There was some recent discussion under the Viagra conversation about Yohimbe & HGW... I've not used HGW but have been doing an herbal combination containing same for years...

The problem with Yohimbe is the side effects and the MAO inhibitor toxification problems... (I won't get into the MAO thing but just read labels on all drugs, they are found in antidepressants and cold remedies among others. Not supposed to drink alcohol, eat cheese and a lot of other foods when taking MAO inhibitors.)

Side effects form most using Yohimbe include: Insomina, flushed red face, heart palpatations, elevated blood pressure, paranoia or mild halucinations (usually when trying to sleep), dehydration, sweating more easily due to feeling flushed & hot...

I was using "Yohimbe-Plus" by Irwin Labs but they contain too much Yo for my system so I would cut in half or quarter... Still too much Yo for me... The damiana and other herbs increase "sensitivity" which was my problem. The Yo works more for ED but does increase sensitivity as well, especially when combined with daminana & other herbs...

My latest discovery is called "Herbal Romance" and can be ordered from a discount .com store in FL... (write if you want the address) What I like about it is that it has a much HIGHER amount of Damiana & other herbs and a much LOWER amount of Yohimbe. Result is NO SIDE EFFECTS but increased sensitivity...

Ingrediants of Herbal Romance are:
Daminana, Ashwagandha Root, Catuaba Bark, Tribulus Fruit extract, Muira Puama root, Suma Root, Pasion Flower, Dutch Cocoa powder... Last and smallest amount (25mg) is Yohimbe...

The synthetic Yohimbe is called "Yohim-bine" and is by prescription only... Doesn't seem to cause as much flushing or insomnia by may help put more lead in the pencil. I take half of one a these along with the Herbal Romance pill...

You should always consult your doctor before taking herbs or herbal supplements, especially if you are taking prescription drugs as well...
ag

As I stated on the Viagra thread, I've had success with the brand of Horney Goat Weed they sell at GNC with the added Maca. Powerful medecina. This week I added Avena Sativa (Wild Oats) to the cocktail. Whoa.

I entered AB this week and spied a sweet young flaquita and called her over for an overpriced jugo. She put her arm around me and I felt her silky smooth shoulders...that's all it took...Mr. Happy liked that and came to full attention. In the room he liked it better. I don't know if it was the Wild Oates or my hormones were at a high or what, but I was ready to rip through mi pantalones. I also had on my Air Jordans... As Creed's musical message says, "Can you take me higher..."

Celtics

I did not realize they have several brands of HGW, all the web sites I looked seemed to be carrying same bottle of it.

PMan, HGW is an herb (Epimedium grandiflorum). The brand they sell at GNC is called Bodyonics Pinnacle HGW. Their combo also contains Maca, Polypodium vulgare, and Mucuna pruriens. You can buy pure HGW at health food stores with a different brand name. I've also had good success with Maca so I like the GNC brand for my zona cocktail. With these herbs I've never felt the need to juice myself up with Viagra. No es necesario para mi pero YMMV.

Now that I've added Avena Sativa, or Wild Oates, I may have to get some more pants. :^)

Celtics

Celtics

Wild Oates sounds great, I will be ordering some.
I have the same Pinnacle HGW which contains some maca.
Do you reduce HGW intake with Wild Oates or stick to same amount?

Celtics
Pinnacle's HGW is muy expensivo even on super tuesdays.Is the other brand a better deal and do you have it's name?Where's the deals on these oats?
PMAN that maca is some good stuff but a person needs more than the small amount in the hgw combo.I try to take at least one and sometimes two grams a day.I buy it at wallgreens where it's around $10 for #90 500mg pills.I have Taken it pretty steadily since the good DoctorGood posted about
it on redsnake early this year.

Taxibob, it's always cheaper to get the herbs in bulk and take them as you need them, and save money. I'm a little lazy about it, so I go with the Pinnacle and get good results. As far as the Wild Oates go, check health food stores. San Diego has three or four local chains that carry it. I don't remember the prices. For better deals, check local herb stores that just sell herbs and ask about quantity discounts. I've purchased Maca and other herbs this way, but they didn't come in pill form, I purchased the powder and mixed them with juice or tea for consumption.

PMan, I would check with an herbalist for ideal combos of herbs. I was taking quite a bit of the Maca, but don't remember the grams. It worked for me, but everybody is different so it's good to get expert advice and go from there. I generally start with small amounts and work up, monitoring the effects. It's worth the investment of time and poco dinero to consult with a pro.

MDs generally don't know squat about herbs, so go with a qualified practitioner, you'll be wasting your time with most MDs in this area. MDs simply are not trained in the use of herbs, which can be a very deep, complex study unto itself.

Celtics

I'd agree that most MD's don't know much about this stuff. In part this is because there are very little in the way of real studies. The manufacturers won't do them. So, it is mostly just anecdotal reports of success... or marketing stuff from the manufacturers.

My own (limited) literature research on the subject suggests that these herbs work in some patients, but not predictably. Also, since they affect erections more than libido, they are really not any better than Viagra (which almost always works). So I cannot recommend any of them.

Be careful about getting advice from an herbalist... be sure to question their credentials and experience. Some know what they are doing, and some can be almost dangerous.

I would disagree, Dr. Dick, that Maca, for example, affects only erections and not libido. Of course, I can only speak for myself here. These herbs tend to be much better IMO than Viagra because they increase energy in the body as a whole. If I'm not mistaken, Viagra simply redirects blood to the penis. Many of these herbs, like Ginseng, increase energy holistically and benefit the entire body and health. This increase in energy affects work, play, and sexual performance and an overall sense of well-being. Of course, nothing to my knowledge is as fast acting as Viagra. However, my agenda with herbs is more than just sexual pleasure (but that's a BIG one!).

As far as pros to consult, Doctors of Oriental Medicine are probably the best, and are quite qualified. Some even have much knowledge with western herbs as well. Herbology goes back thousands of years in the far east, and entire hospitals in China use only herbs as medecine with excellent results. Allopathic medicine is relatively new there and sometimes used in conjunction with Traditional Chinese Medicine with good results. Western Medical "studies" are very recent in comparison.

Celtics

yo,

my "agenda" with "herb" is for mental stimulation...

cs
"roll that shit, light that shit and smoke it"

This is a little off topic, but with cold & flu season nipping at our heels... The article below came in an email. I've tried the oil of Oregano. It is POWERFUL stuff. The first time I put a drop or two under my tongue was in my car while driving away from the herb shop after first purchasing it. Big mistake, it was so powerful I went into convulsions, sort of like giant hiccops, mixed with dry heaves, gagging.. I think you get the picture.. Careful with this stuff, we are not talking the kind of Oregano you get in Mexico or on your pizza. If you try the extract or oil, be sure to mix it with something, don't try it straight without a chaser handy...
************************************************
Oregano: The Master Protectant
Oregano oil has found to be one of the most powerful,
beneficial herbs in nature, with proven powerful antiviral,
antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic properties.
Additionally, it may also help to generally strengthen the
immune system. Isomeric phenols (primarily carvacrol) in
oregano oil have been proven in studies to destroy Candida
Albicans, Staphylococcus, E.Coli, Giardia and more. Thymol,
another phenol constituent in oregano oil, has been known to
boost the immune system. Carvacrol and thymol also help to
destroy free radicals, thereby preventing further damage
while encouraging healing.
Oregano oil has been effectively used against allergies,
arthritis, asthma, croup, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds/flus,
earaches, pneumonia, chronic fatigue, mental disease,
digestion problems, gum disease, sinusitis and muscle pain.
It has also been used topically (externally) to help with
acne, rosacea, athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections,
vericose veins, warts, insect bites and stings, canker/cold
sores, dandruff, psoriasis and other stubborn skin
disorders.
Why is oregano oil so versatile? It is a potent germ killer.
As Dr. Ingram explains, “oil of oregano outright destroys
all variety of fungi and yeasts, regardless of where they
reside.” Further, Jean Valnet, in his book The Practice of
Aromatherapy, describes how oregano oil is so strong, it has
even been shown to sterilize raw sewage! The International
Journal of Food Microbiology reported that oregano oil is
capable of killing many various fungi and bacteria;
including Candida (as reported in the Journal of Applied
Nutrition). According to Dr. Ingram, “oil of oregano’s
antiseptic powers are immense...it inhibits the growth of
the majority of bacteria, something that prescription
antibiotics fail to accomplish.”
Oregano oil also provides powerful pain relief. An article
published in Phytotherapy Research describes how oregano oil
was found to be superior to anti-inflammatory drugs against
pain and inflammation; it may even be more powerful than
morphine! Oregano oil has been proven to be so useful
against such a wide variety of symptoms that Dr. Cass Ingram
has called it a “Medicine Chest in a Bottle.”

Altogringo, I have to laugh at this oregano post. You know about my aborted trip last month to Ecuador because of increasingly worse stomach problems. Well, the dam broke one night after a waiter at this incredible place I was at offered to make me a "te" using oregano. I had never heard of this but he assured me that it was good for the stomach.

So I slowly sipped it while sitting in front of the fire in the antique filled lounge. The whole thing looked really decadent with me and my tea cup amidst all this hacienda luxury. A bit later I "retired" to my room and went to bed. (In classy places you retire, in Motel 6s you just go to your room).

I woke up in the middle of the night with a bomb going off inside of me. It was a long and cold time spent over the next few hours of continual trips to the toilet. And water pressure in Ecuador is not so good which is why they request you don't flush the paper down. Heck, even the green shit water didn't want to go down.

The next morning the waiter asked how I felt and whether I wanted some breakfast. Sausage and eggs perhaps? I went for a big bowl of yougurt mixed with fresh fruit and granola. And made sure I didn't get very far from my room the entire day.

Altogringo-thanks for the post about oregano oil. It sounds like good info and I have a few
patients to try it on. I started all the talk
about herbs on Redsnake and I am glad it is
catching on. At the Nuevo Laredo gettotogethor
I took some Viagra and some horney goat weed
pills from GNC and just as mentioned above
I put my arm around a girl and got an instant
erection-surprised me as that had never happened
before...........DOCTORGOOD

I finally went to GNC and bought herbal V ( the alternative for viagra) which contains yohimbine, ginkgo biloba, gingseng, and others. I think it worked pretty well because it did somewhat increase my libido and to get an erection faster than without. I am not certain if it's a placebo/psychological effect but I will probably take it again. I was wondering if anybody here has also taken this?

Crazyazyn
Yohimbe works like a natural Viagra, not as strong but you need a good heart as it is strong on the body.
Gingko biloba is supposed to help as well, ginseng definitely helps.
Add to this Horny goat weed and you'll be ready to go.

I had to tone down the amount of yohimbe from what I was taking. The formula I take now only has 25MG of yohimbe in it but the following seem to do the trick:

Damiana leaf powder - 200mg
Ashwagandha Root Powder - 150mg
Catuaba Bark Powder - 150mg
Tribulus Fruit Extract - 100mg
Muira Puama Root - 50mg
Suma Root Powder - 50mg
Passion Flower Powder - 50mg
Dutch Cocoa Powder (don't ask) 50mg
Yohimbe Bark Powder - 25mg

It runs around $10 for 60 long tabs that are easily cut in half for that extra jolt before a session.

Doesn't seem to bother the heart, blood pressure, disposition, sleep, etc. the way yo does..

Not sold in stores. drop me an email if you want the website.
ag

For those of you who inquired about the herbal combo... I forgot to mention that they taste great. Must be the cocoa powder... Anyway, I recommend "chewing" them up rather than swallowing whole. Let your saliva work it over before swallowing to help digestion & absorption.

Just don't eat them like candy though, as the damiana can create a "soft stool", hehehe..
ag

I bought the herbal V as 30 tablets for 30 bucks. Rather expensive. And the lady at the counter kepts suggesting to include maca in the mix and the damn bottle cost like 40 bucks. I was actually going to buy the horny goat weed recommended by others on the board but the lady was pushy enough to persuade me to get herbal V. I will definitely try the HGW in combo with herbal V next time. Is that too much to take?

I don't know a thing about HGW, but maca is sold for $5.87 for a bottle of 100 caps on the same website that sells the combo I mentioned above. I never by stuff locally. You can save up to 70% online plus the tax.

Shipping is only $5. and it arrives in 7 business days...
ag

AG do you know if it is Maca Extract or just ground maca?there is a big potency difference.
Taxi

Root powder, 500MG... I think the same place has the extract, or another type for twice the price, still around $10...

Does anyone have the website that Altogringo mentioned in his April 12 post? The mixture sounds good and it would be nice to take something that doesn't taste like dried fertilizer.

I have been practicing herbal medicine for about
twenty five years now. European, Ayurvedic, South West Plains Indian and my specialty Traditional Chinese.

Besides my clinical practice I am currently in the process of producing custom herbal extracts
that I believe are some of the srongest around.

There is a big difference between root powders and different gradations of extracts. You do get what you pay for.

If you do have a choice between regular and super
in all herbal medicines. More later.

Mr Innocent

Horny Goat Weed was the topic of discussion a few months back... I've not tried it but was wondering if anyone feels it really does put more lead in the pencil...

The Twinlabs bottle of 60 retails for $19.95 but I know a place you can order online for only $11.97 (NO TAX, NO Shipping)... I may order it but still curious if others feel it is worth putting through the liver...
ag

Altogringo,
The latin botanical name is herba epimidium.
Twin labs usually has good quality I would try whatever the recommended daily dose is and go up from there. I like to double and triple dose on some things.

It is an aphrodisiac herb and has many other health benefits. Try it and let me know. I will
have some extremely strong extracts soon that I know will blow Twin labs products out of the market. Best regards...

Mr. Innocent

Botanica El Paraiso on Ninos Heroes between 1st and 2nd serves lunch and will make almost any kind of herbal drink you can think of. I dont know the quality of their herbs and roots.

We have been talking about herbs to boost performance. How about herbs or vitamins to help your immune system? I take regularly multi vitamins and zinc.

Astragalus can be taken long term without any contraindications or drug reactions unless you are currently taking chemo therapy. It is great for boosting the immune system and strenghtening
digestion.

In the West, herbal medicine use is in its infancy when compared to the rest of the world. The discussions here have centered around herbs used in the East, but the Latin American culture should also have something to offer.

While in DR, a bar tender had a bottle of brandy with all kinds of herbs in it, and charged $5 for a shot. It did seem to have some positive affect, but it could also be plecebo. Never did get the names of the herbs.

Ran into some herb sellers in a street market in Northeast Brazil. After graphically demonstrating what I was looking for (without lowering my pants), they recommended catuaba, a tree bark from the Amazons. It came in a bottle of syrup, and in sticks of bark, which they instructed to soak in "vino". After returning home, a Net search did confirm catuaba as another fabled woody herb. Tried the syrup a few times, and got nada. Soaked the bark sticks in brandy, and did not anything from it either. Perhaps I had been taken for my $10, or I might not be using it correctly.

Found this product advertised on the net.. I've not tried it myself and censored the name so as not to be acused of spamming.. What I like is it has very low levels of Yohimbe so it appears to be safer than a lot of other products out there..

The ingredients read like a book, posting those as I thought some would find interesting..

With TJH's permission will post the link, otherwise, if interested, drop me an email... I may not try it myself but would be interested if anyone else does..
**********************************************


____________helps men renew that uplifting feeling. Potent combination of all natural ingredients has been specifically formulated to help men answer the age old question “how do I increase my sexual energy?” Includes: B vitamins, plus green oats (Avena Sativa), Yohimbe, and 40 more supplements.

See below for the complete ingredient listing including amounts and % of daily value.

Availability: Usually ships the next business day.

#6767 (60 Softgels)Regular price: $18.95Sale price: $9.95

______________Supplement Facts / DirectionsServing Size: 3 Softgels

Amount Per 3 Softgels and % Daily Value:

Vitamin E (as acetate), 100 IU, 333% Daily Value

Vitamin B-1 (thiamine mononitrate), 10 mg 667% Daily Value

Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin), 10 mg, 588% Daily Value

Niacin (as nicinamide), 20 mg, 100% Daily Value

Vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxine HCI), 25 mg, 1250% Daily Value

Vitamin B-12 (as cyanocobalamin),100 mcg, 1667% Daily Value

Pantothenic Acid (as d-calcium pantothenate), 25 mg, 250% Daily Value

Zinc (as opti-zinc), 30 mg, 200% Daily Value

Selenium (as L-selenomethionine), 50 mcg, 71% Daily Value

Chromium (as chromium picolinate), 200 mcg, 167% Daily Value

Yohimbe Bark Extract, 100 mg*

Korean Ginseng Extract (80%), 25 mg*

Ashwagandha Extract, 50 mg*

L-Arginine HCL Powder, 100 mg*

Ginkgo Biloba Extract (24%), 60 mg*

Saw Palmetto Extract (5%), 60 mg*

Avena Sativa,25 mg*

Pumpkin Seed Oil, 100 mg*

Damiana Leaf Powder, 25 mg*

Nettle Leaf Powder, 25 mg*

Garlic Powder, 100 mg*

Alfalfa Juice Conc., 100 mg*

Cayenne Powder, 50 mg*

Mucuna Pruriens, 50 mg*

Withania Somnifera, 25 mg*

Licorice (glycrrhiza glabra), 25 mg*

Nutmeg (myristica fragrans), 10 mg*

Tribulus Terrestris, 10 mg*

Tinospera Cardifolia,10 mg*

Shilajit Powder, 15 mg*

Fenugreek Seed Powder, 10 mg*

F.D. Royal Jelly, 10 mg*

Sarsaparilla Root Powder, 10 mg*

Muira Puama Extract, 5 mg*

Pau D’Arco Bark Powder, 10 mg*

Ginger Extract, 10 mg*

Celery Seed Oil, 10 mg*

Juniper Berry Powder, 10 mg*

Wheat Germ Oil, 25 mg*

L-Tyrosine Powder, 50 mg*

Cholestatin II, 40 mg*

Lecithin, 100 mg*

Pycnogenol, 1 mg*

Coenzyme Q10, 0.5 mg*

Ascorbyl Palmitate, 30 mg*

Bioperine, 5 mg*

*Daily value not established

Other Ingredients: Gelatin, glycerin, purified water, parsley seed oil, curcumin powder, potassium iodide, guarana extract, fennel oil, peppermint oil, kelp, lecithin, carmine 9350, titanium dioxide and beeswax.

Free of starch, sugar, preservatives, yeast, corn, milk products, artificial colors-flavors-dyes.

DIRECTIONS: Adult Men Only: Take two (2) or three (3) softgels daily, 1 hour before bedtime with milk or food, as a dietary supplement or as recommended by your healthcare professional.

KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. THE BOTTLE CAP ON THIS PRODUCT IS SECURED WITH AN IMPRINTED PLASTIC SEAL. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IF SEAL IS CUT, TORN, BROKEN OR MISSING.

WARNING: Diabetics/Hypoglycemics: Use only under a physician’s supervision.

Store at controlled room temperature (59°-86°F).

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Any idea why the warning for diabetics?

Just
Curious

Good question, my I don't know much about diabetic concerns but... My guess is that some of these ingredients no doubt turn to sugar, then the Yohimbe raises blood pressure..

Seems like obesity, high blood pressure & poor circulation accompany diabetes quite often..

Actually, you'll see a 'diabetic warning' on just about everything.

Sort of a general, CYA sort of thing according to my Doctor.

(I'm a diabetic who controls his sugar with diet and exercise)

Guys,

This formula is what is called a "kitchen sink"
formula. The've got everything in it but the sink
It is not focused and has way to many ingredients.

Possible renal hyprtension is the caution/contra indication for diabetics. Hope that helps

Is Horny Goat Weed safe to consume?
Also, I am trying to find the best online site to buy these herbs. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I've consumed quite a bit of it and I'm still kicking.
I usually bought it at wallgreens or Sav-On when they were tossing buy one get one free deals.
Putanero

Putanero,
Did you find any improvement in your stamina/sex drive? How long you have you been taking this?

Thanks.

bkkguru
www.puritan.com runs buy 2 get 3 free quite often. They do have Horny Goat Weed. Nothing dangerous about it, just another herb. I don't know about stamina but it helps my sex drive.
You can take korean ginseng, L Arginine. Stop by bookstore and pick up a good herbal book. For stamina you can try tribulus terrestris.
If you're into chinese herbs, try Yi Shen Li (my favorite), Tzepao Sanpien.

Athos,
Thanks for the info.
What is "Tzepao Sanpien" used for? I could not find it on Puritan.com

Bkkguru
Tzepao is to give you energy. Go to a local chinese herbal store or do a search online.
It comes in small vials, package of 10.

Yesterday a beach vender in Pattaya, Thailand tried to sell me a bottle of sticks, dried flowers, seeds, etc. He said that you fill the bottle with water (or whiskey) let it set for a day and then took a shot morning and night. Called it "Elephant Tonic" Claimed it revitalized you. I refused him, but during his pitch he gave each one of us a tiny taste ... perhaps a teaspoon full. 15 minutes after he had wandered in search of new customers I began to feel a tingleing and a bit of a glow. What the heck was in that stuff. I know an alcohol flush when I feel one and this was not the sensation. Any one ever heard of "Elephant Tonic" or anything simalar?

Athos,
What does "Yi Shen Li" do for you?

Thanks!

Yi sheng li keeps you horny and ready to perform.

Regarding Yohimbe that some have mentioned has too strong an effect for regular use, I too experienced this but found a solution. Yohimbe is a wildcard when it comes to stength because the strength of the dosage is unregulated. I've had some yohimbe where I could take 3 a day, and then I;ve tried some from a different manufacture where just 1/2 a pill what too strong. My solution was to get the pharmacutical version call yohombine, you need a perscription for this but the advantage is the strength of the dosage is the same with each pill. I don;t have to worry about how strong it's going to effect me. BTW yohimbe and yohimbine work great for me to increase desire and have firmer erections. Would recommend to start with low dosages and gradually increase as your body get used the to side effects.

So what's the latest best herbal alternative to Viagra, Cialis and Levitra? Or is there no such beast?