Catuaba

More about Catuaba

Catuaba, also known as Cataguá, Chuchuhuasha, Tatuaba, Pau de Reposta, Caramuru, Piratançara or Catiguá, is a legendary tree from Brazil, Erythroxylum catuaba, which was first used by the Tupi Indians. They believe that Catuaba has bestowed upon them particularly large genitals and a powerful sexual ability. In the past centuries many songs have been composed in which its wonders and capacities are praised.

Although Catuaba and the coca plant belong to the same family, Catuaba contains very different alkaloids than the coca plant. Within Brazilian herbal medicine, however, Catuaba bark is categorized as a stimulant and is known throughout South America - most recently in the rest of the world - as a powerful aphrodisiac.

The aphrodisiac properties of this plant were discovered centuries ago by the Tupi Indians in the Amazon region. It is said that Catuaba has given the Tupi men unparalleled sexual abilities. There is a saying in Brazil: 'Until a father is 60, his son is his and after that, his son belongs to Catuaba'.

Catuaba means "what gives strength to an Indian" and is traditionally also used as a general tonic to strengthen and balance overall body functions, a stimulant for the nervous system and because of the red colour of the extract it was considered good for the heart and blood.

The chemical constituents found in catuaba include alkaloids (Catuabine A, B and C & Yohimbine), tannins, saponins, aromatic oils and resins, phytosterols, cyclolignans, sequiterpenes, and flavonoids.

Usage

Soak in hot water for 15 minutes to make tea or infuse in alcohol for two weeks to make a tincture.

Ingredients

Catuaba

Effects

Most users describe the effects as a warm, cosy, relaxed feeling.

Catuaba stimulates blood flow, especially to the genitals and can both strengthen and prolong an erection, in Brazil it is considered more potent than Muira Puama. The sexual arousal increases and both men and women would experience more powerful orgasms.

It is believed that Catuaba brings the body and mind back into balance, relaxes, stimulates and strengthens the nervous system, reduces fatigue and improves the mood, for which it is also used to treat depression. It is thought to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may play a role in protecting against brain disorders. In addition, Catuaba is also used because of its anxyolitic and analgesic effect.

It can also be used as a soporific, however, this would increase the chance of erotic dreams so use at your own risk!

Excessive use may harm the liver.

Contra indications

Dosage

Take 1-2 teaspoons of bark per person per cup of tea. Drink 1-3 cups of tea a day.

To make a tincture you need 30 grams per half litre of alcohol. Take 2-3ml of this tincture twice per day.

Usage

The traditional method of use is as tea or tincture.

For tea take 1-2 teaspoons of bark per person, you can sweeten the tea with some honey. Drink 1-3 cups a day, about half an hour prior to sexual activity.

To make a tincture, usually 30 grams of herb per half litre of liquor is used. Put the Catuaba in a bottle of liquor and shake it daily. After two weeks of pulling you can filter the liquid and your tincture is ready for use. Use  2-3ml of this tincture twice a day (prior to activity ) wich is sufficient to expierence the effect.

Scientific name

Erythroxylum catuaba