Cheaper Herbal Alternatives To Viagra, Cialis & Levitra

Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) is an impotence drug made by Pfizer that provides a cure for those suffering from erectile dysfunctional or impotence.

There are two main causes of erectile dysfunction. The first cause is a pre-existing medical condition. Many cardiovascular disorders will affect blood flow, and thus the body’s ability to form an erection. There are also many prescription medications that can adversely affect sexual desire and cause ED. Finally, abuse of either tobacco or nicotine may also cause ED. The other main cause of erectile dysfunction is psychological factors such as excess stress or depression. Diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, and vascular disease account for about 70 percent of all cases of ED.

By blocking PDE5 enzyme, Viagra has proved millions of men with relief from ED. However in about 7% of cases, it is ineffective and there are also reports of severe adverse side-effects from the use of Viagra.

Viagra affects the cone cells in the retina which are responsible for the way we perceive colors. Some users may notice a change in the way they see green and blue. For this reason, some professions have banned the use of Viagra, for example, pilots cannot take it for up to 12 hours before a flight.

Another more important problem is for people who take drugs like nitroglycerin for angina, a serious medical condition in which lack of blood to the heart causes severe chest pains. Nitroglycerin increases the nitric oxide supply in the bloodstream which opens up the arteries thereby increasing the supply of oxygen to the heart. Viagra blocks PDE5, which combined with the increased nitric oxide can lead to serious health problems.

Headaches are also common. The drug opens up the arteries in the brain’s lining which causes excess pressure and thus headaches. More severe issues like heart attacks have also been reported. Because of these reasons, Viagra is a prescription medication and is not available over-the-counter (OTC). You need a doctor who is familiar with your particular medical history and makes sure it doesn’t pose a health risk.

Occasionally, a patient will experience painful, very long-lasting erections (a condition called Priapism) and will have to see a doctor to solve the problem.  Finally, there is concern that some men, particularly younger men, who take Viagra for recreational reasons and who don’t really need it, may end up with a dependency. They may become unable to achieve or maintain erections without taking the drug.

There are other drugs that work to block the PDE5 enzyme and thus help with erectile dysfunction. They are Cialis (tadalfil) and Levitra (vardenafil).

Since both Cialis and Levitra block the PDE5 enzyme, they work exactly the same way as Viagra. They help men who have trouble maintaining an erection because of blood flow problems, and they only work when the man is sexually aroused.

However, there are some important differences between the three drugs, since they use different chemicals.

• Only Viagra causes color-vision problems.
• Cialis causes muscle aches in about 5 percent of patients.
• Viagra and Levitra last about four hours in the bloodstream. Cialis stays in the bloodstream much longer (it has a 17.5-hour half life) and can therefore be effective for more than a day.

Certain herbal supplements have found to be effective in improving erections and curing ED. However these have their side-effects too.

Yohimbe. Yohimbe, which is similar to yohimbine, is derived from the bark of a West African tree. Traditionally, yohimbe was used in Africa for fever, coughs, leprosy, and as an aphrodisiac. Today, yohimbe is promoted for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine has been found to relax and dilate blood vessels in the penis, resulting in increased blood flow and erection. It may also stimulate areas in the brain involved in sexual desire.

Side effects include nausea, insomnia, nervousness, and dizziness. Large doses of yohimbe can increase blood pressure and heart rate and may cause kidney failure.

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL). GBL is found in Jolt and Verve, and also products marketed for improving sexual function (Verve, Jolt). This substance can convert to a chemical that can cause toxic and life-threatening effects, including seizures and even coma.

Ginkgo. May help some men with ED by increasing blood flow to the penis. One double-blind trial found improvement in men taking 240 mg per day of a standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) for nine months.¹⁶ A preliminary trial, involving 30 men who were experiencing ED as a result of medication use (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other medications), found that approximately 200 mg per day of GBE had a positive effect on sexual function in 76% of the men.

 Although the risks for gingko appear to be low, there is an increased risk for bleeding at high doses and interaction with vitamin E, anti-clotting medications, aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Large doses have also been known to cause convulsion. Commercial gingko preparations have also been reported to contain colchicine, a substance that can be harmful in people with kidney or liver problems.

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) has traditionally been used as a supportive herb for male potency. A double-blind trial found that 1,800 mg per day of Asian ginseng extract for three months helped improve libido and the ability to maintain an erection in men with ED. The benefit of Asian ginseng confirmed in another double-blind study, in which 900 mg three times a day was given for eight weeks. Ginseng is known to contain phytoestrogens.

One of Panax Ginseng's most common side-effects is the inability to sleep. Other side-effects can include nausea, diarrhea, euphoria, headaches, epistaxis, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and mastalgia.

Butea superba is a Thai plant that has been used traditionally to increase sexual vigor. In a preliminary trial, 82% of men with erectile dysfunction reported an improvement in erectile function while taking Butea superba for three months. The amount used was 500 mg per day for the first four days, followed by 1,000 mg per day thereafter.

 

L- arginine (also called arginine). L-arginine is an amino acid that has numerous functions in the body. It helps the body get rid of ammonia (a waste product), is used to make compounds in the body such creatine, L-glutamate, and L-proline, and can be converted to glucose and glycogen if needed.

L-arginine is used to make the nitric oxide, a compound in the body that relaxes blood vessels. Preliminary studies have found that L-arginine may help with conditions that improve when blood vessels are relaxed (called vasodilation), such as atherosclerosis, erectile dysfunction, and intermittent claudication.

Like the drug sildenafil citrate (Viagra), L-arginine is thought to enhance the action of nitric oxide, which relaxes muscles surrounding blood vessels supplying the penis. As a result, blood vessels in the penis dilate, increasing blood flow, which helps maintain an erection. The difference in how they work is that Viagra blocks an enzyme called PDE5 which destroys nitric oxide and L-arginine is used to make nitric oxide.

In one study, 50 men with erectile dysfunction took either 5 grams of L-arginine per day or a placebo. After six weeks, more men in the L-arginine group had an improvement compared to those taking the placebo.

Unlike Viagra, L-arginine must be taken daily.

Arginine may cause gastrointestinal problems. It can also lower blood pressure and change levels of certain chemicals and electrolytes in the body. It may increase the risk for bleeding. Some people have an allergic reaction to it, which in some cases may be severe. It may worsen asthma.

DHEA. DHEA is a supplement related to certain male and female hormones. Very little is known about DHEA and its long term effects on the human body. Studies show inconclusive results in its treatment for erectile dysfunction. DHEA may interact dangerously with other medications.

Chinese Wolfberry (Goji Berry) (Lycium Barbarum L.) Also known as: Goji Berry, Matrimony Vine, Wolfberry fruit, Chinese LyciumChinese Wolfberry is grown in Asia (including the Himalaya) and parts of the USA . It reddens when ripe, and darkens with drying. It has been used for thousands of years in Asia for its medicinal properties and is one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used as a general tonic, it gives protection to the liver, it is said to improve sight and aids the kidneys. Many Chinese believe it to be essential to longevity. Compounds derived from the Wolfberry have also been used in the treatment of cancer.

Job's Tears (Coix Lacryma-Jobi).  Also known as: Coix.The fruits are anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, sedative. It is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas. This is a very useful grain, it has a higher protein to carbohydrate ratio than any other cereal. It has long been used in oriental medicine, It is used in the treatment of urinary tract problems, warts and other skin conditions, gastrointestinal ailments and lung disorders . It has even been used as a treatment for cancer.

Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza).  Liquorice can be used to treat a number of ailments including sore throats, heartburn, arthritis, and constipation. The use of liqorice root is well established in Chinese herbal medicine. It is said to ease bronchitis, aids the healing of cold sores and ulcers. Liquorice root is a good source of oestrogen, a female hormone It is useful when convalescing after an illness, as it supplies much needed energy to the system..

Gorgon Fruit (Euryalacea)  Also known as: Euryale, Fox Nut, Qian Shi. Gorgon Fruit is useful for enhancing sexual performance and can slow down the ageing process. It can help to prevent premature ejaculation, and is used as a treatment for frequent urination and arthritis.

Lily (Lilium Candidum L.) From the bulb of the Lily flower that is known for its medicinal properties. It has been used as a topical treatment for burns, pimples, or generic female complaints. It is also used in Chinese medicine for Insomnia.

Chinese Yam (Dioscorea Opposita).  Chinese Yam contains a large amount of mucilage, a thick slimy substance made by plants. It is employed to soothe the mucous membranes and traditionally used augment the function of the spleen and stomach. It can also be used to promote and regulate body fluids also in the treatment coughs.

Aphrodisiacs are substances that are supposed to increase sexual drive, performance, or desire. Some examples include the following:

• Viramax is a well-marketed product that contains yohimbine and three herbal aphrodisiacs: catuaba, muira puama, and maca. It has not been proven to be either effective or safe, and interactions with medications are unknown.
• Spanish fly, or cantharides, which is made from dried beetles, is the most widely-touted aphrodisiac but can be particularly harmful. It irritates the urinary and genital tract and can cause infection, scarring, and burning of the mouth and throat. In some cases, it can be life threatening. No one should try any aphrodisiac without consulting a doctor.

Other Alternative Products Marketed for Erectile Dysfunction. Vinarol is an over-the-counter supplement that was recalled after reports surfaced that it contained the same ingredients found in Viagra. Herbal supplements sold as Viagro and Vaegra have no association with Viagra.

Check out these impotence aids, herbal pills and contraceptives.