Catuaba: what it is for, how to use it and side effects

Catuaba is a medicinal plant indicated to help improve memory and disposition, increase vitality and libido, reduce tiredness and fatigue, or assist in the treatment of male impotence, as it is rich in alkaloids, tannins, phytosterols and flavonoids, with aphrodisiac, stimulant, vasodilator, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The scientific name of the catuaba is An anemopaegma to be admired, also known as rosemary-do-field, catuaba-vertual, catuabinha, catuaba-pau or caramuru, and the part normally used is the bark for preparing tea, dry extract, capsules or alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, there are other species of catuaba, such as Erythroxylum vacciniifolium e Trichilia catiguawhich also have stimulating and aphrodisiac properties.

Catuaba can be purchased in health food stores, compounding pharmacies and some markets and supermarkets, and should be used with medical advice or from a professional with experience in medicinal plants. Check out some aphrodisiac foods that help treat sexual impotence.

What is it for

Catuaba can be used for:

• Increase physical and mental energy;
• Reduce tiredness and fatigue;
• Increase vitality and libido;
• Improve memory and mood;
• Combat sexual impotence in men;
• Prolong erection in men;
• Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression;
• Improve mental exhaustion;
• Improve sleep quality.

Furthermore, catuaba can help alleviate symptoms of inflammation or infection, however, it is important that it is used under medical supervision and in a way that complements the recommended treatment.

Catuaba improves blood circulation to the intimate region, in addition to having a stimulating action on the central nervous system, mainly due to catuabine, an alkaloid present in its composition.

Although it has several health benefits, the use of this medicinal plant does not replace conventional treatment recommended by a doctor, and should only be used under medical or herbalist advice.

How to use catuaba

Catuaba can be used in the form of tea, capsules or even consumed in the form of an alcoholic drink, and the method of use must be guided by a doctor or herbalist.

1. Catuaba tea

Catuaba tea must be prepared with the bark, from which active substances with medicinal properties are extracted.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of catuaba peel;
• ½ liter of water.

Preparation mode

Place the ingredients in a container and bring to a boil. After 3 minutes, turn off the heat and let it rest. Then strain, wait for it to cool and drink up to 2 cups a day, after a meal.

2. Catuaba capsules

Catuaba capsules can be found in different dosages, ranging from 300 mg to 500 mg, and it is normally recommended to take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times a day, not exceeding a total dose of up to 2 grams per day, as per medical advice.

3. Wild Catuaba

Wild catuaba is an alcoholic drink, which can be consumed in a small glass during meals, to have an aphrodisiac effect. See also a list of aphrodisiac juices that help with sexual impotence.

However, as it contains alcohol, its use for medicinal purposes should be avoided, giving preference to tea or capsules.

Possible side effects

The side effects of catuaba are related to its excessive consumption, being mainly related to its effect on the nervous system, which can cause headache, dizziness, mental confusion and difficulty concentrating, for example.

Furthermore, excessive and inappropriate consumption of catuaba can cause stomach irritation and result in negative effects in relation to sexual performance and desire.

Who shouldn’t use

Catuaba should not be used by children under 12 years of age, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, breastfeeding women, or people who have glaucoma, high blood pressure or ventricular pre-excitation.

Furthermore, as it contains alcohol, the use of wild catuaba is not recommended for people undergoing treatment for alcoholism and who use the medicine disulfiram.