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Viagra has become known in recent years for its ability to increase sexual function in males but also for its ability to cause side effects. |
In the Qur'an we read of couples carrying on intimate relations well into old age. However, for some couples this has become impossible because of impotence. Also known as erectile dysfunction, impotence is defined as a man's inability to get an erection or maintain it long enough to have sex with his wife. For some men, impotence means they are unable to ejaculate during sex. Occasional impotence is often not seen as a problem, but when impotence continues for a while, it can bring on great emotional distress for both the man and his wife. Although this problem is most commonly attributed to the aging process, it can happen at any age.
Viagra has become known in recent years for its ability to increase sexual function in males but also for its ability to cause side effects like chest pain, high-blood pressure, and even death. Many people are seeking to replace their medications with something more natural. However, there are many "roadblocks" to this process.
The first roadblock is deciding which herbal or natural healing method to replace Viagra with. This is not as easy as it sounds because natural healing does not follow the same rules as modern pharmaceuticals. Modern drugs are labeled for results and the same drug is given to everyone who wants or needs those results, regardless of their age, temperament, or other factors. Furthermore, achieving an erection is not as "simple" as it sounds.
Achieving a normal erection is a complex process. It involves psychological impulses from the brain, adequate levels of testosterone (male sex hormone), a functioning nervous system, and healthy vascular tissue of the penis.
Natural healing methods look at all of these processes and at the person as a holistic being and the disease as a manifestation of that being's balance and health situation in general. Natural medicine first asks "why is this person experiencing erectile dysfunction?"
Root Causes
There are many illnesses or disabilities that list erectile challenges as a side effect. Testosterone imbalance, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and obesity are all known to cause erectile dysfunction. Some "solutions" to medical problems can also be the cause including medications for depression, heart disease, high blood pressure and epilepsy. Alcohol, drug use and cigarette smoking are also common causes. There are some psychological issues that can also cause erectile challenges. Worry, fear, anger, depression and stress can all cause erectile dysfunction.
If stress, anxiety or depression is the reason, you may want to consider natural methods of healing. If prescribed medications are causing erectile challenges then you need to speak to your doctor about alternatives. You could also seek out advice from a natural healing practitioner who may be able to suggest alternative therapies for your condition that will not interfere with sexual function.
Another question a natural healing professional may ask is "does this person follow the basic rules of a healthy diet and lifestyle?" Drugs, alcohol and cigarette smoking can all decrease erectile function. As long as these habits continue the problem will continue. Any attempts to increase function while still having these root problems will increase stress on the body and will increase the problem over time. A person with issues of abuse or over-use of these substances needs to learn to see their problem as alcohol, drugs or cigarettes and not as erectile dysfunction. As long as they continue to focus on the symptoms instead of the real problem, their chances of healing decrease.
Diet, sleep and exercise are also important. Men who exercise 3-5 hours a week have 30% less risk of having erectile dysfunction. The Harvard Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) published this finding in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" August 5, 2003. Men who get 7-9 hours of sleep a night have increased erectile function and men who follow whole food diets low in sugar, chemical additives and junk food, also have increased function.
The Natural Alternatives
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| After all of the initial questions are answered the practitioner can choose a natural remedy that is best suited to this person. |
After all of the initial questions are answered the practitioner can choose a natural remedy that is best suited to this person's situation and lifestyle. Some possible natural and herbal remedies are:
The Amino Acid L-arginine: Nitric oxide formation is one of the main causes of erectile dysfunction. It depends on sufficient levels of L-arginine in the body and has been found particularly effective for men with abnormal nitric oxide metabolism. L-arginine is found naturally in foods such as meat, dairy, poultry and fish. Side effects may include digestive complaints. High doses of L-arginine may stimulate the body's production of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid. For this reason, L-arginine may be harmful for individuals with ulcers and people taking drugs that are hard on the stomach.
L-arginine may also alter potassium levels in the body, especially in people with liver disease. It should not be taken by people who are on medications that alter potassium levels, such as potassium sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors.
Yohimbe Bark (Pausinystalia yohimbe): This herb has a history of helping men with erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe dilates blood vessels and may help regardless of the underlying cause. One drawback of Yohimbe is that is does not mix well with prescription medications and can be too strong for some men. Yohimbe is not recommended, however, because it is potentially dangerous, even in small doses. Side effects may include dizziness, anxiety, nausea, a severe drop in blood pressure, abdominal pain, fatigue, hallucinations, and paralysis.
Damiana (turnera diffusa): In Mexico this is used as a male aphrodisiac and is a herb traditionally recommended for men with erectile dysfunction.
Maca (Lepidium peruvianum): In Peru this herb is known as a potent aphrodisiac. Maca is often called the herbal Viagra and does not alter circulation. Instead it works to regulate hormones and bring the body back into balance. This herb used to be given to men before battle, but it was quickly banned when the "side effects" became obvious.
Ginseng: Panax (Asian) Ginseng has long been used to support male potency in Asia. However, it is also believed to work on many emotional and physical diseases because its main function is to bring the body back into balance, no matter what the initial problem is.
The herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes called Indian Ginseng because it is thought to have similar effects on the body. It is thought to increase energy, stamina, and sexual function. Side effects of ashwagandha include drowsiness so it should not be combined with sedative drugs.
Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis): This American herb can be found in natural root beer (a soda drink, not an alcoholic drink.) It has a history of being used as a tonic for male sexual potency and is thought to assist in the production of testosterone.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): Ginkgo supports blood circulation and may help by increasing blood flow to the penis. However, this herb is not recommended if you are taking any kind of prescription blood thinner. You may want to combine it with another one of the suggested herbs above so the secondary herb can direct the effects to the desired area. Otherwise, Ginkgo, when taken alone, tends to work mostly on the upper body.
Zinc: Lack of this mineral is actually responsible for a number of health issues – even increased symptoms in autism! Significant depletion of the mineral zinc, associated with long-term use of diuretics, diabetes, digestive disorders, and certain kidney and liver diseases, has been shown to lead to erectile dysfunction as well. Daily supplementation with zinc could help erectile dysfunction.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum): This leafy plant is native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. According to folklore, horny goat weed's reputed aphrodisiac qualities were discovered when a Chinese goat herder noticed increased sexual activity in his flock after they ingested the weed. Animal studies indicate that horny goat weed may work by increasing nitric oxide levels, which relaxes smooth muscle and lets more blood flow to the penis or clitoris. Horny goat weed also appears to act by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme, which is the same way that the popular drug Viagra works. Some evidence suggests horny goat weed may modulate levels of the hormones cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid hormone, bringing low levels back to normal. Horny Goat Weed can be toxic to the liver or kidney in large doses so usage should be moderate.
Sources:
Chen KK and Chiu JH. Effect of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim extract on elicitation of penile erection in the rat. Urology. 67.3 (2006):631-5.
Oh MH et al. Screening of Korean herbal medicines used to improve cognitive function for anti-cholinesterase activity. Phytomedicine. 11.6 (2004):544-8.
Piacente S et al. "Flavonoids and arbutin from Turnera diffusa". Z Naturforsch [C]. 57.11-12 (2002):983-5.
Zava DT et al. "Estrogen and progestin bioactivity of foods, herbs, and spices". Proceedings of The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 7.3 (1998):369-78.
Zhang CZ et al. In vitro estrogenic activities of Chinese medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of menopausal symptoms. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 98.3 (2005):295-300.
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