Can you stimulate your libido with herbs? Does a ‘natural Viagra’ exist? Can sexual stamina, performance and pleasure be enhanced without drugs?
Hailed by some as a ‘miracle cure’, it must never be forgotten that Viagra and similar drugs, whilst proven completely safe for the majority of users, may cause unwanted side effects. A natural alternative, proven by use for many hundreds, even thousands of years possibly cost you less and prove to be as good as, if not better than the famous synthetic version.
Since before the beginning of recorded history, mankind has used the natural chemicals and nutrients found in the roots, leaves, stems, fruits and flowers of plants to cure disease, treat specific ailments or improve overall health. Thousands of years before the advent of modern, synthetic, drug-based western medicine, every culture in every corner of the Earth had gathered together a vast knowledge of how its particular native herbs and plants could be of benefit to humanity and this research is still going on today, most notably by the large pharmaceutical conglomerates seeking to isolate the active ingredients found in plants to produce the next, new ‘wonder drug’.
No-one is quite sure how humans first discovered that what was growing all around them could also help them cure their illnesses or ward off disease, but it’s likely early hominids made the discovery by accident, after observing that some of the roots and berries they gathered for food also made them feel better or helped heal wounds more quickly.
They may also have taken note of the plants sick animals chose to eat and be curious as to why the creature suddenly appeared to regain its health not long afterwards and tried it on themselves. Perhaps, by design or accident, certain leaves, stems and flowers were burnt in the fire or fell into the cooking pot and breathed in or ingested in ignorance but their effects brought enlightenment
Such herbal wisdom would have been of great importance to primitive tribes, who depended on their immediate environment for survival. Once discovered, it is likely that such knowledge was handed down first orally and then, as language became more sophisticated, by the written word.
Every great civilization we have known, be it the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese or South Americans, developed to one degree or another, a sophisticated herbal law from which healers of the time made pills, powders, teas, ointments and pastes from a wide variety of local trees, plants, animal and mineral substances.
Walk down any busy street in a modern city, and you are sure to come across a shop that sells traditional Chinese herbal remedies. China’s herbal tradition is one of the world’s oldest, with the earliest written guide thought to have been committed to paper some 4000 years ago.
Gradually, however, most of these natural cures began to be supplanted by newly discovered synthetic drugs that today still dominate medicinal practice, though not always to a positive effect.
Luckily there has been somewhat of a ‘new age’ resurgence in interest in the more natural, holistic approach to health and vitality.
Venture into any bookshop today or point your browser to on-line book stores such as Amazon, and you’ll find a huge, large range of works all dedicated to the proven therapeutic and aphrodisiac benefits of plants and other ‘complimentary’ medicines.
A natural alternative, proven by use for many hundreds, even thousands of years, may cost you less and prove to be as good as, if not better than, the famous synthetic version.
In this section you will find a concise introduction to many natural ingredients that help stimulate sexual desire, improve libido, treat impotence or generally boost energy and stamina or as I like to call them:
Hot Sex Herbs, Vitamins and Nutrients.
Vitamin B3/Niacin
Vitamin B3 comes in two varieties – niacin and niacinamide – and both have therapeutic uses. B3 is water soluble and can be found in dairy products, grain, nuts and dried fruit and has been shown to have an aphrodisiac effect chiefly by widening the blood vessels and improving blood flow to the penis.
It also plays a part in the production of histamine, a chemical that is said to make sexual sensations during orgasm more intense.
Muira Puama
This herb, also known as potency wood, is a small tree found in the rainforest of Brazil and has been used by South American natives for centuries to combat impotence and increase libido.
It is widely regarded as a safe and natural alternative to well-known anti-impotence drugs because it contains a natural form of sildenafil citrate, the same active ingredient found in anti-impotence pharmaceuticals.
In a French study of 262 patients complaining of erectile impotence or lack of libido, 62 percent of the sample noticed an improvement in their condition within two weeks of treatment.
Of the patients with erection failures, 51 percent felt that the herb had a positive effect on their sex lives. In their final report, researchers indicated muira puama could “enhance libido in 85 percent of the test group, increase the frequency of intercourse in 100 percent and improve the ability to maintain an erection in 90 percent.”
It is thought that this herb has a direct effect on the brain chemicals dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin, stimulating the nerve endings in the genitals and encouraging the production of sex hormones such as testosterone.
Catuaba
Catuaba is another tree indigenous to South American that has a long history as an aphrodisiac. The Tupi Indians of Brazil first discovered this herb’s aphrodisiac properties centuries ago and composed many songs praising its sexual wonders.
In Europe and the US it is widely regarded as a brain and nerve stimulant, a treatment for hypertension, an aid to poor memory and a treatment for impotency.
According to the well known British herbalist Michael van Straten, catuaba is beneficial to both sexes as an aphrodisiac but “it is in the area of male impotence that the most striking results have been reported” and “there is no evidence of side effects, even after long-term use.”
Catuaba is equally effective for both men and women, increasing both erotic dreams and sexual desire after it has been taken for between five and 21 days.
Sarsaparilla
It would seem South America has been blessed when it comes to the production of natural aphrodisiacs, because sarsaparilla is a large woody vine also native to this part of the world, plus Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras and the West Indies.
The root is the part used for medicinal purposes because this is the part of the plant that contains a group of natural chemicals called saponins.
Like the other plants already mentioned, the indigenous peoples of these regions have been using sarsaparilla as a treatment for sexual impotence, rheumatism, skin ailments and general physical weakness for many centuries.
Today it is a favorite supplement of body builders because it helps to improve energy levels, virility and vitality.
Damiana
It’s botanical name of tunera aphrodisiaca clearly shows it is a herb famous for enhancing sexual pleasure. It is thought that the alkaloid chemicals in damiana have a similar effect as testosterone, the male sex hormone.
The presence of beta sitosterol has a stimulating and mildly irritating effect on the sexual organs, boosting circulation and increasing the sensitivity of nerves in the penis. They also improve blood flow to the area, so helping to make erections firmer and longer lasting.
Ginkgo Biloba
Also known as the maidenhair tree, ginkgo has been in existence for between 150 and 200 million years and is the oldest living tree known to man.
Ginkgo works by increasing blood flow to the brain and throughout the body’s network of blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the organ systems, including the genitals and so, by boosting circulation, help to counteract the effects of aging, including mental fatigue and lack of energy.
Studies conducted with men who had erectile dysfunction found that ginkgo had a beneficial effect after six to eight weeks with a full half of the test group re-gaining normal sexual function.
In one study the majority of men who had previously relied on conventional drugs to assist them in gaining an erection, found they had regained natural potency after having taken ginkgo.
L-Arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid found in such foods as nuts, pulses, beetroot, onions, grapes, rice and eggs. The task of l-arginine in the body is to create nitric oxide (NO), a nerve communication chemical that helps to increase blood flow to the penis during arousal.
Dilation of the blood vessels in the penis is vital for achieving a firm erection and is dependent on the production of nitric oxide to achieve this.
Studies on both animals and humans indicate that increased levels of l-arginine improves sexual function. Anti-impotence drugs also depend on nitric oxide to work, however the way in which they use NO to stimulate an erection differs slightly.
Drugs simply redirects the NO already present in the body to the sexual organs whereas l-arginine helps to produce more NO in the body. Unlike natural alternatives, these drugs can overcome the lack of oxygen or the demand for blood during the digestive process. Natural alternatives cannot do this, therefore the sexual feelings can be more subtle than those experienced with synthetic drugs but they do offer a more natural and mild alternative to treating sexual problems.
Insufficient blood flow to the penis can be a major cause of incomplete erection in men. L-arginine improves the blood flow to the genital area and encourages erections that are harder and bigger, last longer and occur more frequently.
In one trial of men with erection problems, the subjects either took l-arginine or a placebo for a period of two weeks. Those taking the placebo did not note any improvement in their condition whilst those men taking arginine noticed an increase in the frequency of erections.
Arginine has also been found to be an important factor in the health of sperm. Seminal fluid has been found to contain up to 80 percent arginine, and is thought to contribute to the quality and vigour of sperm activity. Men with low sperm counts have reported an increase in sperm count and fertility having taken arginine.
Arginine should not be taken by anyone with kidney or liver problems, schizophrenics or those with rheumatoid arthritis or glomerulonephritis except on the advice of a medical practitioner.
Ashwagandha
Also known as the winter cherry, ashwagandha is a shrub grown mostly in India that has rejuvenating and tonic effects similar to those of ginseng. It has been used in Indian traditional herbal medicine (Ayurveda) for thousands of years. Many studies have shown this herb to be better than ginseng for improving physical performance and mental acuity as well as being an aphrodisiac that improves sexual performance and potency.
In one double-blind study, over 100 healthy men ranging in age from 50 to 59 took either ashwagandha or a placebo for one year. Of the group that took the ashwagandha, 70 percent noticed an increase in libido and sexual function.
Ginseng
Originally from China, ginseng comes in several varieties – Siberian, Chinese and American. The variety that comes from Korea and China is known as panax ginseng.
Ginseng has a world-wide reputation as an aphrodisiac and an enhancer of fertility. As well as improving physical and mental stamina, it also improves circulation to the the genitals. The root of the plant contains 28 different ginsenosides – chemicals similar in nature to human sex hormones and to hormones that stimulate the production of sex hormones, including testosterone.
Studies show that ginseng encourages the production of nitric oxide, a chemical neurotransmitter produced in the body that is essential for increasing and maintaining good blood flow to the penis and for triggering sexual arousal.
In one study of impotent men, the group given ginseng for a period of 60 days showed improvement in frequency of sexual intercourse and erections as well as increased firmness and size of the penis when erect.
Ginseng’s additional ability to lessen fatigue and increase stamina can help improve the duration and frequency of lovemaking.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe originally comes from West Africa and its effectiveness as an aphrodisiac is so well documented, that the American Federal Drug Administration has approved it for release on prescription as a treatment for impotence and as a sexual stimulant.
The active ingredients of yohimbe is an alkaloid that causes both a dilation of the blood vessels in the penis and the production of noreprine, a substance essential in the formation of an erection.
Yohimbe increases the blood flow to the erectile tissue, stops the constriction of the arteries that channel the blood into the penis, increases testosterone levels and temporarily and selectively blocks the sympathetic nervous system, helping the user to stave off ejaculation and increase the duration of intercourse.
Yohimbe may theoretically cause severe high blood pressure and other problems and should only be combined with antidepressant drugs under the supervision of a physician.
Because certain medications may interact with yohimbe. It is recommended you discuss the use of yohimbe and your current medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Persons with post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder should also avoid yohimbe.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential element found in large concentrations in the prostate gland and in semen, suggesting that it is closely related to normal male sexual function. The zinc in semen helps inhibit sperm activity and helps maintain the integrity of the sperm’s genetic material required for fertilization of the female egg, therefore men with low levels of this element may suffer from reduced fertility.
Because zinc has a direct effect on the health of sperm and the sexual organs, instances of impotence have been related to low levels of this mineral in the body.
Ejaculate usually contains around 5mg of zinc or about one third of the body’s daily requirement, therefore it would be a good idea for sexually active men who ejaculate frequently to ensure they maintain an optimum level of intake.
Tribulus Terrestris
The fruit and root of the Indian tribulus plant contain substances that have been shown to stimulate the immune, sexual and reproductive systems. These substances are thought to increase levels of natural steroids in the body such as testosterone by up to 30 percent in as little as five days. In a study involving 50 people who had a low sex drive due to fatigue, lethargy or lack of interest, 45 percent showed an improvement in their symptoms after having taken tribulus.
Horny Goat Weed
As suggested by its name, horny goat weed it is a time-tested aphrodisiac that increases libido, improves erectile function, and has been used in herbal medicine for over two thousand years.
The plant’s ability to restore sexual desire, boost erectile function and relieve fatigue could be due to its ability to inhibit an enzyme called acetyl cholinesterase (AC). This chemical reduces the activity of brain chemicals connected to sexual arousal.
When AC is missing, or at a low level in the body, the sexual brain chemicals increase resulting in greater sexual arousal.
According to research, horny goat weed has the ability to stimulate nerves in the genital area and increase levels of testosterone, a hormone intimately connected to libido. The Chinese Academy of Sciences found that regular use of horny goat weed also slows down the aging process.
Maca
Maca is a root vegetable related to the potato that contains many vitamins and minerals. It has been under cultivation in South American for the last two thousand years and used by the native people both as a nutritional food and medicine.
Because it is known to increase energy levels, improve fertility and act as an effective aphrodisiac, it has been dubbed the ‘Peruvian ginseng’.
As well as a treatment for male impotence, maca is also used by athletes to improve their stamina and endurance. A study published in an issue of the medical journal Urology, showed that maca increased libido, sexual potency and energy in the test subjects.
In fact, the sexual activity of the test participants nearly quadrupled after taking the herb for twenty one days. No wonder that it is now used by men to improve sexual performance in more than 200 countries world-wide.
Suma
Suma is a large, rambling, shrubby ground vine native to the South American rainforest. Its root has been used by that country’s native people for centuries as an anti-impotence aid.
Tests conducted on laboratory rats, using an extract from the root, suggested that suma was helpful in improving the sexual behavior of previously impotent rodents. Similar results were observed when suma was given to humans.
In addition to boosting the sex drive, suma is also thought to have other anti-aging properties. A French company applied for a US patent on an extract of suma which they claim strengthened the water barrier function of the skin, gave the skin a smoother, softer appearance, and also improved the hair. Why not see for yourself?
Fo Ti
Fo Ti is the name given to a Japanese evergreen plant. Its Chinese name of He shou Wwu literally means ‘black-haired Mr. He,’ in reference to the name of a Tang dynasty man whose vitality, fertility and youthful black hair were reputedly miraculously restored after regularly eating this herb.
An extract from the roots is used today in traditional Chinese medicine as a youth giving tonic favoured by the elderly who take it in the belief it can help to restore fertility, maintain hair color and preserve youthfulness.
As well as promoting sexual function and libido, this herb can also be used as a general tonic for increasing energy, toning the kidneys and liver, purifying the blood, increasing fertility, reducing hypertension, lowering cholesterol, relieving insomnia, calming stomach upset and treating diabetes.
As you have seen, many of the herbs mentioned here are reputed to increase the product of the male sex hormone testosterone. Let’s take a closer look at why testosterone is so important to us guys and our ability to ‘do the business’.
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ginkgo-leaves-and-a-strainer-7615618/