Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera)*

A traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plant, Ashwagandha is considered one of the best tonic remedies of India.  It is an adaptogen and nervine used to reduce stress and stimulate libido and male reproductive functioning. Ashwagandha also has antispasmodic activity and is useful for fibromyalgia and arthritic pain.

Cynomorium herb (Cynomorium songaricum)*

Or suo yang is used in TCM to tonify the kidney yang, especially in men with impotence, low back pain, and lack of libido. It is also used for infertility in women and for deficient yin constipation.

Maca root (Lepidium meyenii)*

A sexual tonic for both men and women. Until recently, human studies were entirely lacking. A 2009 study (Zenico, et al 2009) found that men with erectile dysfunction had improved feelings of well-being and sexual performance.

Red Ginseng root (Panax ginseng)*

The best known and researched adaptogenic herb in the world, Ginseng is used to improve immune function, decrease cortisol (an adrenal hormone) production and normalize overactive stress response. It increases physical and mental performance and benefits prostate function.

Epimedium herb (Epimedium grandiflorum)*

Or yin yang huo, is also known as lustful sheep plant or horny goat weed. Both names are obvious references to its ability to enhance libido. It has been used in China for low sperm count and low testosterone levels, as well as treating neurasthenia, chronic bronchitis, arthritis, and neutropenia. Numerous animal studies suggest that the traditional belief in its ability to promote sexual function is accurate.

Muira Puama root (Ptychopetalum olacoides)*

Is from a South American tree that is used as an aphrodisiac and CNS stimulant. Also known as Potency Wood, this herb stimulates libido and pelvic circulation without the adverse responses that sometimes occur with Yohimbe. It is used for impotence, neuralgia, dyspepsia, diarrhea, and rheumatic pain.

Bibliography:

Abdel-Magied EM, Abdel-Rahman HA, Harraz FM. The effect of aqueous extracts of Cynomorium coccineum and Withania somnifera on testicular development in immature Wistar rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Apr;75(1):1-4.

Chen, J., Chen, T., Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, Art of Medicine Press, 2004.

de Andrade E, de Mesquita AA, Claro Jde A, et al. Study of the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl. 2007 Mar;9(2):241-4.

Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, et al. A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report. J Urol. 2002 Nov;168(5):2070-3.

Kim TH, Jeon SH,Hahn EJ, et al. Effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl. 2009 May;11(3):356-61.

Winston, D., Herbal Therapeutics, Specific Indications for Herbs & Herbal Formulas, David Winston Center for Herbal Studies, 2012.

Zenico T, Cicero AF, Valmorri L, et al. Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Andrologia. 2009 Apr;41(2):95-9.