Archive for May, 2009

Tribulus Terrestris – Puncture Vine, Caltrop, Goathead

Monday, May 4th, 2009

tribulus-terrestris With an increasing demand for natural herbs and products to cure many diseases, this herbal remedy that is known as tribulus terrestris is truly worth investigating. The surprising part is not many people have heard of this herb. This enigmatic plant bears its roots in India (used also in Ayurveda), China and South Eastern Europe but was demanded more by the western culture at the time when it proved that it could help the Bulgarian bodybuilders a great deal.

Bodybuilders increased their stamina and energy with the intake of the extracts from the plant. Once its credibility was proved, then more and more people started paying good attention to this herb as word-of-mouth publicity increased.
It got even more attention when it was learnt that many problems that are faced by adult males and females today could be eliminated.

The active components inside the leaf of the herb are known as furostanol saponins that are plant steroids. These are winkled out from the leaf of this plant. To treat infertility, tribulus terrestris is harvested from the leaf. Besides, it is used in sex pills to treat impotence and low libido in both men and women.

Many synthetic drugs are available on the market that helps with sexual dysfunction and stamina that is cause due to low levels of testosterone. Nevertheless, a natural alternative is better than any counter drug or prescription sex pills as it does not include a lot of side effects.

In this herb, there are three main groups of phytochemicals found in Tribulus Terrestris that have many varying functions. Dioscin, protodioscin and diosgenin can provide a helping hand for the correction of sexual dysfunction. They also act as a hormone balancer for woman. The second group known as sterols are made use to promote healthy prostrate. At last, X-steroidal saponins are there that seem to assist the immune system work better demonstrating anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects. What happens is to amplify production of luteinizing hormones, tribulus terrestis naturally jumpstarts the body. Also, in a female, at the time when LH is augmented, the cells in the ovaries are stimulated, thus amplifying estrogen. More estrogen for females gives its way to satisfactory sexual function and also helps with the daunting symptoms of menopause.

So, all in all, it can be said that tribulus terrestis is a natural hormone replacement for woman.

In the case of males; the LH will bind to receptors and stimulate synthesis and secretion of testosterone. What is important is proper amount of testosterone. Depression can be caused due to low levels of testosterone. Moreover, strength loss, sexual dysfunction, fatigue can also be experienced if one has low levels of testosterone. A decline in testosterone levels can be started out as early as thirty, contrary to what most of the men think like. If one has increased amount of testosterone levels, then one can experience marvelous things such as increased density of bone, increased lean muscle, and decrease of fat. Also, the overall mood is enhanced. There are no side effects related except stomach upset.
Thus, tribulus terrestis can be a good benefactor for treating low libido in men and women.

Mucuna Pruriens – Velvet Bean – Atmagupta

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

mucuna Mucuna pruriens also known as Velvet Bean, Cowitch, Cowhage, Kapikachu, Yerepe or Atmagupta traditionally consumed as food or with medicinal purposes in India, West Africa and Central-America. Indigenous plant to India with habitats spread in the whole country.

An annual climber often reaches 10m in length. Mucuna pruriens has trifoliolate leaves, broadly ovate leaflets, axillary purple flowers, pendulous racemes, curved pods, black and ovoid seeds, 4-6 in a pod.

The seedpod has a hairy surface that contains mucunine and serotonin causing severe irritations to the skin. That is why the plant has its scientific name, pruriens in Latin means “irritation”. These hairs were used to kill unsuspecting people in Africa by stealing them onto the victim’s food, which died then from internal bleeding as the sharp hairs caused injuries in the stomach and intestinal lining. These hairs make harvesting and handling very difficult until the seed is husked and polished.

The seeds of Mucuna contain a high level of L-dopa (10%) but they are also rich in saponins, alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber and lipids. It is an ideal plant for muscle builders; the high L-dopa percent keeps blood cholesterol and sugar at optimum level.

The other benefit that Mucuna increases the HGH (Human Growth Hormone) production in the body, leading to the growing of thin muscle fibers, that is why penis enlargement sex pills are usually containing Mucuna extracts.
Mucuna also has diuretic properties too, improves coordination and the elasticity of fibers. The plant extract regulates the testosterone level, which also makes a role in muscle growth.

The seeds are cultivated and consumed in India and Mexico as food but also for its powerful aphrodisiac effects. This purpose is well documented also by Ayurveda and the Unani science. Recent medical researches found the Mucuna seeds extremely effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

The alkaloid extract of the seed has been shown to increase sperm count and motility in men, acting as a prophylactic for ovulation in women. It prevents male and female sterility and acts as a nerve tonic.

Maca – Increased Libido And Sexual Stamina

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

maca The first reported use of maca root goes back thousands of years when Inca Warriors of South America ate maca to give them greater strength and stamina before battles. In more recent times it has gained popularity to increase libido naturally, let’s see why more and more people are using to boost sex drive.

Impotence, erectile dysfunction and low sex drive is not a new problem and ancient societies found and used, there own herbal remedies and Maca is one of them.

Today, many people don’t want to rely on prescription drugs and want natural solutions, making Maca and many other natural herbal cures more popular than ever before.

For thousands of years Maca has been used throughout South America as a general nutrient, body tonic, to enhance libido and improve reproductive health and it’s now popular all over the world.

The Plant

Maca, Lepidium meyenii or Cat’s Claw is an annual plant which produces a radish-like looking root. It’s grown and cultivated in Peru’s Central Highlands and has a life of about seven years when harvested.

The legend of the maca plant goes back to ancient times, when after conquering a city the Incan soldiers were prohibited from using Maca in order to protect the women of the city from the higher sex drive of the warriors, which Maca was considered to give them.

Why it Works

Maca contains large amount of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and contains around 60 phytochemicals.

Maca is an adaptogen, this means it adapts itself to the body’s metabolism to give a greater sense of wellbeing and vigor.

It balances the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary master glands, the adrenal glands, the thyroid and the pancreas. Maca increases and optimizes the levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone in the body and this is why it such a good herb for overall wellbeing and increasing libido.

Like many other natural sex enhancers there are those that swear by Maca and those that dismiss it.
The best way to find out if it works for you is to simply try it – it will do you good anyway and will probably give you an increased libido as a result.

Damiana The Earth’s Natural Aphrodisiac

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

damiana

Damiana also known as Turnera Aphrodisiaca is a relatively small shrub that  produces small, aromatic flowers. After its summer blossoms, it produces fruit that has a taste resembling a fig. The shrub is reputed to smell somewhat like chamomile, due to an oil contained in the plant.

Damiana leaves have been used by the native people of Central and South America as a tea that was noted for its aphrodisiac effects. It was reported by missionaries from Spain that the indigenous people of Mexico consumed sweetened Damiana tea to improve their sexual prowess. In Mexico, Damiana has been widely used as an aphrodisiac for both men and women.

It is somewhat controversial to use damiana as an aphrodisiac because there is no specific scientific evidence for its efficacy however, it has been widely used as a sexual stimulant.

Damiana could possibly have plant compounds with effects resembling the ones of progesterone, according to one study. Many herbs were tried for the ability to bind with female hormone key receptors of breast cancer cells. Damiana was one of the best.

Nowadays, Damania is generally brewed as a tea. Damiana is used in herbal medicine to treat conditions are varying as coughs and constipation to depression. This is an herbal supplement that can possibly help improve energy level, emphysema, low estrogen levels, lack of sexual desire, impotence, infertility, menopause symptoms, Parkinson’s disease, PMS, inflammed prostate, Lou Gherig’s disease, and male and female reproductive problems. Although it has not been proven that is is effective on these conditions.

You can buy Damiana in capsule form, in liquid form, or as tea leaves for brewing. Taken once or twice a day a typical dosage is a 400 mg capsule. It is one of the main component of Vigrx Plus pills too.
A slight case of stomach upset may result from taking Damania.

Damiana’s active compound is a glycoside called arbutin. When it reaches the urinary tract, arbutin converts to a chemical called hydroquinone. When ingested in large quantities, hydroquinone may result in nausea, regurgitation, and tinnitus.

Safety of drug damiana has not been established in children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with liver or kidney disease.

Epimedium or Horny Goat Weed – The Herbal Aphrodisiac

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009

Horny Goat Weed also known as Epimedium, Yin Yang Huo, Inyokaku, Xian ling pi, Barrenwort, a medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, increases blood flow, dilates blood vessels, and fights against infections too. These effects can be useful for those who are suffering from heart problems or bronchitis but the plant helps sexual functions too, according to its properties. Although we can hear more and more about epimediums contribution on increased testosterone level and muscular volume, there are no scientific researches yet to prove this.

The title horny goat weed is a collective noun for the herbal plants from epidemium species, originated from the forests of China and Korea. This annual plant it’s extremely colorful with flowers from yellow to red and gradually darkening leaves during the summer.
An ancient Chinese legend says that the plant got his name from a goat herdsman who was an eye-witness of a goat’s horny rampage after consuming epimedium. For medical purposes in China, the leaves are collected then dried and treated with lambs fat, before used as an aphrodisiac. During centuries men confirmed that horny goat weed improves their sexual performance.
In our days epimedium is advertised as a natural alternative for viagra (for both men and women) or as a muscular increasing formula. It’s sold in many forms: crude, as a tea, extract, capsules but mostly as a component of complex formulas.

Why is used horny goat weed by sportsmen?

When testosterone level is low there are obvious signs of decreased sexual functions, libido and physical performance. Active sports men or ageing people are experiencing negative changes in performance, in sport or in bedroom caused by low testosterone level and to raise this some of them takes horny goat weed.
While there are proves that horny goat weed improves sexual performance boosting libido, the plant’s effect on increased testosterone level and muscular volume wasn’t documented.

Medical properties

According to researches the epimedium can be used in the following cases:

Low libido
Erection problems
Sterility
Premature ejaculation
Micturation
Bronchitis
Paining periods
Coronary artery problems
High blood pressure
High blood pressure after climax

Horny goat weed primarily used as an aphrodisiac it’s capable to bring you in a state of excitement and keep you there several hours. According to Chinese descriptions horny goat weed has a positive effect on yin, which is the essence of life or more exactly the sperm itself. Contains many biochemical substances, it’s hard to find out which is the most active, but most of the scientists vote the icariin. Chinese studies claims that the heart and the vascular system can benefit too from the use of the epimedium because the plant reduces the high blood pressure and provides optimal blood circulation by preventing the formation of gouts, thanks to the icariin and flavonoid compounds.
Anything that influences the circulatory system has effects also on the sexual functions. By dilating blood vessels and improving circulation horny goat weed increases sensitivity and functionality of sexual organs. It’s well known that when blood circulation is obstructed by obesity or high blood pressure it’s very difficult to maintain an erection.
An unpublished double-blind experiment shows that a herbal formula containing horny goat weed increased with 60% the sexual pleasure on healthy men, and with 40% on viagra users.
Nowadays if a woman with low libido goes to the doctor, her testosterone level will be checked for sure; this notorious male hormone is responsible for the sexual desire even in case of women.
So increasing testosterone level, horny goat weed not only helps managing low libido for both men and women, but can also be an aid for erection problems.

The plant can be effective in treating barrenness too. In china a study on humans, demonstrated that epimedium raised the sperm count and density. Others have demonstrated, that those who have been using this plant experienced positive changes in their sexual, but also in their everyday life.

According to chemist You-Ping Zhu, co-writer of The Chinese Materia Medica 5 % of horny goat weed users has been cured from bronchitis, and more spectacular than the other patients with usual treatment. The positive effects are caused by polysaccharides, the antiviral and antimicrobial compounds of horny goat weed.

More researches are needed to discover all of the secrets of epimedium plant. There are no solid proves that horny goat weed increases testosterone level or muscular volume, but for sure helped men to fight their impotence problems. Scientists are still looking for effects on lungs diseases and circulatory problems.

Horny goat weed decreases blood pressure, so those who have low blood pressure may not use it.
Epimedium grandiflorum – the Japanese epimedium caused respiratory problems in big doses, but for treating impotence are used the plants from epimedium saggitatum and epimedium brevicornum species.
Horny goat weed rarely may dry the mouth or cause nausea. There are no other known side effects.