The drug sildenafil (Viagra), introduced in 1998, revolutionized the treatment of sexual dysfunction. However, it and related drugs, such as vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil(Cialis), have significant limitations.
Although these impotence medications work well at promoting blood flow to the penis, they have little or no effect on libido or sexual sensation in men or in women.
These drugs also have potentially serious side effects, such as vision problems, and some doctors believe that they may be dangerous for men who have cardiac conditions, such as irregular heart rhythms, history of heart attack or heart failure.
However, sex-boosting herbs have been used successfully for hundreds of years in Brazil, China, India and parts of Africa.
The following supplements, available at most health-food stores, can improve virtually all aspects of sexual performance, including increased desire, improved genital blood flow in men and women, and stronger erections.
Start by choosing one herb that seems to best fit your needs. After one to two weeks, you can combine it with another supplement to enhance the effect. Or simply use a formula that combines these herbs.
Important: When combining herbs, cut the recommended dose of each in half to avoid potential side effects, such as restlessness.
Horny goat weed
This herb increases energy and libido in both men and women and may produce firmer erections in men. Horny goat weed reportedly got its name when a Chinese herder noticed that his goats became more sexually active after eating the plant. It’s thought to influence levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters that affect libido and mood. It also contains flavonoids, plant chemicals that dilate blood vessels and promote erections.
Scientific evidence: A study conducted in Beijing on 34 patients receiving dialysis for renal failure found that horny goat weed enhanced sexual activity in the patients taking it.
Typical dose: 500 to 2,000 milligrams (mg) daily. Start with 500 mg and increase, if needed. Side effects include restlessness and insomnia.
Muira puama
This herb increases libido orgasm intensity and skin and genital sensitivity in men and women.
The bark and roots of this Amazon tree, sometimes known as “potency wood,” increase sexual desire and sexual fantasies in men and women, and also facilitate a woman’s ability to have an orgasm. It appears to work by promoting blood flow to the genitals in men and women.
Scientific evidence: A clinical study of 262 men, conducted at the Institute of Sexology in Paris, found that taking muira puama for two weeks improved libido in 62% of those studied. Typical dose: 500 to 1,000 mg in capsule form three consecutive days each week.
Important: Muira puama should be taken in the morning. That’s because it can cause insomnia when taken in the afternoon or at night. Muira puama may cause restlessness in some people during the daytime.
Tribulus
This herb increases energy and libido in both men and women and it also improves erections in men.
This common roadside weed contains protodioscin, a chemical compound that is thought to increase production of the sex hormone testosterone in both men and women. It also dilates blood vessels in the penis, promoting firmer erections.
Scientific evidence: An animal study conducted at the National University Hospital in Singapore showed that rats that were given tribulus for eight weeks were found to experience firmer erections.
Typical dose: 500 to 1,000 mg daily. Take tribulus for one week, and then stop for one week, and so on. This minimizes the risk for potential side effects, such as restlessness and increased body temperature.
Ashwagandha
This herb increases mood and sexual desire and function in men and women. It can improve sex drive in both sexes by acting as a relaxant, and it also assists men in maintaining an erection.
Ashwagandha produces a calming effect by mimicking the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes relaxation. It also boosts nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is known to enhance penile erection and vaginal sensitivity by increasing engorgement of the genital organs through blood vessel dilation.
Scientific evidence:
Laboratory research accompanied at the University Of Texas Health Science Center discovered that ashwagandha prevents the number of nerve cells which fire in the brain, like the neurotransmitter GABA, leading to an antianxiety and mood-enhancing effect.
Typical dose: 300 to 500 mg one to two times daily.
Important: For superior absorption, use ashwagandha on a vacant stomach.
Caution: Ashwagandha might cause drowsiness in certain persons. Do not drive right after taking this herb.
