Libido — the vital impulse or energy motivating human behavior. The sexual urge or lust.
Wilhelm Reich, the second most important psychiatrist in history, (Carl Jung is undoubtedly the greatest; guess number three!) emphasized the critical nature of orgasm in health. He believed it was an essential balancer of life energy. Freud (my concept of number three) seemed more neurotic about sex than his patients.
In the past six decades sexuality has come out of the closet, and, yet, there seem to be at least as many sexual hang-ups as ever.
A significant percentage of men have erectile dysfunction and many women complain of loss of libido, especially after menopause.
In men, andropause, with decreasing levels of testosterone after age fifty, is also associated with loss of nitric oxide, the essential chemical for erectile function. Aphrodisiacs and ED drugs are among the most common spam ads on the internet. Yet they are not the most reasonable aids.
Luckily, there are some reasonable potential aids for lost libido.
First try L-arginine, up to 4 grams. It is an excellent antioxidant as well as a foundation for making nitric oxide. If this is not adequate, add natural progesterone cream, one-fourth teaspoon on the skin of the scrotum twice daily. This increases libido as well as assists in rejuvenating DHEA production. It also helps the prostate by blocking conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
If this approach is inadequate, then consider:
EPISANDRA COMPOUND (www.omchiherbs.com)
This safe blend of herbal extracts contains three of the best natural aphrodisiacs: Epimedium sagittatum, or horny goat weed, says it all. This is a powerful male yang tonic, which increases sexual energy and is the single best-studied aphrodisiac. Schisandra chinensis is said to purify the blood, sharpen the mind, rejuvenate kidney energy (the source of sexual energy in Chinese cosmology) in men and women while increasing genital warmth and sensation. Psoralea corylifolia is a tonic and aphrodisiac.
All of these compounds are far safer than any of the ED drugs.
If this is inadequate, then consider:
VigEros™ (888-242-6105) which contains:
L-Arginine
Yohimbe
Epimedium Sagittatum
Xanthroparmelia scabrosa
Cnidium monnier
Yohimbe is perhaps the best known herbal compound for ED. It does carry a low risk of slight gastrointestinal cramping and may lower blood pressure, so should be used with caution in those on anti-hypertensive drugs.
Only when these are not satisfactory should you consider tadalafil, the generic form of Cialis which is much more expensive than the generic form. This is available from several sources in India and Mexico. It appears to be much more effective than Viagra and somewhat safer. However, it does have the problem of lowering blood pressure which makes it more risky than the herbal preparations.
In men, I do not think testosterone is a wise treatment. However, tribulus appears to be a safe natural activator of testosterone production.
In women, the Episandra Compound may be tried. If that does not work, then natural progesterone cream is the next line of defense. Finally, a small amount of testosterone may be added to the progesterone cream (compounding pharmacy, prescription required).
C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D. is the father of holistic medicine. He recommends autogenic focus (the basis of the Biogenics System) as part of your commitment to self-health and healthy longevity. Register to download your FREE copy of 90 Days to Self-Health and learn more about autogenic focus now.