Ingredient Spotlight: Muira Puama, the Natural Libido Booster
What is Muira Puama?
Muira puama is a tree found in Brazil which flourishes throughout the Amazon's river basin. In the folk medicine tradition of Brazil, muira puama has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and natural libido booster. The woody stem and root of this small tree are the parts that are used medicinally as an herbal treatment. Today, this herb is primarily utilized for its aphrodisiac powers to stimulate sexual interest and for protecting sexual health. In addition to its use as an aphrodisiac and natural libido booster, muira puama is sometimes applied externally to help soothe minor muscle and joint discomfort. Other adherents of muira puama employ it to help alleviate menstrual discomfort, intestinal concerns and to ease minor joint pain. When combined with various other herbs, muira puama can also be beneficial for promoting healthy libido-related sexual performance in men.
What Does Muira Puama Do?
Early animal studies suggest that muira puama may possess stimulant properties, however, most often you'll find it in formulas designed to boost libido and support sexual health. Initial research on the herb indicates that combining muira puama with ginkgo biloba extract may moderately improve the frequency of sexual encounters and overall sexual desire in women, particularly those with a low sex drive. Muira puama may also help promote healthy appetite in cases of unexplained loss of appetite, ease menstrual discomfort and sour or upset stomach and soothe minor joint discomfort. There have been some preliminary studies done to verify these impressive claims, however, more evidence is needed to accurately determine the effective dosage of muira puama for these applications.
Using Muira Puama as a Natural Libido Booster and to Promote a Healthy Mood
Muira puama is especially effective when utilized as a natural libido booster to promote healthy libido-related sexual function by users of and practitioners of alternative medicine. Its adherents claim that it can also be beneficial in cases of loss of libido resulting from antidepressant medications. Muira puama can also be used to address low libido in both men and women.
How Can You Use Muira Puama?
There is no set dosage for muira puama, and because there is still an insufficient body of scientific experiments and trials to demonstrate the best dosage range, correct dosing is usually based on a variety of personal factors including the health and age of the user. When taking formulas containing muira puama, follow the dosage directions on the label and be sure to consult your doctor, healthcare professional, or pharmacist if you are taking medication or have any health issues.
Considerations When Using Muira Puama
Adverse or negative effects associated with muira puama are not well studied, but if you have a medical condition or are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, it is recommended that you consult your health care practitioner before taking muira puama.
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