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SAW PALMETTO
Saw Palmetto tones and strengthens the male reproductive system. It helps to boost male sex hormones but its primary traditional use is in BPH, enlarged prostate. This is a long-term herb and very safe. If I was to choose one for the reproductive system, this would be it.Saw Palmetto is classified as a warm and drying herb and dosages range from 1,000 – 3,000 mg daily. Combines well with Nettle Root.
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EPIMEDIUM
Although Epimedium, or Horny Goat Weed as it’s commonly known, is marketed as some kind of Herbal Viagra, this is not the case. Its primary function is in increasing capillary and other vessels blood flow, primarily to the reproductive system. However, it also has a mild androgenic effect and increases fertility and libidinal potential over the long-term.
Dosages range from 4,000 – 8,000 mg daily as a simple but strong infused tea, however, standardised extracts to Icariins (active ingredient) are an optimal choice. Epimedium is considered a warm and drying herb. Would combine well with L-Arginine, Muira Puama or Velvet Bean.
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VELVET BEAN
Although Velvet Bean’s most common use is for its L-Dopa content in Parkinson’s, it has some strong androgenic uses more commonly valued in South America. It has testosterone and libido increasing properties. This means it’s useful for ED, weight-loss, aphrodisiac and weight training. Highly underestimated herb.
Velvet Bean is classified as a warm and drying herb with dosages ranging from 2,000 – 4,000 mg daily. Combines well with Tribulus or Green Tea.
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SHATAVARI
Shatavari is most popular as an Ayurvedic female herbal. However, it’s also used to enhance fertility, libido and most sexual tonic functions in both sexes.
Shatavari is classified as a moist and cooling herb, with dosages ranging from 3,000 – 12,000 mg daily. You can read further on Shatavari in my Snapshot series. Combines well with Zinc, Epimedium or Saw Palmetto.
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ELEUTHERO
I’ve included Eleuthero for men for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s an excellent adaptogen. It increases resistance and adaptation to stress unlike anything else I know. So much so, the russians used it with their cosmonauts, military and athletes. It improves physical and mental performance whilst also protecting and enhancing cardiac function. This one is an absolute for men.Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) is classified as a warm and drying herb with dosages ranging from 2,000 – 9,000 mg daily, as a dried herb decoction tea. Otherwise, extracts standardised to Eleutherosides are the best option. Combines well with Rhodiola for stress or with Hawthorn for Cardiac focus.
Bibliography
Bone, Kerry. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs : Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St. Louis, MI: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism : The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Ulbricht, Catherine E. and Natural Standard (Firm). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide : An Evidence-Based Reference. 1st ed. Maryland Heights, Mo.: Elsevier/Mosby, 2010.