Asian Ginseng

Asian Ginseng is a deep immune tonic and an adaptogen (it helps people to deal with stress). It is a "hot" remedy and therefore it should not be used in "hot" conditions of the body. It is a very "yang" remedy and has the reputation of increasing the libido.

I believe, however, that ginseng is "homeostatic" in its function - that it will tend to normalize body function. I took ginseng at a time when my libido was very active and it seemed to reduce that activity. If you take it when your libido is under active, I believe that it will tend to increase the libido.

It is said that because Asian Ginseng is so yang, women should not take it. Certainly this "hot", yang remedy will not agree with every one, but when I asked my Chinese doctor friend about women and ginseng, she said that she finds it a wonderful tonic and that the Chinese just didn’t like ballsy women.

Damiana:

David Hoffmann writes: "… Damiana is an excellent strengthening remedy for the nervous system. It has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac. Whilst this may or may not be true, it has a definite tonic action on the central nervous and the hormonal system. The pharmacology of the plant suggest that the alkaloids could have a testosterone-like action… As a useful anti-depressant, Damiana is considered to be a specific in cases of anxiety and depression where there is a sexual factor. It may be used to strengthen the male sexual system.

"Combinations: As a nerve tonic it is often used with Oats (Avena sativa). …

"Preparation and dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoon of the dried leaves and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
"Tincture: take 1-2 ml (10-20 drops) of the tincture three times a day."

Yohimbi will reputedly improve male function, but it is relatively toxic. I would not recommend its use. I have no experience with this herb, but the books say "avoid in cases with liver or kidney damage… avoid prolonged use… can cause low blood pressure…"
Certainly if you are using other pharmaceutical medicines, which probably strain the liver and kidneys, do not use Yohimbi!

L-arginine

Earl Mindell writes that "Natural healers recommend L-arginine for men who have problems with sexual function, specifically with maintaining an erection long enough to engage in sex. L-arginine works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which results in harder erections. Alas, the effect is short-lived, so in order to use L-arginine to improve sexual performance, you need to take it about 45 minutes before having sex. Not everyone finds that L-arginine works, but there are enough anecdotal reports by men who have benefited from L-arginine to allow us to take it seriously. Several studies have shown that L-arginine can also increase sperm count and may be a useful treatment for male infertility.

"L-arginine is best known for its ability to stimulate the production of growth hormone, which is instrumental in shedding fat and building muscle…

"For its sex-enhancing benefits, take 3-6 grams of L-arginine on an empty stomach 45 minutes before having sex.

"Cautions: Although there is no solid evidence to confirm it, some researchers believe that arginine may trigger the onset of herpes infection. However, this may be avoided by taking it with 500 mg. Of lysine, which can inhibit the herpes virus."

Avena Sativa 3X

I had a patient to whom I prescribed Avena sativa tincture as a "nutritive stimulant and tonic". The shop where she went to fill the prescription, instead of giving her the herbal tincture, gave her a homeopathic 3X potency! She experienced a profound effect on her libido (in her words, she was "just humming!") and on some aspects of her secondary sexual functions (galactorhea) which she attributed to the Avena sativa 3X.