Posted by Elizabeth on July 29, 1999, at 23:23:27
In reply to Re: Thanks Elizabeth, posted by Roo on July 27, 1999, at 7:46:36
Okay, this is a list of herbs and spices or whatever that some people think might help with this problem (which I believe sooner or later will affect at least one member of every couple in the country), and what little I know about them:
(NO = nitric oxide)
ginkgo: incrases blood flow. several studies on impotence, 1 on reversing SRI-related sexual dysfunction specifically. does not help with libido. dose: 120mg bid. not as effective as Viagra. may take a couple weeks to work.
panax ginseng: traditional use, 1 report of hypersexual behavior, 1 controlled study for impotence. stimulant, found to release NO, increase testosterone in animals.
(caution with MAOIs)yohimbine: studies support use for impotence. 40% improvement. side effects: nausea, headache, high BP, tachycardia, anxiety. start at 1/4 of a (4mg, I believe) pill.
(do not use with MAOIs)deer antler: anecdotal only.
marapuama or muira puama: traditionally used as aphrodisiac. 1 controlled study; improves libido and "potency." dosage: 1500mg/day. brand name "Olympia." may take a couple weeks to work.
maca: another traditional aphrodisiac. in rats, seems to cause increased testosterone among other things. don't use if you have: fibroids, endometriosis, prostate cancer.
saw palmetto/pygeum: increases sexual behavior, improves prostatic hypertrophy (for whatever that's worth).
l-arginine: increases NO synthesis (like Viagra).
(not an herb, but I thought I'd mention it anyway).(My shrink graciously provided me with a copy of a list of this stuff, complete with illegible notes he had scrawled.)
poster:Elizabeth
thread:9063
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990726/msgs/9367.html