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Herbal Remedies for Impotence
PERUVIAN MACA (Lepidium meyenii) is a folk medicine with centuries of use. It is known as an aphrodisiac and an effective treatment for impotence. Research done in Peru shows that maca enhanced the fertility of laboratory rats. It is not clear what the active ingredient is, although a group of chemicals in the glucosinolate category are the prime candidates. These same chemicals are also found in broccoli and cabbage, which are genetic relatives of maca. Peruvians traditionally eat maca as a medicinal food in the form of soup, jam or a beverage.
MUIRA PUAMA (Ptychopetalum olacoides), also known as potency wood, is a rain-forest remedy from Brazil with a long history of use in South American folk medicine as an aphrodisiac. Only one official medical study has been done, but the results were promising. The study, which was presented at the First International Congress on Ethnopharmacology in Strasbourg, France, involved 262 subjects who were complaining of lack of sexual desire and inability to attain or maintain an erection. After two weeks of receiving muira-puama extract on a daily basis, 62% of patients with loss of libido stated that the treatment had a dramatic effect, while 51% of patients with erectile problems stated that the herb was beneficial. The mechanism of action of muira puama is unknown, but it may affect both hypogonadism as well as erectile dysfunction.
YIN YANG HUO (Epimedium sagittatum) may be a serious contender to the throne occupied by Viagra. Also known as homy goat weed or goat sex herb, this traditional Chinese medicine has been used for centuries to treat male sexual disorders, and as a body builder. Although no single active ingredient has been found, modern researchers have identified several unique compounds called glycosides and alkaloids. The combined effect of these substances appears to increase overall circulation, lower blood pressure, improve the production of male hormones, increase sperm production and enhance erections, possibly by some of the same mechanisms as Viagra.
Dosage: Maca is just being discovered in the United States, and dosages vary considerably depending on how the plant is processed. A recommended starting dosage is 3,000 mg daily.
Dosage: Muira puama is sold in health-food stores in tincture and capsule forms. The dosage given in the above study was 1 to 1.5 gm daily.
Dosage: The herb is available as a raw powder (as it is traditionally used) or in capsules as a concentrate. The dosage of the powder is 10 to 15 gm per day. The 10:1 concentrate is available in capsules containing 250 mg each. A suggested daily amount is between 1,000 to 3,000 mg. Side effects are minimal, but nausea and dry mouth have been reported. Because of its similarities to Viagra, horny goat weed should not be taken with nitroglycerin drugs.
