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Natural Alternatives
to Viagra
by Michael Elstein
Natural remedies which
challenge the drug of the nineties and offer new sexual
possibilities for men. Over 50 per cent of adult males
between the ages of 40-70 suffer from some form of impotence,
or erectile dysfunction...
As we reach the end
of the current millennium and contemplate all the possibilities
that a new era has to offer it should come as no surprise
that a drug which promises such instantaneous therapy
for such a pervasive problem should be so popular.
Over 50 per cent of
adult males between the ages of 40-70 suffer from some
form of impotence, or erectile dysfunction as it is
now termed, and the drug Viagra guarantees an immediate
cure for this problem.
Once a drug becomes
the butt of talk-show host jibes and cocktail party
repartee you know it has to be doing well. The downside
of Viagra is its side effects which includes headaches,
flushing and visual disturbances. We have yet to discover
the long term consequences of taking such a drug and
its limitations appear to be those very factors that
are heralded as its strengths.
Unlike herbal treatments
and other natural remedies Viagra does not address the
whole person. Erectile dysfunction can result from a
combination of physical and psychological factors thereby
making it important to adopt a wholistic perspective
if the treatment is to be maximally effective.
This is why attention
to diet, exercise, the psyche and the physiological
origins of erectile dysfunction is so essential. Diseases
like diabetes, atherosclerosis, which is the blockage
of arteries, multiple sclerosis and peyronies disease,
whereby a band of tissue forms at the base of the penis
ultimately compromising erection, are all implicated.
Low levels of testosterone
and thyroid hormone as well as raised prolactin, which
is produced by the brain during times of stress, are
further causes of erectile dysfunction.
Medications such as
anti-hypertensives, anti-depressants and lifestyle factors
which include smoking, alcohol, obesity and recreational
drugs all have detrimental effects. Depression, anxiety
and relationship problems are psychological causes of
erectile dysfunction.
Blood tests which
assess hormone levels, cholesterol, glucose tolerance
and a full biochemical profile should be part of your
routine evaluation. Circulatory problems can be diagnosed
by means of ultrasound examination.
Once all these investigations
have been completed it is time to consider all the treatment
options. This is when herbal remedies become so appealing.
What are the alternatives and how do they work? Let
us start by looking at one of the new challenges to
Viagra.
Tribulus terrestris
This is a herb which
has only recently captured the attention of those who
wish to enhance their sexuality. Its presence dates
back to ancient India when when it was recognised for
its rejuvenating and aphrodisiac properties. Tribulus
has been researched on animals and humans and it been
found to have wide ranging benefits.
With regard to sexual
activity tribulus increases libido, improves strength,
frequency and duration of erections and promotes spermatogenesis.
Recuperation time is reduced thereby enhancing endurance
and stamina.
This herb can also
be viewed as a fertility remedy as not only does it
increase the quantity of sperm produced, but it also
results in the propagation of sperm which has improved
quality and greater mobility.
In women, tribulus
similarly increases libido and has an ovulatory stimulatory
effect. Symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes,
insomnia, irritability and depression are significantly
alleviated. Overall individuals taking this herb have
noticed diminished lethargy and fatigue, while experiencing
benefits of mental alertness and enhanced stamina.
Interestingly, tribulus
has a different mechanism of action in men and women.
In men it increases testosterone quite dramatically
by stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone
which is produced in the pituitary. The pituitary is
a master gland in your brain which controls hormonal
activity in various parts of your body.
In women tribulus
stimulates the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone
which results in the production of increased oestradiol
but not testosterone.
Tribulus has also
been found to lower cholesterol, stimulate diuresis
and improve muscle building. This herb is extremely
popular with weight lifters as it confers all the benefits
already mentioned without the disadvantages of anabolic
steroids.
Claims have been made
that this herb is without adverse consequences, however
the effects of any substance that raises testosterone
should be monitored closely, especially with regard
to its impact on the prostate and testes.
It has been observed
to elevate blood pressure and it can enhance growth
hormone production. This in turn can lead to insulin
resistance and a propensity to develop diabetes if this
process is not circumvented.
So you can see that
although this herb has a number of benefits it should
be treated with respect and taken with caution. It would
be wise to take tribulus under the supervision of a
health practitioner. If you want to protect yourself
from the negative effects that testosterone can have
on your reproductive system consume extra phytoestrogens
such as those found in soy, lentils and red clover.
Damiana (Turnera
diffusa)
The leaves of damiana
were used in the United States during the 18th century
to improve sexual ability and it is currently believed
to be an aphrodisiac. It can be used in male and female
preparations and is regarded as a stimulating tonic.
Gingko biloba
This herb has been
used extensively to treat poor circulation to the brain.
As erectile dysfunction has often been associated with
diminished blood flow this herb would be beneficial
where this is the documented cause. In fact studies
have demonstrated regained potency in those taking this
herb over an eight week period. You need to take 120mg
of herb per day to achieve this result.
Panax ginseng
Like Tribulus terrestris,
ginseng has beneficial effects on the whole body by
virtue of its ability to revitalise and energise. Individuals
taking ginseng experience markedly diminished levels
of fatigue and renewed energy. Specifically, ginseng
acts on the adrenal glands which are responsible for
adaptation to stress so that this process becomes far
more efficient and much less tiring.
With regard to sexual
activity, scientific evidence indicates that ginseng
reduces sexual dysfunction by increasing libido and
raising testosterone levels as well as by improving
sperm count and mobility.
You now have all the
evidence before you. You have to decide whether the
newly anointed king of sexual dysfunction is able to
resist the challenge of those natural remedies whose
extensive benefits exceed that of merely treating erectile
dysfunction.
Bondi
Family Health Centre
Phone 02 9365 1333
Int: 612 9365 1333
260a Bondi Road
Bondi NSW 2066
AUSTRALIA
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