It is widely reported, by men who have taken Cistanches for more than a few weeks, that when a man consumes Cistanches consistently for some time his sexual prowess will increase noticeably. The highly regarded tenth century imperial manual on health and sexual conduct, The Essence of Medical Prescriptions, compiled by a Chinese physician living in Japan by the name of Tamba Yasuyori, described numerous formulations which would enhance male potency. Cistanches was included in 80% of these formulas. The ancient classics indicate that Cistanches increases both the flow of Yang energy and blood flow to the genitals.

Youthfulness is very much associated with sexual vigor, whether or not one uses this sexual vigor sexually, or converts the energy to other creative outlets. When the Kidney Yin and Yang are strong, a person can flourish. They will be full of energy, high in spirit, creative, and strong minded. They will appear radiantly healthy to others and will be attractive to the opposite sex.

Yet another reason why licorice may have been used in many parts of the world to enhance sexual arousal may be due to its effect on the endocrine system of the human body. According to some sources, certain chemicals present in licorice may lower the amount of serum testosterone in the body which affects the level of free testosterone. In the male body, Testosterone is the primary sex hormone which influences libido and a rise in the level of free testosterone can have a major effect on sexual stimulation. In this way, licorice can either help a person suffering from erectile disorders to be sexually aroused or it can lead a healthy individual to have a more satisfactory sexual experience.

For centuries the licorice root has been used as a natural flavoring agent. In fact the generic name of the licorice plant Glycyrrhiza is derived from the Greek term ‘glyks’ meaning sugar. Licorice root is believed to be ten times sweeter than sugar because of the presence of the main active compound known as glycyrrhizin. In the natural state licorice root exudes an intense bitter-sweet flavor which is vastly appealing to the sense of taste and consequently may be sexually stimulating too.

Licorice has also been used as a way of boosting physical stamina among men. According to a historical anecdote, licorice formed an indispensable part of the rations of Roman legions as they set out for long military campaigns. This was probably because of the rich nutritional qualities of licorice which enabled the soldiers to carry on even as rations of food and water were in limited supply. In this way, heightening the physical vigor and vitality of men, licorice may act as an important aphrodisiacal aid.

What is Arginine? Arginine, commonly known as L-arg, is one of the amino acids needed to make proteins in our body. It is considered a semi-essential amino acid because the body can make enough of it under normal conditions. However, it can be taken as a supplement as well.

The affects of L-arg on the blood vessel system is well studied. L-arg is converted into nitric oxide (NO), (also known as the endothelium-derived relaxation factor, EDRF). NO is capable of dilating blood vessels.

It is shown that NO can reduce blood pressure. L-arg is the only substance the body can use to make NO. So too little L-arg will prevent sufficient production of nitric oxide. This would cause reduced circulation and blood flow problems in the body, the coronary arteries and into the penis.

L-arg also seems to stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH), prolactin, glucagon and insulin but current studies do not support L-arg ability to enhance athletic performance or enhance the release of GH. No study shows that using amino acids such as L-arg before strength training will increase the release of GH. Strength training by itself is responsible for the increase in muscle mass and strength. There you have it.

Alternative names: Puncture vine, devil's thorn, doublegee, dubbeltje, caltrop, yellow vine, goathead, bindy eye, bindii, bullhead, burnut, cat's head, gokshura, ground bur-nut, Mexican sandbur, puncture weed, gokshur

Health care providers from different medical sciences have agreed that Tribulus terrestris is very helpful in supporting the libido functions in humans. The herb promotes overall health and also helps in toning the muscles making them stronger. In ancient time, the herb was used by the warriors to get strength and win battle.

The herb of Tribulus terrestris has medicinal properties helpful in treating diseases of kidneys, urinary tract, cardiovascular and endocrine system. Puncture vine is one of the most important herbs among folk (holistic healing) practitioners to restore the sexual functions in humans and also to overcome various nervous disorders. Early research reveals that the plant probably increases the levels of several hormones (including dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA and testosterone) and hence can be used in decreased sexual functioning in males. Tribulus terrestris if consumed in a proper way works as potent anti-aging agent that fights free radicals.

Tribulus terrestris is also likely to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzymes (such as ACE inhibitor medicines) and hence can be used to relax the heart arteries, typically in case of high blood pressure. It increases the urine production and can be used as herbal diuretic that again gives good results in lowering the burden of the heart and so the blood pressure.

This herb comes in two forms, white and red. The description is used to distinguish the way they are processed. White ginseng is harvested after four to six years and then dried in the air. Red ginseng is harvested after six years and steamed. Their colors come from their different processing methods.

It is considered a tonic or adaptogen that enhances physical performance (including sexual), promotes vitality and increases resistance to stress and aging. Ginseng (Panax, American and Siberian) are considered to be an adaptogen, chemical substances that can help the body cope with stress.

Ginseng is believed to reduce the recovery time from surgery and various disease conditions.

The main active components are ginsenosides, which have been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.

Some initial studies suggest that the supplement can lower cholesterol and triglycerides in our body but it does not seem to have any direct benefit on cardiovascular health and heart disease. Studies also suggests that the supplement can lower blood sugar levels and promote insulin release. Some experts suggest it would be useful in treating people with non-insulin dependent diabetes (type 2) as it may reduce the need for prescription medications.

One interesting research study showed that the herb has antiviral activity. It seems to block the enzyme in the HIV needed to cover the virus genetic material (RNA) into a format (DNA) that could invade and infect our cells.

Because of its purported effects and apparently low rate of side effects, it remains one of the top selling natural product remedies in the United States.

Herbal epimedium contains icariin, which has demonstrated in vitro PDE5 inhibitory properties.[7]

Icariin is purported to work by increasing levels of nitric oxide, which relax smooth muscle. It has been demonstrated to relax rabbit penile tissue by nitric oxide and PDE-5 activity.[8] Other research has demonstrated that injections of Epimedium extract directly into the penis of the rat results in an increase in penile blood pressure.

The remaining information came from animal studies or studies done in vitro (on tissue samples in a test tube). In animals, epimedium seems to increase semen secretion, lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the tissue responsible for allowing erection of the penis to occur (behaving much like what Viagra does).