Herbal Viagra in the UK. What are the Best Options?
Long before the development of the little blue pill, ancient civilisations already knew a thing or two when it came to dealing with sexual issues. Over the centuries the western world has managed to rumble many of their secrets, and get its hands on the plants from which the active ingredients are extracted.
Perhaps the idea of taking herbal supplements to help with erectile dysfunction or impotence seems too good to be true and you may well ask the burning question - does herbal Viagra really work?
Let’s delve into the facts as well as the fantasies of those mysterious herbs that have stood the test of time.
Chinese Herbal Viagra
Some of the most well respected ancient herbal medicines come to us from China. Here are just a few of the top players:
Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginkgo biloba is thought to be the most ancient species of tree on the planet, its amazing strength having survived several ecological extinction phases. Ginkgo is known in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to boost phallic blood flow, the main facilitator in achieving an erection.
- Caution: Ginkgo is an anticoagulant so if you have a circulatory disorder, history of stoke or seizure, or if you are taking anticoagulant medication such as aspirin, you should not take ginkgo. You should also check with your GP if you are taking antidepressant medication, as in some cases ginkgo may react with certain drugs.
Ginkgo biloba leaves on white background
Asian Red Ginseng or Korean Red Ginseng
- This herb is also a form of Chinese Viagra, sometimes called panax ginseng. It has been used for over 5,000 years in Chinese medicine, and has a reputation among athletes as a legal performance enhancer.
- Ginseng is known to increase strength and energy by boosting the nervous system. An article by Goddard in the 2002 BMJ reported the findings of a clinical trial involving 45 men for whom this herbal remedy created more successful erections, more sexual desire and lower stress levels.
- Caution: Studies have found that ginseng can lower blood sugar so can be dangerous if you are diabetic.
Korean red ginseng root system dried
Epimedium Leaf Extract (Horny Goat Weed)
- Epimedium owes its delightful nickname to the fact that goatherds noticed that animals who had eaten the leaves, displayed unusually rampant behaviour. However, long before this particular discovery, the ancient Chinese had already documented the herb’s aphrodisiac properties.
- Epimedium is widely used as a treatment for ED. It works in a similar way to phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, the group of drugs to which Viagra (Sildenafil) belongs.
Rhodiola Rosea
- A traditional Chinese medicine and also a Scandinavian herb, Rhodiola is known to have adaptogenic properties. This means that it will act on negative forces, particularly prolonged stress and exertion, thereby enabling a greater flow of energy. It is heralded to promote both physical and cognitive energy. Studies into the efficacy of Rhodiola Rosea are published by Examine.Com
Natural Viagra from the Amazon
It comes as no surprise that out of Brazil come some of the most powerful and exotic natural remedies for sexual healing.
Muira Puama Bark Extract
- Native to the Brazilian rain forest, the bark of this plant has been used for centuries to treat ED. Its nickname was ‘potency wood’, but in more recent years has changed to ‘Viagra of the Amazon’. It would seem that the new name may well be justified.
- The Tropical Plant Database reports two human trials with Muira Puama (see Biological Activities and Clinical Research). These are significant studies with very positive findings.
Saw Palmetto Berry Extract
- This herb is documented as a traditional medicine of the American Indians as well as the ancient Mayan civilisation. It was first used in the western world just over 200 years ago and is still a popular choice for those looking for Viagra alternatives.
- Saw palmetto berry extract can also relax smooth muscle tissue such as that responsible for hard erections. This results in increased blood flow to the penis.
Malaysian Herbal Viagra
Tongkat Ali
- Also known as Eurycoma Longifolia or Malaysian ginseng, this is a therapeutic herb native to the Malaysian rain forests. It is widely used in traditional medicine to promote healthy libido, and as a remedy for age-related sexual disorders. A 2012 double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that men who consumed Tongkat Ali on a daily basis experienced improvements in erectile function.
Mushrooms
Cordyceps
- An extract from mushrooms originally found in China and Tibet, known to boost testosterone and blood flow.
It also contains a sugar called fucose which has anti-ageing properties and increases blood flow to the sexual organs,’ says Dr John Briffa, of University College London’s Medical School.
What’s the Best Herbal Viagra?
When it comes to problems below the belt, you’ll have noticed the best forms of herbal supplement have one thing in common; they work by increasing blood flow to those nether regions. A good diet is of prime importance and should be incorporated into your lifestyle as well as whichever form of Viagra you choose. There is now growing awareness of the fact that women too may benefit from increased blood flow to the sexual organs.
It’s worth bearing in mind that a supplement such as Zuyosa Vitality, is available as a natural Viagra alternative. This may well prove to be your perfect solution.
Remember, erectile dysfunction can sometimes be caused by an underlying condition. The GP should be your first port of call, if only to eliminate this possibility.
Have Your Say
- Leave a review of any herbal Viagra products you have tried
- What was your experience of taking herbal Viagra?
