flowers which were changed to blue ones when the virgin Mary placed her cloak upon it while resting during her flight to Egypt.

REFERENCES:

  1. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Company Inc., Montvale, NJ. 2001
  2. Flower Power, Anne McIntyre. 1996
  3. The Earthwise Herbal: Volume I, Matthew Wood. 2008
  4. Medical Herbalism, David Hoffman. 2003
  5. Diego, MA, Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations. lntJ Neurosci. 1998 Dec;96(3-4):217-24.
  6. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, Thomas Easley & Steven Thorne. 2016
  7. Brinkner, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Eclectic Medical Publications, Sandy, OR 1998. p. 117 & 166
  8. Mills, S. and Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchhill Livingstone, New York, NY. 2000, p. 30.
  9. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Company Inc., Montvale, NJ. 2001
  10.  Lininger et al: Healthnotes: Clinical Essentials, Herb Monographs. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA. 2001
  11. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Company Inc., Montvale, NJ. 2001

***This article is for educational purposes and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA***