Herbal Viagra - What is it?

"Herbal Viagra" is a name given to a range of herbal remedies purported to offer a treatment for erectile dysfunction or impotence in men. Some formulations claim to offer a similar treatment for women.

It is important to realise that these remedies are in no way related to Viagra that is manufactured by Pfizer. In fact, Pfizer has tried to get many companies to stop using the name "Viagra" in relation to these remedies, as Viagra is the registered trademark of Pfizer.

Many herbal remedies have been advocated as treatments for erectile dysfunction, but not all have been proven to work in clinical trials. However, a full range of clinical trials is very expensive and beyond the scope of the manufacturers of these herbal remedies, which are usually much lower priced than the clinical versions. The manufacturers therefore rely on anecdotal evidence to suggest that their formulations are effective, or on smaller scale clinical research.

There is much anecdotal evidence to suggest that formulations containing herbs such as Yohimbe, Ginseng, Ginko Biloba and certain vitamins can have a positive effect on erectile dysfunction. However, just because a product is natural does not automatically make it safe and free from side effects. Indeed, if you take any medication or herbal remedy and experience unwanted side effects you should see your doctor about stopping the medication.

Under law in the United States, herbal remedies are classed as "supplements" and as such are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that prescription medications are. This means that claims made for their efficacy can be written in the broadest terms, although false claims are not allowed to be made.

If you would like to try some herbal formulations, click on the links at the left to buy from Shy to Buy, a UK based company.

What herbs are used and how do they work?

Some of the herbs that may be used in formulations include:

• Ashwagandha
  Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as "Indian Ginseng", is believed to strengthen the body and work as an aphrodisiac. It can lead to drowsiness.
• Damiana
  Damiana is used in Mexico as a male aphrodisiac, and to help women achieve orgasm. It may be dangerous in excessive doses.
• Gingko
  Ginko can stimulate the flow of blood to the penis in some men, but can cause bleeding problems if used with other natural blood thinners such as garlic.
• Ginseng
  Ginseng is thought to be an aphrodisiac and a general panacea - ie, it heals whatever part of the body needs support. It can be safely taken at the recommended dose.
• L-Arginine
  L-arginine is a protein found in meat and fish, and is used by the body to make Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide is used to relax the blood vessels. It may be harmful for sufferers of acid stomach and stomach ulcers, and those on drugs to alter potassium levels.
• Suma
  Suma is a vine that grows in Central and South America. It may help the body cope with stress but more research is needed to accurately assess its efficacy and safety.
• Saw palmetto
  Saw palmetto is used for impotence. It reduces the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and for this reason is also used in male hair loss products such as Procerin.
• Yohimbe
  Yohimbe is a tree that grows in West Africa, and the bark is used to make the prescription drug Yohimbine. Yohimbine has been proven effective in trials, but is not recommended because in low doses it does not work, and in doses only slightly too high it can cause adverse and serious clinical side effects.
• Zinc
  If you are suffering from a zinc deficiency, this will impede your sexual function. A zinc supplement can be taken, (together with copper as zinc supplements interfere with the absorption of copper). An overdose of zinc is toxic.