Banded Wood N°1 - Muira Puama

What is banded wood?

Banded wood comes from a Brazilian tree: the Muira Puama. It is known mainly for its aphrodisiac virtues, even if, in reality, it has other virtues. It has perfectly found its place in Latin America and particularly in Brazil where it grows in the Amazonian forest. It is besides the Indians of Amazonia who, the first, discovered the virtues of the banded wood. In the middle of the 20th century, banded wood made its official entry into the Brazilian pharmacopoeia.

What is the flavor of banded wood?

Banded wood is not known for its flavor, but rather for its medicinal properties. However, being ingested, it is necessary to know its taste. Banded wood has a bitter taste that can be counterbalanced with sugar.

The harvest of the banded wood in the plantations

Banded wood comes from the tree named Muira Puama which grows in the heart of the Amazonian forest. This tree can be more than 15 meters high. From this tree with a grey trunk, the wood, the bark and the roots are taken for medicinal reasons. I propose you here some pieces of banded wood.

How to use banded wood in cooking?

Banded wood is not really used in cooking. Of course it is consumed, but it can be found in drinks. As an aperitif, you can drink a rum made with banded wood to combine the useful with the pleasant. You just have to macerate the wood in rum (50 g for one liter of rum is enough). You can put it whole or split it to give it a stronger taste. It is possible to add to this preparation cane sugar or cane sugar syrup, vanilla, even cinnamon and ginger. The punch will be prepared according to your tastes, that will not have an impact on the effectiveness of the wood bandé. It is also possible to prepare an infusion of banded wood. Split 30 g of wood and place it in 1 liter of water and let it infuse for 20 to 30 minutes. Banded wood can be combined with different spices and plants. Thus, you can mix it in your infusions with guarana, gingko biloba, ginger, maca, ginseng, etc.

The virtues for the health of banded wood

Banded wood contains yohimbine, which is known for its vasodilating properties. Thus, this natural product allows to make blood flow in the penis. The banded wood is thus recognized to support the erection and to improve the sexual performances. It is a stimulant which develops the libido and thus increases the sexual desire. It is thus in priority recognized for its aphrodisiac virtues for the men and for the women. If it favors sexual stamina, this food supplement helps to improve blood circulation. But it is not all. The wood banded releases endorphins and thus makes it possible to relieve a certain number of pains. Moreover, like vitamin C, it helps to fight against fatigue. In an arranged rum or in an infusion, it also acts against the stress and the anxiety. Brazilians use it to improve memory, relieve rheumatism and prevent ulcers. Attention, it is important to consume the wood banded with moderation as any vasodilator. If you have heart problems or high blood pressure in particular, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice on the side effects.

Storage of banded wood

Banded wood must be kept away from humidity and heat.