Muira Puama: What It Is and How to Use It
Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) is a small tree native to the Brazilian Amazon, where its bark and roots have been used in traditional herbal practices for generations. The name comes from Indigenous Amazonian languages, and it is sometimes nicknamed "potency wood" in reference to its traditional reputation. You can find it in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.
Available in Bulk
We carry muira puama in our bulk herb section so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try it in a tea blend to a full bag for your pantry. Our staff can help you find it in the bulk bins and explain the cut we stock.
What We Carry
- Muira puama cut and sifted — chopped bark and root pieces, the traditional form for decoctions.
- Muira puama powder — finely ground bark and root for blending into teas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is muira puama traditionally used for?
In Brazilian folk herbalism, muira puama bark and root were traditionally used as a general tonic, particularly associated with vitality and stamina. It is often combined with other Amazonian botanicals like catuaba in traditional formulas. Scientific research on its effects is very limited, and most evidence is anecdotal or traditional.
How do you prepare muira puama?
Because it is a woody bark and root, muira puama is traditionally prepared as a decoction — simmered in water for 15–20 minutes rather than simply steeped like leafy teas. This longer, hotter extraction draws out the compounds from the tough plant material. The resulting brew is earthy and mildly bitter.
What does muira puama taste like?
The decoction has an earthy, woody flavor with mild bitterness — typical of bark-based teas. It is often blended with more flavorful herbs like cinnamon, ginger, or licorice root to make it more pleasant to drink. On its own, it is functional rather than delicious.
Where does muira puama come from?
Muira puama is wild-harvested from the Amazon rainforest, primarily in Brazil. Sustainable sourcing matters for rainforest botanicals, which is one reason to buy from a retailer that works with reputable herb suppliers. Our bulk herbs come through established supply chains with quality testing.
Did you know? Muira puama is frequently paired with catuaba bark in traditional Brazilian herbal formulas — the two Amazonian barks are so commonly combined that they are often sold together as a duo in South American herbal shops (source: "Medicinal Plants of the Amazon" ethnobotanical literature, Duke University phytochemical database entries).
Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find muira puama in the bulk section and answer questions about the forms we carry.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.