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Writer's pictureElena Cora

Male Vitality: Boosting Health with Herbal Remedies

Medicinal herbs may provide support for men's hormonal and reproductive health, potentially increasing potency with reduced side effects than medications prescribed to them.


Before trying any herbal medicines or supplements, always speak with your healthcare provider first. Many are unregulated, potentially including prescription nitrates that could potentially lower your blood pressure dramatically.




Ginseng:


Ginseng is a plant with multiple benefits for men, such as increasing energy and brain function, relieving stress, and improving mental health. Ginseng belongs to the Araliaceae family and boasts 11 species; of these Panax ginseng (Panax ginseng) is most well-known among them - Panax quinquefolius can also be harvested as herbal medicine when harvested at maturity; taking five or seven years before its roots can be harvested as medicine for medicinal use.


Ginseng contains chemicals called ginsenosides that may help prevent or treat certain cancers and diseases by improving immunity system functioning and balancing hormone levels, improving thinking skills, treating erectile dysfunction in men, lowering blood sugar levels and even decreasing body weight - though evidence supporting such claims remains weak or inconsistent.


Before taking any ginseng supplements, consult your physician first to avoid interactions. Also ensure the supplements you purchase have been certified as quality by an independent body such as the United States Pharmacopeia or NSF; or choose those from reputable brands.


Ginseng can exacerbate the side effects of stimulant medications such as amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin). Furthermore, it could interact with blood-thinners like warfarin (Coumadin). Therefore it should not be taken alongside them.


Hawthorn:


Hawthorn plants have long been used as part of Western herbal medicine as an effective treatment for men suffering from cardiac conditions, including heart failure, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol and "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis). Hawthorn berries and leaves are eaten directly as food sources or used to make tea, juices, tinctures and supplements; their rich flavonoid content includes vitexin and other flavonoids such as oligomeric herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction

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Studies have demonstrated that hawthorn can significantly lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels further from the heart. In addition, its anti-cholesterol and triglyceride-lowering abilities can prevent cholesterol accumulation in liver and aorta areas; its antioxidant properties provide additional protection from cardiovascular damage caused by oxidation damage to its vascular system, contributing to heart disease.


Studies conducted during several clinical trials indicate that it can improve exercise tolerance and decrease symptoms associated with mild to moderate heart failure in those suffering. Additionally, it can improve blood circulation while helping prevent or delay progression of atherosclerosis.


Hawthorn may interact with prescription medicines used to treat heart disease, such as nitrates and medications to increase blood flow to the heart. Furthermore, this herb may lower blood pressure - thus people with low blood pressure should take caution before beginning its use. For advice, contact your physician or registered dietitian nutritionist first before beginning this regimen.


Saw palmetto:


Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm-like plant with dark berry-producing stalks, originally used by Native Americans living in what is now the Southeastern US to treat urinary tract problems, increase sperm production and enhance libido. Today it's mostly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH; an enlarged prostate gland condition which the herb contains chemicals which may aid with.


Furthermore, saw palmetto also inhibits an enzyme responsible for stimulating cell proliferation - one study showed significant improvement of symptoms for its users taking daily doses of saw palmetto saw great improvements in both conditions.


Some people use saw palmetto to promote hair growth and reverse male pattern baldness. They believe its active ingredients may prevent testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone, which causes hair loss and balding among men. More research needs to be conducted before validating such claims.

Many supplements containing saw palmetto are available in liquid, capsule and tablet forms.


When selecting products containing saw palmetto supplements it is important to select products certified by independent testing laboratories such as USP, ConsumerLab or NSF International to ensure it has met stringent safety and quality standards.


Consult your health care professional before trying saw palmetto to make sure it fits with your wellness plan and prevent any unpleasant experiences; most people tolerate saw palmetto well; however in rare cases it may cause gastrointestinal side effects or headaches in sperm increase medicine.


Herbal Viagra:


Herbal Viagra refers to a group of products available without a valid prescription that purport to enhance sexual function in men. Such supplements may contain vitamins, minerals or herbal compounds with similar physiologic effects to that found in prescription-only Viagra; however, such products aren't reviewed or approved by the FDA despite claims they contain sildenafil, the active ingredient found in Viagra that acts by blocking an enzyme which interferes with blood flow during sexual stimulation and thus blocking its effects on blood flow to the penis.


Some herbs that are promoted as herbal Viagra supplements include horny goatweed (Epimedium) and saffron (Crocus sativus). Horny goatweed contains an alkaloid called icariin that inhibits PDE5, similar to what you would find in prescription Viagra drugs. Saffron acts as an aphrodisiac by increasing sexual desire while opening blood vessels to increase penis circulation.


Fenugreek is another herb often touted as herbal Viagra for men. It can boost testosterone, seminal fluid volume and motility levels while acting as an effective stress buster to lower cortisol levels and promote restful sleep. These benefits for men can all be found within Best Source Nutrition's MOTENT herbal medicine for premature ejaculation!

 

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