Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone. It plays a key role in reproduction, maintenance of muscle and bone mass and hair growth. If you are deficient in testosterone--- a condition known as hypotestosteronemia or male hypogonadism --- you may experience infertility, hair loss, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, poor concentration or loss of muscle mass. Herbs may help increase testosterone levels in men naturally. Consult your health care provider for a diagnosis before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs to increase testosterone in men are the tonics and adaptogens. Tonic herbs have long-term rejuvenating effects on your entire endocrine system, which controls the production and release of the hormone. Adaptogenic herbs specifically affect your adrenal and pituitary glands and act as hormone normalizers and builders. If your testosterone level is low, adaptogenic herbs can help increase it. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for increasing testosterone.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree, or Vitex agnus-castus, is a small Mediterranean tree with purple flowers. Herbalists use the berries to treat gynecological problems, including PMS, pelvic pain and menopausal disorders. Chaste tree is a tonic herb that works on the endocrine system and is also known as an aphrodisiac. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli explain that chaste tree affects the pituitary gland, which regulates testosterone levels in your body. Chaste tree increases testosterone levels and sperm count. These herbs may interact with dopamine antagonists.
Ginseng
Ginseng, or Panax ginseng, is a small Asian herb with red berries. Traditional healers use the roots to enhance the body's defenses. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink note that ginseng is an adaptogenic tonic and that its active ingredients are a group of chemicals known as ginsenosides. Naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli note that the herb increases testosterone levels and counters impotency. Do not use this herb during acute inflammatory infections or bronchitis.
Tribulus
Tribulus, or Tribulus terrestris, is a perennial native to Europe and Asia. It's considered a rejuvenating herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and practitioners use it as an aphrodisiac. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbal consultant Penelope Ody reports that it's a good tonic for the reproductive system. Naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli explain that tribulus significantly increases testosterone and is useful in treating impotence, low sex drive and infertility. This herb contains potent alkaloids, so check with a knowledgeable practitioner before using.
References
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli; 2001
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Holistic Herbal Directory"; Penelope Ody; 2009
