| Erectile dysfunction or impotence
is a common but embarrassing male problem, with
over 30 million American men suffering from it.
However, the introduction of a tiny ‘blue
pill’ called Viagra in 1998 changed all that.
Viagra has proven to be extremely successful
in alleviating impotence and for this reason has
gone on to become one of the most popular and
well-known drugs in the history of medicine. Everywhere
and in every country, Viagra is now synonymous
with sexual pleasure. Viagra is at this moment
truly a ‘miracle drug’. However as
with all medications, Viagra too has serious side
effects. Over 700 men have died while suing Viagra
in the U.S alone. Other less severe side effects
include; bluish discoloration in vision, digestive
problems and headaches.
Another problem with Viagra is the cost. It is
an expensive medication for most, costing around
$10 a pill, if you get it from your neighborhood
pharmacy. And though it is available online at
cheaper rates, the issue of quality then comes
into question.
The biggest problem with Viagra is that people
are now using it for recreational proposes and
not as a medication to treat impotence. Viagra
is being touted as an aphrodisiac for all. This
is not correct. Viagra only works to enhance physical
sexual performance. It is not meant to trigger
any emotional responses. Also it is important
to remember, that even thought Viagra is so popular
it does not work for all men. So the question
now arises that if Viagra does not work, then
what do you do? The answer lies in natural alternatives.
Natural medication offers a different approach
to healing the body. Instead of treating just
the physical problem, natural medication works
on treating the entirety of a person. It does
not concentrate on just physical wellness, but
delves into a person’s emotional wellness.
Natural or holistic therapy believes that a healthy
body is directly related to what we eat. Below
are some natural alternatives that can be used
in place of Viagra that have no negative effects
on the body.
Arginine –
Arginine is an herb used in the treatment of impotence.
Presently clinical studies are being conducted
with it on infertile couples. It is said to not
only help with impotence but the quality of sperm
produced as well. A study published in the Journal
of Urology in 1997, supported the use of this
herb in the treatment of impotence. It is a safe
herb and produces an effect similar to Viagra.
Damiana –
Damiana is a Mexican herd, also known as “ram
goat dash along”. In Latin American it is
considered an aphrodisiac, as it is known to stimulate
the male sexual hormone, testosterone. Damiana
also improves the quality of sperm and is used
as a tonic for the kidneys and reproductive organs.
It is a mild anti-depressant.
Garlic –
Garlic is a natural antibiotic used by the ancient
Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, Japanese and Chinese
cultures to treat impotence. Garlic works by increasing
blood flow and hormone production. However, it
works slowly and over a period of time. It does
not provide instant results.
Ginkgo Biloba
– Ginkgo is probably the most famous and
well-known herb used in the treatment of impotence.
Not only does it help with impotence, but it improves
memory and increases the blood flow to various
parts of the body. A study was conducted about
Ginkgo in 1989 and published in the Journal of
Urology that showed the positive effects of this
drug on male impotence. An article was also written
in the Journal of the American Medical Association
(JAMA), outlining the memory and circulation-improving
abilities of Gingko. Gingko is also a mild anti-depressant
and is frequently used to improve circulation.
Muira puama
– Muira puama is an herb found in the Amazon
jungle and Brazil. It has been used for centuries
by the ancient Amazonians to treat impotence.
Like Gingko is simply improves blood circulation
to all parts of the body and gives the person
a “revitalized’ feeling.
Yin Yang Huo
–Yin Yang Huo is also known as Horny Goat
Weed. It is a Chinese herb and comes from the
Epimedium plant. It is a potent herb and needs
to be used cautiously. This herb increases the
level of testosterone and improves the quality
of sperm.
Kava Kava
– Kava Kava is a popular herb in the U.S
used to treat anxiety. It helps a person relax
and stay calm. It is used in some Caribbean countries
to treat impotence, because of its soothing feeling.
Yohimbe –
Yohimbe is an African herb and is used in some
medications like Yohimex, Yocon, and Actibine.
It is considered to be a powerful sexual enhancer,
with almost instant results. Yohimbe in some cases
can work in less than half an hour. It works on
the central nervous system and acts as a stimulant.
However, this herb has some side effects, if not
used properly. It causes insomnia, headaches,
high blood pressure, and irritability. In serious
cases it can cause an anxiety attack. Having said
this however, yohimbe has the benefit of being
very well researched as well. Yohimbe is commonly
available in most health food stores.
There are many more natural alternatives to Viagra,
but they yet to be tested and proven. When using
any herb, it is important to be cautious. Buy
herbs only at a store you can trust or visit a
health care professional and speak to them about
holistic medications. Do not try any of these
herbs without speaking to your doctor first, as
they may interact with some other medication you
may be taking. Also look for a N.D (naturopathic
doctor) who can guide you as to which herbs to
take. The American Holistic Medical Association
has lists of doctors. Another source is the ACAM
(American College for Advancement in Medicine)
which has lists doctors who have some kind of
natural medicine training. These herbs also have
side effects, so it is important that you know
which herb you are taking.
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