The male sex drive can diminish for several reasons. One reason is the reduction in testosterone production. Your doctor can perform a blood test to check your levels, but if you want to just enhance your production naturally, there are a few herbs available that might help. There are always some risks involved when taking supplements; speak to your physician before taking any.
Ginseng
Ginseng has been used in the Orient for thousands of years to treat several disorders, including enhancing the male sex drive. Herbalist Phyllis Balch suggests taking a supplement of ginseng to increase the production of testosterone. In the June 1984 issue 4 "Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine," M.S. Fahim and colleagues conducted a study that showed how male rats that were given ginseng for 60 days had a significant increase in testosterone levels. Additionally, research published in the March 2007 issue of "Asian Journal of Andrology" shows taking Korean ginseng is effective in treating erectile dysfunction in males. Ginseng is considered generally safe but you should speak to your physician before taking this herb, especially if you are pregnant or suffer from a clotting disorder.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is a flowering plant native to tropical regions of southern Europe and is used in Aryuvedic medicine to treat urinary disorders and impotence. In the January 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmocology," research on primates, giving them an extract of tribulus terrestris, concludes that this herb did increase testosterone levels and it was believed that the protodioscin present in the herb was responsible. Herbalist Phyllis Balch suggests taking a tribulus terrestris supplement to increase levels in younger men. Because there is no research on the side effects or interactions of this herb, you should first consult your physician before consuming it.
MUIRA PUAMA
Muira puama is a shrub that is native to the Amazon rainforest where the stems and roots are made into a tea. It has been used as a herbal treatment for male impotence in Europe since the 1930s and it has been in the Brazilian Pharmacopeia since 1956. Herbalists in North America suggest taking muira puama to increase the level of testosterone in both males and females. Because there is little research done on this herb, dosage and cautions are not available for its use as a male enhancement drug.
References
- PubMed: Study of the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
- Informa World: Effect of Panax Ginseng on Testosterone Level and Prostate in Male Rats
- PubMed: The Hormonal Effects of Tribulus Terrestris and its Role in the Management of Male Erectile Dysfunction--an Evaluation Using Primates, Rabbit and Rat
- Kerata Ayurvedics: Gokshur (Tribulus Terrestris) -Ayurvedic Herbs
- Drugs.Com: Complete Muira Puama Information
