Muira puama is a small bush/tree that grows to a height of 5 meters and produces small, white, jasmine-scented flowers. The plant parts used are the bark and root of this tree are used for medical purposes.

The indigenous tribes in Brazil have used the roots and bark internally in a tea as an aphrodisiac, for treating sexual debility and erectile dysfunction, nervous system disorders, neuralgia, baldness, impotency, gastrointestinal disorders, neuromuscular problems and rheumatism.

Its stimulant effect also makes it useful as a herb for depression. Women have used muira puama to treat the discomforts of menopause, as well as cramping associated with menstruation. Muira puama can be combined with other herbs, such as damiana, guarana, catuaba, and suma, to increase its effects.

It is from the Olacaceae family, and the genus is Ptychopetalum (species olacoides) and is also known as Muira Puama, Marapuama, Marapama, Potency Wood and Potenzholz. The bark and roots are used in herbal treatments.

In Europe, around 1930, it became a popular supplement for treating erectile dysfunction. It has been shown to be as effective as yohimbine in some cases, without the adverse side effects.

The action of the muira puama herb is not fully understood but it seems to assist with both the psychological as well as the physical aspect of sexual function.Muira puama is considered a safe herb, whereas another herbal sexual stimulant called yohimbine can induce anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations in some individuals, as well as elevated blood pressure, high heart rate, dizziness, headache, and skin flushing.

Muira puama does have a stimulant effect that leaves the user with a general feeling of well-being when taken in proper doses. Large doses may cause an overstimulation leaving the user feeling restless and affecting sleep.

This herbal supplement has also been shown, in animal studies, to improve mental focus and clarity. It may also help improve concentration and short term memory. It is also used to treat hair loss.

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Alternative healing methods were once the mainstream health treatments when people utilized the properties of various herbs. People are once again enjoying the benefits of many long revered herbs.

Catuaba bark is one of several herbs that contains many beneficial compounds that can be helpful to a number of health conditions. Catuaba bark refers to the bark of the Catuaba tree, which grows in the rainforests of Brazil.

Catuaba has a long history of use in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. The Tupi Indians in Brazil first discovered the aphrodisiac qualities of the plant and over the last few centuries they have composed many songs praising its wonders and abilities.

The catuaba tree does not contain any of the active cocaine alkaloids. There is some confusion over which species of tree is harvested in Brazil and sold as catuaba. There are generally two species of tree referred to, including the small catuaba previously mentioned and a big catuaba tree which belongs to the mahogany family.

The study found that the pathway of catuaba’s anti-HIV activity stemmed (at least partially) from the inhibition of HIV absorption into cells, and suggested that catuaba had potential against opportunistic infections in HIV patients. A U.S. patent was granted (in 2002) to a group of Brazilian researchers for a catuaba bark extract (Trichilia catigua).

Catuapa bark contains alkaloids, tannins, resins, aromatic oils, falconoid and other constituents. Researchers in Japan discovered that catuapa contains powerful antiviral and antibacterial compounds. Rain-Tree.com states that a 1992 study indicated that catuaba extract was effective in protecting mice against E. coli and staph infection as well as significantly inhibiting HIV.

In European herbal medicine catuaba is considered an aphrodisiac and a brain and nerve stimulant. A bark tea is used for sexual weakness, impotence, nervous debility, and exhaustion. Herbalists and health practitioners in the United States use catuaba in much the same way: as a tonic for genital function, as a central nervous system stimulant, for sexual impotence, general exhaustion and fatigue, insomnia related to hypertension, agitation, and poor memory.

Catuaba is often taken as a general tonic since it is believed that it acts as a central nervous system stimulant and increases energy levels. Although such beliefs may be true, there is yet no scientific evidence to substantiate such claims.

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Cat’s Claw is a tropical vine that grows in rainforest and jungle areas in South America and Asia. Some cultures refer to the plant as the “Sacred Herb of the Rain Forest”. This vine gets its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which looks like a cat’s claw. These claws enable the vine to attach itself around trees climbing to a heights up to 100 feet.

The plant is considered a valuable medicinal resource and is protected in Peru. Although scientific research has just recently begun to explore cat’s claw, many cultures native to the South American rain forest areas have used this herb for hundreds of years.

Serious research into the benefits of cat’s claw has been underway in Europe since the 1970s, and although, as noted above, conventional medicine remains reluctant to confirm the herb’s therapeutic value, the fact that cat’s claw is only available on prescription in certain countries is a clear indication of its biochemical potency. Cat’s claw’s power as an immune system booster appears to be related to unique properties in the alkaloids derived from it, certain of which appear directly to enhance the ability of the body’s white blood cells to destroy potentially harmful foreign matter. These alkaloids also seem to stimulate the production of the vital T4 lymphocyte and leucocyte immune system cells which are crucial in fighting viral infections.

One particular such alkaloid, rynchophylline, is also believed to be of great benefit to the cardio-vascular system in preventing blood “stickiness”, or the potentially catastrophic formation of clots in circulating blood in the heart and brain. Like other anti-oxidants, cat’s claw may also help to prevent the oxidation of low density lipids (LDL), or “bad cholesterol”, and the consequent build up of deposits inside the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. Recent research also suggests that the anti-oxidant action of cat’s claw may also help to prevent the deposit of the plaques within brain tissue which are implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

The active substances in Cat’s Claw are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals. Some of the alkaloids have been proven to boost the immune system. The major alkaloid rhynchophylline has anti-hypertensive effects and may reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by lowering blood pressure, increasing circulation, reducing heart rate and controlling cholesterol.

Orthodox medicine, moreover, is always keen to stress, quite correctly, that the mere fact that a remedy is described as “natural” or “herbal” does not mean it is necessarily free of potential side effects. Herbal remedies, after all, often provide the raw materials for the manufacture of conventional drugs, and are highly active biochemical compounds in their own right. They could not be of any benefit if they were not.

Cat’s Claw has long been used as a homeopathic treatment for intestinal ailments. Uses include: Crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome. By stimulating the immune system, it can also improve response to viral and respiratory infections.

In return for harvesting, the Ashaninka are directly paid by the distributors. This arrangement provides the Ashaninka with the ability to make their own decisions as to how to spend this income, allowing them to make improvements in the tribe’s water supply and in their living areas. This arrangement also protects the rain forest, which gives us its many nuts, fruits, oil producing, and medicinal plants. Because of all its products, the rain forest hold more economic value than if it was cut down and used for timber or grazing land for cattle. Cats claw can be purchased at any health food store make sure you check the label to ensure you are receiving the Uncaria tomentosa official Cats Claw.

Cat’s claw should not be confused with cat’s foot, the red and white flowers of Antennaria dioica, or devil’s claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, a shrubby vine that grows in southwest Africa and is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, there are several other plants that may be confused with cat’s claw. They may be given the name cat’s claw, but they are actually quite different.

Your immune system works around the clock in so many different ways. It is a very intricate and complex system for eliminating and incapacitating any foreign invader. Sometimes the immune system overreacts to a certain stimuli, and you get an allergic response.

It has been drawing increasingly more interest among the proponents of natural health care and Cats Claw has been the subject of medical research since the 1970’s. These studies suggest that Cats Claw may help in the treatment of several diseases like arthritis, bursitis, allergies, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, herpes, organic depression, menstrual problems and also beneficial for conditions of the stomach and intestines.

Cats Claw is proven to boost the immune system. Cat’s claw is valued largely because of its immune-building properties and although not as well known as more popular herbs such as Echinacea, goldenseal, Pau D’Arco, garlic, and ginseng is seen as being just as important. With the spread of HIV medical research has intensified in this area as well.

Cat’s claw has become very popular in North America over the past decade. It’s known for its ability to stimulate the immune system and for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cat’s claw consists of the dried bark from the root or stem of Uncaria tomentosa or Uncaria guianensis (two Amazonian vines). These large twining woody vines can grow to a length of 100 feet. The bark of the vines has long fissures and is yellowish to yellow-green in color.

A tea can be made by boiling the root bark of cat’s claw in water for five to 10 minutes and then straining the water. Tablets and capsules containing cat’s claw are available in many strengths, ranging from 250 milligrams up to one gram. A typical dose would be 300-milligram capsules taken three times a day. Extracts of cat’s claw are often standardized to 4 percent alkaloid content for effective results.

The name cat’s claw refers to the small pair of woody, curved, thornlike spines that occur on the leaf stem at the leaf junction. Uncaria has a long history of use in South America as an anti-inflammatory agent, for contraceptive activity, and to treat rheumatism, tumors, and intestinal ailments.

Pau d’arco comes from the bark of trees that grow in Brazil, Argentina and other tropical regions. Pau d’arco has been used for hundreds of years for its powerful antifungal and immune building properties. The trees withstand the growth of fungi, making it ideal for external and internal use.

The Pau d’arco tree is a broad-leaf evergreen that grows to a height of 125 feet and produces violet colored flowers which accounts for it’s often being called the “trumpet tree”. It grows well in Peru and Argentina high in the Andes. It can be found growing in the low-lying areas of Paraguay and Brazil.

There are many uses of Pau darco. Research has been done in the 1960’s and the 1970’s on pau darco to verify the medicinal claims of this herb. Research, particularly that carried out by the U.S. National Cancer Institute proved that if not preventing or delaying cancer, Pau darco, actually treats cancer in very astounding ways. However, oral doses of the herb have to reach useful levels in the blood, therefore causing some side effects. That’s why dosages were stopped in some patients.

This natural herb contains properties that are beneficial in relieving inflammation and pain related to bowel problems, ulcers, arthritis and rheumatism. Without spending much money, you;ll get a healthy way of prevent those diseases.

In controlled doses its active chemicals are said to invigorate the immune system. Too much Pau darco could lead to a weak immune system. At present, scientists are still perplexed by the healing qualities of this herb. More research has yet to be done about this.

Indigenous people of South America have used pau d’arco for treating malaria, anemia, colitis, respiratory problems, colds, cough, flu, fungal infections, fever, arthritis and rheumatism, poor circulation, skin irruptions and sexually transmitted disease.

Externally, pau d’arco may be used to treat of a variety of inflammatory skin problems and infections, including fungal infections, hemorrhoids, eczema and wounds.

It can however, be used along with other cancer treatments. Pau d’arco is given free by the Argentina government to cancer patients and also leukemia patients because of it’s blood purifying qualities and because it has been know to reduce pain caused by cancer and it’s treatment because of pau

The term “impotence” has traditionally been used to signify the inability of the male to attain and maintain erection of the penis sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse. Impotence, in most circumstances, is more precisely referred to as erectile dysfunction as this term differentiates itself from loss of libido, premature ejaculation, or inability to achieve orgasm.

Muira Puama extract has recently become popular in the west for its noted effects in increasing libido and enhancing erections. This is, of course, the primary reason why Muira Puama was included in Extagen.

Muira Puama is usually prepared by treating the barks and roots of the shrub in order to extract the active ingredients. The precise mechanisms by which Muira Puama affects the body are not clearly understood.

Erectile dysfunction may be due to organic or psychogenic factors. In the overwhelming majority of cases the cause is organic, i.e., it is due to some physiological reason. In fact, in men over the age of 50, organic causes are responsible fro erectile dysfunction in of 90%. In the past, a man with impotence who was able to have nighttime or early morning erections was thought to have psychogenic impotence. However, it is mow recognized that this is not a reliable indicator.

Preliminary research indicates one of the best herbs to use for erectile dysfunction or lack of libido may be Muira puama (also known as potency wood). This shrub is native to Brazil and has long been used as a powerful aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant i n South American folk medicine. A recent study has validated its safety and effectiveness in improving libido and sexual function in some patients.

vAlthough many people are skeptical about sexual stimulants or “herbal viagra” as such, the muira puama herb has been shown by Dr. Jacques Waynberg, a world authority on sexual functioning, of the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, that it is effective in assisting in increasing sexual desire as well as attaining and maintaining an erection.

Like with any medication, there are potential side effects of Muira Puama. The most commonly noted side effect is insomnia. Some users have reported feeling jittery and having increased occurrences of muscle spasms. No serious side effects have been reported.

Muira Puama, one of the primary ingredients in Extagen, has a long history of use in treating sexual dysfunction by indigenous tribes in the Amazon basin. While only a relatively recent discovery in the west, Muira Puama has quickly become one of the top herbal supplements used in the treatment of erectile issues.

Muira puama also called “potency wood”, is a small tree that grows to 5 feet high and is native to the Brazilian Amazon and other parts of the Amazon rainforest. Now-a-days, people are preferring treatment of lower blood pressure naturally instead of using blood pressure medicines.

Muira puama has been used traditionally by tribes in Brazil and the surrounding South American countries. It is a popular, though not well researched, herbal supplement in Europe and North and South Americas.

Murapuama has been used as a herb in Europe for some time and is listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a source on herbal medicine from the British Herbal Medicine Association, and is recommended for the treatment of dysentery and impotence.

It is from the Olacaceae family, and the genus is Ptychopetalum (species olacoides) and is also known as Muira Puama, Marapuama, Marapama, Potency Wood and Potenzholz. The bark and roots are used in herbal treatments.

Although many people are skeptical about sexual stimulants or “herbal viagra” as such, the muira puama herb has been shown by Dr. Jacques Lelu, a world authority on sexual functioning, of the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, that it is effective in assisting in increasing sexual desire as well as attaining and maintaining an erection.

Although clinical studies and research are sparse, muira puama is still promoted today as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and as a male aphrodisiac. It has also been used for gastrointestinal disorders and as a treatment for indigestion.

Muira puama appears to be relatively safe at the dosages expressed above. Insomnia and restlessness have been noted with high doses. Due to lack of research with human subjects, women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid taking this supplement. Safety in children has also not been determined. There has not been any toxicity noted with long term use on muira puama. There do not appear to be any drug interactions with this supplement, although it may increase the effect of erectile dysfunction drugs and supplements.

This herbal supplement has also been shown, in animal studies, to improve mental focus and clarity. It may also help improve concentration and short term memory. It is also used to treat hair loss.

Because there are so many kinds of cat’s claw supplements, such as: cat’s claw leaves, cat’s claw bark, and cat’s claw twigs, cat’s claw is one of the most confusing nutritional supplements currently available in health food stores. Although all cat’s claw supplements claim to help the immune system, only the root of Uncaria tomentosa gives the true health benefits by possessing the healing power to treat and prevent diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, degenerative diseases, and also providing anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-microbial benefits.

Rendered into liquid form, however, extracts of cat’s claw have been found to have potent adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and these are therefore used by herbal therapists to tackle a wide variety of common ailments. The anti-inflammatory qualities of the herb indicate potential benefits in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and bursitis; as well as digestive problems and ulcers, whilst as an adaptogen and anti-oxidant cat’s claw is believed to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and even help in the fight against cancer.

Current studies show it may have positive effects on, and can boost the body’s immune system. With recent fear of HIV, studies on cat’s claw have started to move quickly.

Why they started to move that fast? Because the recent studies about this herb extract shows that its effects are huge. The change of a patient who is taking cat’s claw could be notorious.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there are 3000 plant extracts that can kill cancer cells, 70 percent of these plants being found only in the rain forest. The fertile environment provided by the rain forest, due to the constant rain from January to December and the 75-80 degree Fahrenheit temperatures, allows the plants grown to be amazingly rich in alkaloids and other medicinal compounds. When the Ashaninka harvest the plant, they work intelligently to keep it perpetually healthy.

Other constituents contribute anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Many treatments combine the herb with different plants and natural products to increase the absorption and bioavailability.

Cat’s Claw has long been used as a homeopathic treatment for intestinal ailments. Uses include: Crohn’s disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, colitis, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome. By stimulating the immune system, it can also improve response to viral and respiratory infections.

European clinical studies have used the extract from the bark in combination with AZT in the treatment of AIDS. It is also used in the treatment and prevention of arthritis and rheumatism, as well as diabetes, PMS, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, and prostrate conditions.

A large amount of confusion exists today regarding the actual species of tree that is harvested in Brazilian forests and sold around the world as “catuaba.” Experienced Brazilian harvesters will refer to two species: a “big catuaba” and a “small catuaba.” The confusion thickens when relating these trees to approved botanical species names. “Small catuaba” is Erythroxylum catuaba (A. J. Silva ex. Raym.-Hamet – the name was accepted in 1936), which grows 2-4 m tall and sports yellow-to-orange flowers and, in Brazil, is referred to as catuaba. “Big catuaba,” in the mahogany family, is Trichilia catigua (A. Juss.), which grows 6-10 m tall, has cream-colored flowers and – in Brazil – is referred to as catigu and angelim-rosa.

This catuaba tree belongs to the family Erythroxylaceae, whose principal genus, Erythroxylum, contains several species that are sources of cocaine. Catuaba, however, contains none of the active cocaine alkaloids.

Catuaba has a long history of use in herbal medicine as an aphrodisiac. The Tupi Indians in Brazil first discovered the aphrodisiac qualities of the plant and over the last few centuries they have composed many songs praising its wonders and abilities.

The catuaba tree does not contain any of the active cocaine alkaloids. There is some confusion over which species of tree is harvested in Brazil and sold as catuaba. There are generally two species of tree referred to, including the small catuaba previously mentioned and a big catuaba tree which belongs to the mahogany family.

In Brazilian herbal medicine today, catuaba is considered a central nervous system stimulant with aphrodisiac properties. A bark decoction is commonly used for sexual impotency, agitation, nervousness, nerve pain and weakness, poor memory or forgetfulness, and sexual weakness.

Its patent refers to animal studies it conducted that reported that it relieved pain and relaxed and dilated blood vessels in rats, rabbits and guinea pigs. A study published in 1997 reported that catuaba bark had significant pain relieving activity in vivo.

To date, no toxicity studies have been done on catuaba – but its long history of use in Brazil has reported no toxicity or ill effects. In fact, according to Dr. Meira Penna, the only side-effects are beneficial – erotic dreams and increased sexual desire! While no clinical research has validated the traditional use of catuaba as an aphrodisiac, it continues to be used widely for its ability to enhance sexual drive and increase libido in both men and women.

According to Michael van Straten, noted British author and researcher of medicinal plants, catuaba is beneficial to men and women as an aphrodisiac, but “it is in the area of male impotence that the most striking results have been reported” and “there is no evidence of side effects, even after long-term use.

Blood cleansing is usually achieved by following a special blood cleansing fast. First you need to choose an appropriate time for a fast. Blood cleansing fast requires the conservation of energy, so it is not a good idea to plan heavy work or sport events for the same week.

Completely side effects free, these Chinese detoxification herbs help to reinstate the lost harmony of the mind and the body without tampering with it. At Longevity Herbs we deal with such medicinal herbs that can help to treat drug and alcohol abuse effectively.

To fully benefit from the blood cleansing fast you should also be physically prepared. For one week prior to the blood cleansing fast eat only raw vegetables and “green drinks”. This way your body will be “pre-cleansed” and the fast will not be such a shock to your system.

Another extremely valuable substance is milk thistle, which is frequently used to effect in the liver where it simulates the synthesis of proteins. It is also particularly effective in soaking a variety of toxins from alcohol and drugs, which can be damaging to the body.

It is here that Chinese traditional herbs can make a difference by treating addiction problem without any harmful side effects. Chinese traditional detoxification herbs help to you to bury the habit once and forever without messing up your body or making you dependent on these herbal medicines.

Another detox herb often used is the root of the dandelion, which has strong cleaning properties particularly for the liver. It is also good for clearing waste from the gall bladder and works well on the kidneys when used in conjunction with other detox herbs.

Studies have shown Chinese herbal medicines to be successful in treating a range of drug and alcohol abuse with minimum side effects. In treating dependency, various kinds of natural Chinese herbs are used, to achieve chemical balance in the body.

Chinese herbal medicines are mainly plant based, but some preparations include minerals or animal products. They can be packaged as powders, pastes, lotions or tablets, depending on the herb and its intended use. At Longevity Herbs you will find a wider range of products that can help in detoxification, namely Detox Combo and Detox Kit. It helps to regulate and eliminate bodily toxins and waste and has Reishi, Qi ju di huang wan (chrysanthemum/lycium blend) and a gentle laxative called ma zi ren