Mucuna

A climbing vine with three-leaf groupings and unusual pink pea-like flowers, this plant produces fuzzy bean seeds that give it the common name of Velvet Bean.

Mucuna is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic to the nerves and mind, especially for age related debilitation. It contains a form of dopamine, and has been used successfully for Parkinson’s.

As an aphrodisiac, Mucuna increases desire and libido through a testosterone action. Its most interesting aspect is its more esoteric use to stimulate the Kundalini, the sexual energy that resides at the base of the spine, and which Tantric work seeks to bring up to the brain for healing and enlightenment.

It is such a strong stimulant to the flow of Kundalini that often when we or others use it, a line of sweat forms along the spine, soaking through the shirt!