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Male Herbs for Impotence

Dr.Joe's Data Base

© 1996 Christopher Hobbs Formerly
published in Let's Live
Magazine----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----"I can't make love, I have a terrible headache." This phrase has
becomewell-recognized, and even a subject of humor to epitomize a popular
beliefthat women may often need an excuse to avoid love-making with a man
whosesexual appetite is much more insistent that hers. In recent years,
however,we have been hearing increasingly about men who are intimidated by
women,or for one reason or another, cannot perform--"performance anxiety."
Dowomen or men have a higher incidence of inhibited sexual desire to thepoint
where it becomes a problem in their life? Perhaps it is much moreequal than
is popularly thought, but men are more reticent to talk aboutit. It's no joke
to many men when it comes to what is called in the MerckManual (14th ed.)
abnormal fear of the vagina. Other intrapsychic (it's allin the mind) causes
in men for "inhibited sexual excitement" (impotence)are listed as sexual
guilt, fear of intimacy, depression, and somerecreational drugs (see
sidebar).In no other area of human health does the mind enter in more
thoroughlythan in human sexuality--an ironic statement, because most of us
realizethat this is precisely one area of human activity where the mind can
oftendo more harm than good. But in fact, statistics show that for both men
andwomen, up to 80% of sexual dysfunction and inhibited sexual desire are
ofmental or emotional origin.According to the Merck Manual, impotence in men
is of two types: primary,which is rare, and "generally indicates severe
psychopathology;" andsecondary, "in which erectile dysfunction prohibits
completion ofsuccessful sexual intercourse in about 25% (or more) of
opportunities." Asmentioned, a full 80% of the secondary impotence is
directly attributableto mental and emotional factors and only 20% to disease
and functionalabnormalities such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,
surgery, anddisorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal hormone
processes, whichmight lead to lowered levels of testosterone. Although low
levels oftestosterone might even be found in a majority of men with
impotence, it isdifficult to know whether psychological factors inhibiting
sexual contactleads to lowered testosterone levels, or visa versa.
SidebarDrugs and their effect on Sexual PerformanceDrugs, such as alcohol,
can also be a factor. I recently read a study thatwas carried out in the 60s
in San Francisco with a group of volunteers,which clearly showed that while
cocaine (which is considered the 'cadillac'of sexual stimulants) and
marijuana led to increased sexual interest andimproved performance, drugs
such as heroin, alcohol, and a variety ofdowners (such as reds and quaaludes)
and amphetamines actually led to amild to strong decrease in these areas.
Common prescription drugs can alsolead to impotence as a side-effect. This is
especially notable withhypertensives, sedatives, and tranquilizers.End of
SidebarA common myth in this culture is that older people loose their
sexualdesire and ability to have satisfactory intercourse. Statistics and
studiesdo not support this, however. According to the Merck Manual again,
"Agingis not an inevitable cause of impotence, even into the 70s and 80s."
Ofcourse, the desire to have sex will cool off somewhat as we get older.
I'veoften felt how fortunate I am to not have the same desire in my 40s as
Idid when I was 19!The most common prescription for functional impotence is
yohimbinehydrochloride. The drug originated from a West African tree,
Pausinystaliajohimbe, which has been sold for years on the herb markets of
countriesworld-wide, including the U.S. The alkaloid is an -adrenergic
blocker,increases parasympathetic tone and decreases sympathetic tone, as
well as acentral nervous system (CNS) stimulant. There are a few modern
studiesshowing that it is effective for some types of impotence, especially
onesof vascular, diabetic, or psychogenic origins, and it can improve
thequality and staying power of erections, usually without increasing
sexualexcitement. However, the drug should be used cautiously, because it is
aCNS stimulant and can lead to side-effects such as dizziness nervousnessand
anxiety (Physicians Desk Reference, 43rd edition). Yohimbe is alsoavailable
in some products sold in health food stores, but again, it shouldbe used with
caution.Because many cases of impotence are associated with our mind and
emotions,it is appropriate to seek the services of a qualified
psychologist,marriage and family counselor or social worker. I prefer to work
withpractitioners who do not view such problems as pathological, but as
aprocess of self-discovery and personal growth. It is important to
clearlyunderstand the root causes of impotence, and often doing so, the
problemwill disappear on its own.As an herbalist, and Traditional Chinese
Medicine practitioner, I use herbsas a major part of my "bag of tricks" in a
clinical situation, as well aspersonally and with friends and acquaintances.
Besides herbal therapies, Irecommend proper exercise and deep breathing
daily, to make sure thecirculation is moving. Hydrotherapy (cool showers, for
instance) can alsobe effective for this, and it is essential to eat a strong
diet that avoidsfoods rich in saturated fats, refined sugars, and processed
foods ingeneral, and emphasizes high-fiber foods such as grains and legumes,
freshlightly cooked vegetables, and a variety of fruits in season.
Followingthis diet and the other recommendations will often lead to
improvementwithin a few weeks. Herbal Programs I would organize herbal
treatments andprograms under the following categories, depending on the needs
of theindividual. *Relaxing herbs (when anxiety, tension and poor sleep is a
rootcause) *Aphrodisiacs (to increase sexual desire) *Testosterone
enhancers(where testosterone levels are low) *Circulatory stimulants
(whencirculation is poor, a person is often cold) *Adaptogens (when a person
isunder a lot of stress) *Tonics (blood, vital energy and vital essence,
whena person is deficient or weak) Relaxing HerbsBecause nervousness, tension
and even anxiety may play a major role inimpotence, relaxing herbs can be of
benefit. Herbs such as valerian,passion flower (I like the name), California
poppy, lavendar and wild oatscan relax without lowering sexual desire. The
relaxing herb hops should beavoided, however. Modern studies show that it is
estrogenic, and has a longhistory of use as an anaphrodisiac (lowers sexual
desire).Valerian should be used as a fresh plant liquid extract (1-2
droppers/3times daily, or as needed). Passion flower is mild, but effective,
and isusually combined with other relaxing herbs to enhance their
activity.California poppy is one of the best muscle relaxers and scientifici
studiesshow that it can help relieve mild anxiety. In my experience, valerian
andCalifornia poppy are very effective together. Wild oats is well-known as
amild sexual enhancer and relaxing herb. Use it in liquid extract form
(2-3droppers, made from the fresh spikelets) or as a powdered
extract.AphrodisiacsSince time immemorial, people have been looking for that
magic herb thatcan strongly increase sexual desire and potency.
Unfortunately, there is noone herb that can do miracles, rather there are
several that can help buildup sexual energy and vitality. Ginseng is probably
the best-knownaphrodisiac. Although there are many types of ginseng, look for
either "redKorean," or "red Chinese" (Kirin) ginsengs. In my experience,
these arestronger than white, unprocessed types. Ginseng is especially
effective forpeople over 40 who have weak digestive systems, are not getting
enoughnourishment and are deficient, and have little or no sexual desire.
Itshould be taken daily (10-15 grams), in combination with some ginger as
atea, liquid extract or powdered extract. To my knowledge, ginseng is one
ofthe only herbs known to stimulate the production or testosterone in
thebody. In my experience, the following herbs are also worth trying for
theiraphrodisiacal (is it a word?) properties. * Turmeric (powdered
extract, liquid extract--1 ddropper 2-3 x daily) * Damiana (won't work
unless it's very fresh--liquid extract only, 40 drops 3 x daily) * Mira
puama (German researchers have found some activity, popular in Europe)
* Ginger (warming, stimulating to the circulation and is mildly
aphrodisiac--use it on a regular basis as a tea or liquid extract in a
little water) * Chocolate (contains the alkaloids theobromine, and
small amounts of caffeine)--use the liquid extract, or the unsweetened
powder.Testosterone EnhancersAfter a thorough search of the available
literature, and from personalexperience, I feel that herbs such as
sarsaparilla and wild yam, which areoften sold in body-building formulas as a
testosterone source are highlyoverrated. Both herbs contain plant sterols,
but there is no solid evidencethat they either stimulate or supply
testosterone in the body. Howeverthere is one Mexican study, which I can't
confirm, that suggests thatsarsaparilla extracts can have this activity. It
may be fun toexperiment--it isn't bad-tasting, but I'm not giving the story
muchcreedence.Red Panax ginsengs may be the best bet in this category, and
there is oneanimal study that shows that ginseng extracts can increase
bloodtestosterone levels.Other herbs that may be helpful in a total herbal
program can includecirculatory stimulants (ginger, prickly ash bark,
turmeric, motherwort),and adaptogens, which also can help support adrenal
function (eleuthero,American ginseng, ashwaganda,
schisandra).------------------------------------------------------------------
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