Natural alternatives to Viagra
While Viagra is often effective and fast-acting, typically boosting blood flow within 30 minutes to several hours, many people are now looking for non-drug alternatives. PHOTO | NATION
What you need to know:
- However, while Viagra is often effective and fast-acting, typically boosting blood flow within 30 minutes to several hours, many people are now looking for non-drug alternatives, from Horny Goat Weed, Passion Blend, Libido Max … the list is endless.
- Although some studies have shown that African tree bark yohimbe may correct impotence and heighten libido, this herb can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects.
Viagra is a proven best-seller and for good reason – for a lot of people, it works. The downside is the side effects which include headaches, not to mention reports of possible links to heart attacks, but men (and in some cases women too) find that it does improve sexual response.
However, while Viagra is often effective and fast-acting, typically boosting blood flow within 30 minutes to several hours, many people are now looking for non-drug alternatives, from Horny Goat Weed, Passion Blend, Libido Max … the list is endless, but which of the products on the market have the best results? Here’s a list.
Arginine
Reported to boost blood flow, this amino acid can help men or women who have circulatory disorders contributing to sexual problems. The suggested dose is one gramme three times a day. As with Viagra, avoid arginine if you are taking the heart medication nitroglycerin, because the combination may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
DHEA
The supplement DHEA may also provide benefits in men and women who have low levels of this hormone. DHEA helps our bodies make oestrogen and testosterone. The suggested dose is 5 mg every morning.
Ginkgo biloba
Though commonly taken as a memory booster, the herb ginkgo biloba may provide benefits, presumably by enhancing blood flow. The suggested dose is 80 mg three times a day.
Panax ginseng (Korean)
Most often suggested for men with impotence, it may also benefit men or women with stress-induced loss of libido. The suggested dose is 100 to 250 mg twice a day.
Muira puama
Known as “potency wood” in Brazil, muira puama should be taken in the form of a tea: a teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of water each morning.
Yohimbe
Although some studies have shown that African tree bark yohimbe may correct impotence and heighten libido, this herb can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects.
If this supplement interests you, I suggest you visit your doctor and have him/her prescribe a purified form of the herb, a drug called yohimbine.
As for high-priced passion potions available at health-food stores and pharmacies, check the label carefully to make sure the product delivers an adequate dose of natural compounds that have been shown to help (see above). If it doesn’t, it’s unlikely to be effective.
