Full text excerpt of The Smart Guide to Better Sex: Chapter 2

The Smart Guide to Better Sex
From Andro to Zinc
Supplements and Herbs to Fire Up Your Sex Life

By John Morgenthaler and Mia Simms
$9.95 - 128 pages, softcover
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Chapter 2

Herbs to Fire Up Your Sex Life

Folklore abounds with tales of aphrodisiac herbs that can bewitch the senses and heighten sexuality. Some are even said to have magical powers of seduction that can act to arouse and attract members of the opposite sex. While many herbs truly do have prosexual effects, it can be challenging to sift fact from fiction — especially in light of minimal scientific studies to verify these fantastic tales. Some of the most potent herbs have demonstrated their value in clinical trials, others have been verified as tried and true throughout the ages, while still others are reputed to be true aphrodisiacs by respected herbalists.

Ginseng for Sexual Stamina

Ginseng, one of the most extensively researched herbs on Earth, has enjoyed literally thousands of years of reputation as a sexual stimulant and potency herb. Recent scientific studies also show ginseng has potential value for a wide variety of other uses. These range from general applications, such as an overall health tonic to very specific health applications. For example, there is evidence that ginseng may promote fertility, enhance potency, relieve stress, improve stamina, regulate blood pressure, increase immunity, lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart attack, control diabetes, protect the liver, block inflammation, stimulate healing and even fight cancer!

Panax for Potency

Ginseng is now grown worldwide and is available in several varieties, each with unique properties of its own. The most common include Siberian, American and Panax. Panax, also called Tienchi or Korean ginseng, is primarily cultivated in the Hunan Province of China. It is preferred to other varieties of ginseng for its ability to promote sexual stamina, and also for its sports and health applications. Panax ginseng has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, and has earned its reputation as the most prosexual variety.

Several studies have now proven that Panax ginseng has the potential to enhance sexual potency, desire and fertility. And while most of these are animal studies, they may be more reliable than human studies. After all, the animal kingdom is ruled mainly by instinct and is not so influenced by the social and psychological complexities that are associated with human sexuality.

Ginseng is Most Beneficial
for Men

Panax ginseng is especially beneficial for men. Several studies now indicate that it can enhance sperm formation, promote growth of the testes and increase mating behavior in animals. One study in particular demonstrates its ability to increase testosterone levels. When a group of laboratory rats was administered a diet consisting of 5 percent Panax ginseng for a 60-day period, the animals' serum testosterone levels increased an impressive 163 percent! Equally intriguing is a report from Russia that suggests ginseng treatment can increase the sperm quality in bulls.

Another NO Connection?

Experts are now examining a variety of ginseng compounds called ginsenosides. These have been identified as the active component of the plant and appear to involve nitric oxide (NO) production and release (see Chapter 1). A variety of studies shows that ginsenosides initiate NO release from arterial endothelial cells, which is likely to be the mechanism allowing ginseng to demonstrate many of its prosexual qualities.

While the study of ginsenosides is still in its early stages, these active components appear to improve blood flow not only to the genitals but also to the brain, heart and other vital organs. And since ginseng also demonstrates some sexual benefits for women, the NO-connection may be on the right track.

Ginseng for Women

A lesser known aspect of ginseng is its prosexual effects on women. According to Jonathan Wright, M.D., panax ginseng can sexually benefit women in a number of ways. He states that the herb has an estrogen-like effect on the vaginal lining and can help relieve dryness and pain, especially in postmenopausal women. And for women of all ages, Dr. Wright says "Ginseng has been traditionally used in Asia for a wide variety of menstrual cycle disorders, as well as an anti-aging botanical."

While no female studies of ginseng exist that we are aware of, if the NO-connection of ginsenosides (mentioned above) holds true for men, it is likely to hold true for women as well, since NO is important for female sexuality (see Chapter 1). Ginseng also strengthens the adrenal and reproductive glands in both sexes and is useful for improving energy, athletic conditioning, circulatory health and immune function.

Safety and Precautions: Ginseng is generally considered as safe and non-toxic; however, it should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular disorders.

Dosage and Timing: Panax ginseng comes in a wide variety of forms, including liquid extracts, tinctures, tablets, capsules, teas and as a whole edible root. Since there is no standard of concentration, the potency will vary from product to product. Therefore, it is best to follow dosage instructions on the product label or to work with a knowledgeable health practitioner.

Hot Tip: For best results, the herb should be taken dailybetween meals. In addition, it can be taken just before sex, preferably on an empty stomach.

Availability: Ginseng is a nutritional supplement and is readily available at health and natural product stores, and by mail order.

Ginkgo - for Brain, Sexual, and Circulatory Health

Ginkgo biloba, another botanical favorite in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has also gained popularity in the West — although primarily as an aid to brain and memory function. Several clinical studies now show that ginkgo has several other uses, including sexually enhancing benefits. In all regards, ginkgo works primarily through its mechanism of enhancing small vessel, or capillary, blood flow. In this way, the herb serves as a major aid in improving circulation to all body parts, including the genitals.

Ginkgo and Impotence

Poor circulation and impaired blood flow to the penis are frequent causes of impotence. When the arteries are clogged and circulation is impaired, blood cannot effectively reach the penis and erections can't occur or last. Preliminary research suggests that ginkgo may help by enhancing blood flow and improving circulation.

A recent study conducted in Germany demonstrated ginkgo's ability to improve blood flow through the penile arteries. The clinical trial involved 60 men with "proven arterial erectile dysfunction," meaning the erectile problems were unresponsive to injections of a blood vessel-dilating drug known as papaverine. The men were prescribed 60 mg of ginkgo biloba extract every day for from 12 to 18 months.

The researchers technologically evaluated penile arterial blood flow every four weeks and noted the first signs of improvement within eight weeks. After six months, half (51 percent) of the men had regained sexual potency. In 12 men, papaverine, which had previously been unsuccessful, now worked. Fifteen of the men had improved penile blood flow, but still did not respond to papaverine. And of all 60 men, only 3 (five percent) had no measurable improvement.

Safety and Precautions: Ginkgo is generally considered as safe and non-toxic; however, if any undesirable effects are noticed, use should be discontinued. In addition, those who are on blood thinning medications such as Coumadin should avoid using the herb.

Dosage and Timing: Ginkgo biloba comes in a wide variety of forms, including liquid extracts, tinctures, tablets, capsules and teas. Since there is no standard of concentration, the potency will vary from product to product. Therefore, it is best to follow dosage instructions on the product label or to work with a knowledgeable health practitioner. For best results, the herb should be taken daily between meals for at least two weeks.

Availability: Ginkgo is a nutritional supplement and is readily available at health and natural product stores, and by mail order.

Muira Puama -
From Brazil, With Love

Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) is a South American folk herb that has been treasured as an aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant for centuries. Derived from a shrub native to the Amazon region of Brazil, this herb has also been used to treat frigidity in women and has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for impotence.

A French research trial recently demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of this exotic herb. The study, which took place at the Institute of Sexology in Paris, was conducted by Dr. Jacques Waynberg, one of the world's leading authorities on sexual function. The 262 men who suffered lack of sexual desire, or were unable to attain or maintain an erection, were instructed to consume one (1) to one and a half (1.5) grams of muira puama each day. Within just two weeks, the majority (62 percent) of the men with low libido reported a positive, dynamic increase in their sexual desire. More than half (51 percent) of those with erectile dysfunction also noted improvement.

The results were certainly promising. Since the researchers have not identified exactly what produced these results, further studies will be necessary to identify the herb's active components and its biochemical effects. However, this study indicates that it appears to work, so for those who are eager to try something new, muira puama appears to be a wonderful herb worth exploring. It may one day become an important natural treatment for a variety of sexual disorders.

Muira Puama for Women

The historical use of muira puama throughout South America includes its use as an aphrodisiac for both sexes. While no formal studies have been conducted on women, according to Master Herbalist and author, Michael Tierra, the herb is also a natural treatment for frigidity. As very few herbs carry this property, we anticipate muira puama studies on women in the near future.

Safety and Precautions: Muira puama is generally considered safe and non-toxic; however, if any undesirable effects are noticed, use should be discontinued.

Dosage and Timing: Muira puama comes in a wide variety of forms, including liquid extracts, tinctures, tablets, capsules and teas. Since there is no standard of concentration, the potency will vary from product to product. Therefore, it is best to follow dosage instructions on the product label or to work with a knowledgeable health practitioner. For best results, the herb should be taken daily between meals.

Availability: Muira puama is a nutritional supplement and is readily available at health and natural product stores, and by mail order.

Titillating Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, has been used as a prosexual and medicinal herb among various cultures for millennia. According to ancient Indian Ayurvedic medical texts, this herb has medicinal, diuretic and aphrodisiac properties. The ancient Greeks used it as a general health tonic, diuretic and mild laxative. In China, tribulus has been a remedy for impotence, as well as for sexual, kidney, urinary and cardiovascular disorders. While some ancient cultures have long known about tribulus terrestris, it has only recently found its way to the West.

The first Western use of the tribulus dates to the 1960s, when the herb was reportedly used by the powerful East European Olympic teams. Because of the ban on the use of (synthetic) anabolic steroids, competitive athletes sought natural methods of boosting their performance. When Bulgarian strength athletes discovered tribulus terrestris, they reportedly made incredible gains, including enhanced performance and decreased recovery time.

More recently, the research and development arm of a Bulgarian pharmaceutical firm called Sopharma, was investigating safe herbal treatments for sexual deficiencies. The company conducted a number of animal studies using the herb and uncovered several prosexual and health benefits. For example, the researchers found that tribulus supplements were able to increase the quality and quantity of sperm production, improve sperm motility and survival, and enhance libido.

Powerful Libido

Tribulus terrestris showed its most impressive results in a study of its effects on sexual libido. A group of male pigs with "lasting impotence" were tested based on their sexual behavior and sexual body movements. The study demonstrated that after a 10-day period, the sexual reflexes were fully recovered in 71 percent of the animals. The results were especially astonishing because the animals had suffered "complete absence of libido." By the end of the study, all (100 percent) of the previously impotent animals had recovered.

Health Benefits

Recent studies of tribulus are also verifying some of the historical uses of the herb. For example, it appears to benefit the cardiovascular system, ease symptoms of angina pectoris and reduce blood pressure. Other sources suggest that tribulus terrestris may be an effective herbal treatment for symptoms of menopause.

Safety and Precautions: Tribulus terrestris is generally considered safe and non-toxic. A recent study of its long-term effects showed no toxicity, adverse reactions or side effects. However, Michael Tierra, a well-known authority on herbs, warns that "it should be used cautiously during pregnancy." If any undesirable effects are noticed, use should be discontinued.

Dosage and Timing: Tribulus terrestris comes in a wide variety of forms, including tinctures, tablets, capsules and teas. Since there is no standard of concentration, the potency will vary from product to product. Therefore, it is best to follow dosage instructions on the product label or to work with a knowledgeable health practitioner. For best results, the herb should be taken daily between meals.

Availability: Tribulus terrestris is a nutritional supplement and is readily available at health and natural product stores, and by mail order.

Herbal Prowess with Yohimbe

Yohimbe is perhaps the most powerfully effective herb for enhancing libido and sexual function. The yohimbe tree, Pausinytalia yohimbe, is native to tropical West Africa. Folk medicine practiced by the tribes in this region and in the nearby West Indies Islands included a tea distilled from the inner bark of the tree.

The brew was used to amplify male virility and sexual prowess, and demonstrated its true potential during intense tribal sex ceremonies — some of which lasted up to two weeks. These rituals might never have been possible without the power of this incredible herb. Popular belief holds that an alkaloid isolated from this bark actually increases testosterone levels, although studies suggest that testosterone is not a factor.

Yohimbe - Yohimbine:
What's the Difference?

Herbal yohimbe products generally consist of Pausinytalia yohimbe bark and can be found at most health and natural food stores and at other outlets that sell herbal supplements. These products are available in a variety of forms (capsules, tablets and tinctures) and are usually referred to simply as yohimbe. The isolated, active ingredient in yohimbe bark is an extract known as yohimbine.

Referred to as yohimbine hydrochloride by the pharmaceutical industry, yohimbine has been used to treat male and female sexual disorders for the last 80 years. In fact, before the introduction of Viagra®, yohimbine was the only FDA-approved medication for treating impotence. Yohimbine is available by prescription in 5.4 mg tablets, although most over-the-counter (OTC) yohimbe products contain significant concentrations.

One researcher examined a variety of OTC yohimbe products and found many of them to contain more yohimbine than the prescription variety. He also found that the cost of many herbal yohimbe products is lower than the pharmaceutical product.

Another advantage of herbal yohimbe is that it contains a variety of complementary chemical compounds that may buffer the powerful effects of naturally occurring yohimbine. Prescription yohimbine, on the other hand, does not carry this benefit, and it may therefore "hit you harder." While the focus of this chapter is herbs, the scientific literature primarily examines the effects of yohimbine. As the herb and its extract have essentially the same prosexual effect, the study results can be applied to herbal yohimbe.

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The Smart Guide to Better Sex From Andro to Zinc Supplements and Herbs to Fire Up Your Sex Life

The Smart Guide to Better Sex
From Andro to Zinc
Supplements and Herbs to Fire Up Your Sex Life