For educational purposes only.
It is not intended for MEDICAL treatments.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any dis-ease.
Normal sexual function requires healthy organs and healthy glands to produce the necessary sex hormones. Herbs are superiour body balancers that work through the glands. The suitable combinations of herbs are capable of assisting humans to achieve enhanced glandular response to sensory input, as well as balancing hormone levels for more vigorous sex.
Scientific research into traditional medicinal herbs has been a foundation of modern medicine for more than 150 years. Even today, up to three-quarters of all pharmaceuticals contain compounds derived from plants, or variations on plant compounds.
How do herbs help with sex?
The term "aphrodisiac" in all probability will come to your mind straight away. An aphrodisiac (the word Greek aphrodisiac derives from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty) is defined as anything that provokes sexual interest or desire.
They are capable of:
- Setting the mood
- Increasing sexual desire and drive
- Increasing sexual pleasure
Furthermore, herbs are also capable of aiding health conditions that might otherwise inhibit sex. These conditions include the following:
- The "male" problems of impotence, prostate problems, and male
menopause
- The "female" problems of menopause and premenstrual syndrome
- Chronic health problems such as arthritis or diabetes
- Other conditions that affect your overall well-being, such as lack of
energy or addiction to cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.
Angelica Root Angelica archangelica
Angelica is another potent root used to improve circulation and warm the body. It is helpful in the treatment of colds, coughs and all lung diseases. It is also used for treating rheumatic problems. It is a general tonic for improving sexual function. Do not use this root during pregnancy. Diabetics ought to not use it either, as it increases blood sugar levels.
Ashwagandha - Ayurvedic equivalent to ginseng however less heating. Assist in increasing sexual energy. It is a well-known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility.
Black Cohosh combats the effects of fluctuating hormones. An antispasmodic, it relieves menstrual cramps, menopausal hot flashes and uterine contractions.
Chaste Tree Berry has a normalizing effect on the sex drive. It stimulates production of the hormone progesterone and balances estrogen dominance. Chaste tree berry helps overcome depression associated with the menstrual cycle, headaches, premenstrual acne, breast tenderness, cramps and bloating.
Dong Quai is an estrogen-balancing herb for women. Estrogenic herbs and foods have the same effect on a woman's body as her own hormones do - but without negative side effects of synthetic estrogen. More than half the women who take prescription estrogens experience bloating, headaches, excessive bleeding, cellulitic skin and other unwanted side effects. Herbs with estrogenic properties are the perfect answer. Women not yet in full-fledged menopause though are experiencing estrogen fluctuations during their peri-menopausal period also get good results with estrogenic herbs. That's because coumarins - naturally occurring substances in dong quai - exert tonifying action on the uterus as well as boost circulation.
False Unicorn is a uterine tonic that relieves congestion. It has been traditionally included in aphrodisiac formulas for women.
Ginger and Cloves - Warms, increases blood flow to extremities.
Ginkgo - Assist male dysfunction symptomatically caused by lack of blood flow to the penile area.
Horny goat weed (Epimedium)
This provocative name refers to a variety of plant species whose first recorded use in China dates back to 200 BCE Its leaves and stems contain a variety of polysaccharides and the flavonoid icariin. These constituents are believed to be responsible for the plant's androgenic activity that increases both sperm production and blood testosterone in animals.
In traditional Chinese medicine, horny goat weed has been given to both sexes, though to different ends. In men, the herb reputedly promotes sperm production and sexual desire, and improves some cases of impotence. In women, the herb has primarily been used for fatigue and postmenopausal hypertension.
Licorice Root is another herb with plant estrogen activity. It helps reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, mood swings, and depression. Licorice strengthens adrenal glands to boost energy levels and minimize the effects of stress.
Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)
Dubbed by the Miami Herald as "Peru's natural Viagra," maca's radish-like root has long been reputed to increase strength, energy, stamina, libido and sexual function. Today, as researchers and physicians explore both the phytochemistry and biological activity of the plant, historical claims made for maca appear to be true.
Maca root is a rich source of sterols, including sitosterol, campestrol, ergosterol, brassicasterol and ergostadienol. It is unknown exactly, which of the root's constituents affect sexual desire and performance. Two groups of novel compounds, macamides and macaenes, appear especially active and are also being investigated.
Maura Puama helps men and women. This aphrodisiac is capable of curing
impotence and even PMS.
Muirapuama (Ptychopetalum olacoides)
Few reputed health-enhancing plants are as popular or as widely consumed among the natives of the northern Amazon river basin as the bark of muirapuama. For centuries, this plant has been used to increase libido and improve sexual potency. The harvest and sale of muirapuama is big business throughout Brazil. As one Amazonian herbalist told me, "Muirapuama makes you sexually young again."
Although research on muirapuama is still modest, reports in scientific journals and at conferences have indicated that the herb does enhance sexual desire and performance. Chemists have identified a group of sterols, including beta-sitosterol, thought to be responsible for the herb's effects. In one French study using muirapuama, 51 percent of 262 men with erectile problems reported improvement, and 62 percent experienced an increase in libido.
Panax Ginseng has estrogen like effects on the female reproductive tissues and prevents vaginal atrophy. It is especially good over the long term, because it helps the body secrete moisture.
Siberian Ginseng is a tonic herb that restores body balance, both physically and biochemically. It also influences the hypothalamus to modulate hormone release.
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe)
Yohimbe pumps up a man's sexual performance instantly. Though beware, the rush is capable of triggering severe headaches and dizziness.
From the heart of the African continent comes the only reputed sex-enhancing plant whose primary active compound is classified as a drug. This tall evergreen forest tree's bark is rich in the alkaloid yohimbine. A central nervous system stimulant, yohimbine appears to work as a sexual catalyst in men by increasing blood flow to the penis. Men with penile circulatory problems typically get the best results with yohimbe. But men with psychological impotence also fare well using yohimbe bark products.
Not everyone finds taking yohimbe a comfortable experience. In some cases the bark can produce nervousness, insomnia, nausea and rapid heart rate. But for the those who tolerate yohimbe well, the concentrated bark extract imparts energy, a feeling of increased strength and increased sexual arousal.
Zallouh root (Ferulas harmonis)
Zallouh root, also known as shirsh zallouh, is a small shrub with thin leaves and tiny white or yellow flowers. The plant grows at altitudes between 6,000 and 10,000 feet around massive Mount Haramoun, which straddles the borders of Syria, Lebanon and Israel. The plant's root has been used as a sex enhancer since antiquity by men with erectile problems, and for men and women with low libido.
Until recently, zallouh was unavailable outside the region in which it grows. Its popularity and availability is spreading because of a growing body of scientific research. While many purported sex enhancers are the subjects of folklore alone, zallouh has been investigated extensively in clinical trials, and the results are impressive. The Lebanese government's interest in zallouh has led to a series of human studies involving more than 7,000 subjects.
One six-month study involved 315 men with a mean age of 55. Among the 159 who took either 500 or 1,000 mg of freeze-dried zallouh root, 80 percent experienced improvement. On a scale of 1 to 5, the men went from an average score of 1.26 (virtually no erection) to an average of 3.11 (a firm erection).
In the largest zallouh study, 4,274 patients, ages 18 to 87, participated. Of these, 2,722 took between 2 and 8 g of zallouh root daily in tea. At the end of the year, 2,199 patients taking zallouh had completed the study; the efficacy rate neared 86 percent for improved erectile function. These results are rather spectacular and show promise for large doses of zallouh taken over an extended period. Not all the studies were quite as impressive though. Results depend on the zallouh dosage and study duration. The lowest efficacy rates in clinical trials hovered around 60 percent, which is still quite good, compared with placebo efficacy of about 10 percent.
What is it about zallouh that so markedly improves erectile function? The root appears to contain ferulic acid, which dilates blood vessels and stimulates circulation. Those with hypertension, significant heart disease or diabetic neuropathy should not take zallouh root without physician approval. In some people, the root causes flushing and headaches as a result of the enhanced circulatory effects.
Increasing Your Sexual Desire and Drive
The word "libido" isn't used now as much as it was in the heyday of Freudian psychology. But its definition still aptly describes "sexual drive." One dictionary puts it this way: "The psychic and emotional energy associated with bodily drives." Another dictionary adds that these "bodily drives" arising from "primitive urges" are usually "goal-oriented." Now, what might possibly mean when we're talking about sex? In this piece our goal is to focus on sexual desire and drive, which are inextricably connected.
The sexual drive is perhaps the most fascinating of all the "bodily drives." True, its original purpose may have been to ensure the continuation of humankind. But the concept of procreation probably ranks much lower on most of our scales than a desire for plain, "old-fashioned" sexual enjoyment.
Though if you do not have the urge, the libido or desire or drive, then you may not be having sex as often as you would like. Or, lack of sexual drive is capable of turning sex into more of a chore than a pleasure. It is not required to be that way. The herbs described in this chapter are capable of assisting to put sexual desire and drive back into your life, or back into the life of the person you love.
Increasing Your Sexual Pleasure
Setting the mood and desiring to have sex are certainly the first two steps to enjoying sex. Though once the "game has begun," there are many ways to ensure maximum sexual pleasure. Herbs are capable of assisting, usually by initiating a change in your body's chemical balance, such as increasing your body's production of testosterone, the "male" hormone that functions in both men and women to create your body's sexual response. For the reason that this chemical-changing role, most of these herbs are more effective when taken consistently over a period of time. Within a few weeks of taking the herb, you ought to gradually begin to notice a change in your sexual response, increasing your sexual pleasure.
Improving Your Overall Well-Being
Enjoying the best sex takes more than simply ensuring that you have no major health problems that interfere. It also means taking a look at your lifestyle to be sure your overall well-being supports pleasurable sex. Many herbs are capable of assisting to optimise your health, by giving you more energy, helping you relieve stress, aiding you in overcoming addictions, and assisting you in losing any excess weight. Find out whether any of these herbs may benefit you and your sex life.
Herbs to Increase Your Energy
If you sense fatigued or have a lack of energy, it's no surprise that you may not get too excited about sex. The optimum way to regain energy is to identify and alleviate whatever is making you experience so fatigued, a health problem, too much stress, side effects from medication, or lack of sleep, for example. These herbs may also help restore your energy levels and restore your sex life as well: astragalus, fo-ti, ginkgo, ginseng, and spirulina.
Herbs to Reduce Stress
It's almost impossible to avoid stress, though you are capable of controlling your reaction to it. Uncontrolled stress is at the heart of many ills, including impotence and other sex problems. Though these herbs are capable of helping: catnip, chamomile, damiana, dong quai, ginseng, gotu kola, guarana, kava, and licorice.
Herbal Bath to Relieve Tension
Attempt this herbal combination: Place valerian and sweet flag in a cheesecloth bag and soak it in your bathwater.
Overcoming Addictions
Often humans assume that addictive substances make your sex lives superiour, that is even why you use them at times. Though just the opposite is factual. Alcohol, tobacco, and street drugs all impair sexual ability. Herbs are capable of assisting you deal with overcoming these addictions, allowing you to enjoy sex more than before. Attempt the following: barley, cayenne, ginseng, lobelia, and spirulina.
Weight Loss
Extra weight is capable of inhibiting your sex life in many ways. It makes movement difficult. It contributes to health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems that impair sexual function. It makes you consider yourself less attractive. And, the truth is, it may turn off your partner. Herbs are capable of assisting you to achieve weight loss. Examine these to determine if they are suitable for you: cayenne, cinnamon, lobelia, spirulina, and wild yam.
Setting the Mood
Most sex therapists insist that sex begins in your head, in a way, it is an idea that overtakes you. Your body's physical reaction, hormone surges, growing sensitivity of the genital areas, and all the rest, follows. A key part of starting that sexual idea is setting the mood. And herbs are capable of certainly assisting.
The herbs listed below are capable of creating the precise climate for enjoyable sex, influencing your way of behaving and mood rather than necessarily changing your body chemistry (though some of these herbs may do that as well). For the reason that what appeals to you and causes you to be "in the mood" is so individual, view these suggestions as possibilities to get you started.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy means using scent to evoke a response, such as greater concentration, relaxation, or even putting you in a sexy mood. You are capable of finding many oils of aromatic herbs in health food stores and home decorating stores. Or use dried flowers or potpourri placed in a dish.
One aroma scientifically proven to evoke feelings of sexuality is the odor of cinnamon buns baking in the oven! The list of herbs whose aromas can create desire for sex is endless and subjective, experiment with scents that appeal to you and your partner.
These will get you started: basil, cardamom, cinnamon, jasmine, lavender, patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla.
Baths
One of the most beneficial ways to start a romantic encounter is by sharing an herbal bath. Place any combination of these herbs, dried or fresh, in a cheesecloth bag or tea infuser, letting the herbs soak in warm water along with you. Or endeavor bath oils containing any of these herbs: aloe vera, basil, chamomile, cinnamon, comfrey, eucalyptus, hops, lavender, oats, parsley, and St. John's wort.
Body Products
Herbs are capable of helping make bodies more appealing by deodorising them providing aroma, and offering smooth-textured skin. Many body products, such as soap, deodorants, lotions, shampoos, and body oils, have herbs added. Or you may experiment with making your own, from this list of herbs (check for them or their oils at health food stores or herb shops): almond, aloe vera, anise, basil, black and green teas, calendula, chamomile, eucalyptus, jojoba oil, lemon, mugwort, myrrh, oats, olive, pansy, papaya, parsley, sage, and tea tree oil.
Breath Fresheners
Essential mood-setters are those delicious kisses that send shivers down the spine. One way to avoid a turn-off from halitosis is to freshen your breath with your own herbal mouthwash. Take several ounces of fresh or dried herbs from the following list, put them in a lidded jar, and fill the jar with vodka. Steep for a few days, then get ready to sip it and pucker up!
Herbal breath fresheners include anise, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, coriander, dill, eucalyptus, fennel, ginger, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint, and turmeric. For parsley, anise, fennel, and the like, eat the greenery or suck on a few seeds to freshen your breath; or try herbs in breath mints or chewing gum.
Sex Herb Combinations
Take a step into your local supermarket, discount store, drugstore, health food store, ethnic foods store, herb shop-even into your local convenience store, or "surf" into one of the many online shopping areas of the Internet. You will most likely be astonished to find that herbs are available everywhere these days, and in every form imaginable! First look in their medicine area; you will find boxes, bottles, and bags, all full of herbal products. Then look in the candy section; there you will find herbs as ingredients in "sports bars" or "energy bars." Next, take a stroll to the beverage section; look for an array of colourful bottles bearing names like "SoBe," "Arizona Tea," or "Hansen's." You'll also notice a wall of boxes containing a range of herbal teas.
Given this wealth of herbal products, what exactly ought to you buy? You may have a clear idea of which herbs you wish to try. In that case, simply find the individual herbal products in the form you desire, with guaranteed ingredients, at the unequaled price. Though if selecting and using herbs to enhance your sex life seems overwhelming, you may want to take a look at the various herbal combinations now available. These blends of herbs come in a variety of forms: capsule or pill, extract, or even beverage or tea.
If you wish to attempt an herb blend, be sure to read the list of ingredients to make sure the product contains the herbs you wish, in quantities that are suitable. You will want to refer to the herbs described in this book, and possibly even consult a knowledgeable store employee or an herbalist or nutritionist about specific brands.
Capsules, Pills, and Extracts
The products that contain the greatest amount of herbs are the ones found in capsule, pill, or extract form. These herbal blends are sold practically everywhere these days, and under many brand names. Large stores or nutritional supplement chain stores often sell their own "house" or "generic" brands. If you look at these products closely, though, you may find that in fact they are actually produced by the same well-known manufacturers as the name-brand products. Some products may not have the actual manufacturer listed, though instead may list a telephone number. By ringing, you may be capable to finding out the actual manufacturer, or at least get more information about the product. Some stores that specialise in herbs and supplements often provide written information about the products.
There are literally hundreds of brands of herb blends available in capsule, pill, extract, juice, and essential oil form. Combination products are becoming increasingly more popular, and you will find many similar herbs bundled together in these products. You are capable of easily finding yohimbe and damiana together, as well as blends of goldenseal and fo-ti.
Sex Herbs in Food Products
One of the latest trends is to consume herbs in the form of a nutrition bar or even in a drink. Though be cautioned: Some of these products do not have enough herbs contained within them to do much beneft. Again, know the dosage you are in search of and read the label. In an herb shop or health food store, you will in all probability find that the sales staff will know a lot about these products. Another consideration when choosing food products that contain sex herbs is their calorie level. Many of these products contain a substantial amount of calories and require to be dealt with by adjusting the rest of your calorie intake.
Nutrition Bars
Many nutrition bars are quite appealing in taste and are available in different flavours, such as chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter. You will in all probability even find an assortment on the shelf at the gym where you work out. One brand of nutrition bars contains numerous ingredients, including these sex herbs: guarana seed, ginkgo biloba, and panax ginseng. Again, no amounts of these herbs are listed, though hey, it only contains 4 grams of fat! Other brands may also add sex herbs to their energy or nutrition bars, take the time to read labels to discover which bars might work for you.
Herbal Beverages
The herbal drinks are the latest rage. They are prettily packaged, often in very colorful, eye-catching bottles. These herbal drinks usually have names that suggest what effects they might have on the drinker. However, they usually contain only a little of the active herb, and do not have to list specific amounts of herbal ingredients.
Herbal drinks these days are not just packaged in flashy single-use bottles, though are also available in many stores in larger containers, and in more plainly packaged bottles or jugs. Herbal teas also offer an easy way to obtain your sex herbs.
Think of other, less-obvious places where you might find sex herbs as food ingredients, as well. For instance, cough drops often contain licorice. Candies often contain anise. Breath mints often contain peppermint. Again, amounts of these herbs contained in the products may be small, though it may be worth a few cents and a little extra effort to find out if this food products work to help you improve your sex life.
The possibility for combinations of herbal products is almost endless, and even mind-boggling at times. Though by checking many sources, reading labels carefully, and talking with people knowledgeable about herbs, you are likely to find an herbal blend that is capable of most favourablely meeting your goal for enhancing your sex life.
