Over-the-counter supplements are the first choice for PEOPLE who want to make a change in their sex life. But you may be wondering about how effective and safe they are. Medicine has a long history of scientific inquiry about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human disease.

The fight between formally (FDA)* approved western medicine or  "traditional medicine" vs natural medicine "herbal remedies" is probably at an all-time high!

*Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is "the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. Does this mean we must ignore herbal remedies 'medicines' in our folklore passed on from generation to generation to the 21st century?

Natural remedies have been used for centuries and are often seen as a more holistic approach to healthcare. They typically involve using herbs, plants and other natural ingredients to treat various conditions. Supporters of natural remedies argue that they are often safer, gentler and have fewer side effects than traditional western medicines. Also, they argue that natural medicines do not include the risk of addiction some prescription medicines carry. 

However, it is important to note that not all natural remedies are safe or effective to use. Some can interact negatively with prescription medications or even toxic in high doses. It is essential to do thorough research and consult with a doctor before trying any natural remedy. On the other hand, traditional medicine is based on scientific research and clinical trials, and it's effectiveness has been well documented.  

Prescription medications, vaccines and surgeries are often necessary to treat serious illnesses and injuries and can be life-saving. Tradiational medicine also provides more targeted treatment for specific conditions. While natural remedies may offer relief for certain symptoms, they may not address the underlying cause of the condition. It is also worth noting that traditional medicine has some drawbacks.

Prescription medication may have some unpleasant side effects. And there is a risk of dependency or addiction with certain drugs. Additionally, the cost of traditional drugs / medicine can be very high, making it difficult for some people to access necessary treatments. So, are natural remedies better than traditional (western) medicine? 

Well, both have their advantages, and disadvantages:  and ultimately depends on the individual and the specific situation. For minor conditions, or for maintaining overall health, natural remedies can be a safe and effective option. However, for serious or emergencies, traditional (western) medicine is often necessary. It is also important to remember that natural remedies (herbal) and traditional medicine (western) do not have to be mutually exclusive. 

In fact, many doctors are beginning to adopt an integrated approach using both natural remedies and traditional medicine to provide the best possible care for the patient. 

So, whether you choose natural remedies, traditional medicine, or a combination of both, it is very important to do your research and consult with doctors before making any decisions about your health 

Ginseng is the root of plants in the genus Panax such as Korean ginseng (P.ginseng), Ginseng is common in the cuisines and medicines of China and Korea.

Tribulus terrestris is an annual plant in the caltrop family (Zygophyllaceae) widely distributed around the world. It is adapted to thrive in dry climate locations in which few other plants can survive.

Lepidium meyenii, known as Maca or Peruvian ginseng, is an edible herbaceous biennial plant of the family Brassicaceae that is native to South America in the high Andes mountains of Peru and Bolivia.

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo or gingko, also known as the maidenhair tree, is a species of gymnosperm tree native to East Asia. 

Ginkgo Biloba is used in many herbal natural supplements to help with increased blood flow to the genitals. Recent evidence indicates Gingko Biloba extract appears to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence) caused by the lack of blood flow to the genitals.

Ginkgo Biloba is also taken as an energiser to improve mood and alertness, as a “smart drug” to stimulate brain function and memory.

Horny Goat Weed. A traditional herb used in Chinese medicine for centuries to improve sexual function and arousal. 

Epimedium is known to have aphrodisiac qualities. According to legend, this property was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed sexual activity in his flock after they ate the weed. The active ingredient in Epimedium is icariin which works by increasing levels of nitric oxide. Icariin, the active compound in Epimedium, inhibits the activity of PDE-5.

Epimedium has testosterone like effects. It stimulates sexual activity in both men and women, increases sperm production, stimulates the sensory nerves and increases sexual desire.The herb increases blood flow to the penis and also prevents a protein called fibrin from being deposited on capillary walls, thus preventing loss of sexual function in men with atherosclerosis.

Fenugreek is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is cultivated worldwide as a semiarid crop. Its seeds and leaves are common ingredients in dishes from the Indian subcontinent, and have been used as a culinary ingredient since ancient times.

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food.

Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha or winter cherry, is an evergreen shrub in the Solanaceae or nightshade family that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar

Vitex agnus-castus is a plant native of the Mediterranean region. It is one of the few temperate-zone species of Vitex, which is on the whole a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering plants. Theophrastus mentioned the shrub several times, as agnos in Enquiry into Plants. 

Eurycoma Longifolia Eurycoma Longifolia is a herb found in the rain forests of Maylasia. Its benefits are so impressive that some even refer to it as a miracle herb. In addition to boosting energy, relieving stress and improving physical and mental performance, the herb also has several sexual benefits when taken by men. These benefits include helping boost testosterone levels, increase sperm production and improve overall sexual performance and stamina.

Flos Carthami This is a Chinese herb that helps men who have trouble achieving an erection. Flos Carthami is believed to work by helping the body produce more nitric oxide. When this naturally-occuring substance is released within the body, it encourages the vessels inside the penis to dilate and allow blood to enter. Therefore, boosting nitric oxide levels with the help of herbs such as Flos Carthami can make it easier to get and maintain an impressive erection.

Rhizoma Cucurmae More commonly known as turmeric, this member of the ginger family is known to have a host of health benefits. For instance, it is often used to help those experiencing abdominal pain, headaches and bronchitis. When taken by men who have sexual problems, it helps increase blood flow to the penis to improve the quality of erections.

Bioperine The subtle yet potent properties of Bioperine have been measured in several clinical studies with healthy volunteers in the U.S. These sudies measured the absorption of three distinct categories of products.

The categories evaluated with and without Bioperine were fat-soluble, water soluble and a mineral. Gastrointestinal absorption of all the studied nutrients, as measured by amounts present in the blood, increased dramatically when administered with Bioperine as compared to the control group receiving the nutrients alone.

Selenimum levels increased by 30%, beta-carotene increased by 60% and vitamin B6 was slightly higher than beta-carotene. Bioperine significantly enhances the bioavailability of the herbs used in VIREKTA, thereby making it a far more potent product.

Momordica Charantia Also commonly known as bitter melon, this tropical fruit grows in a number of areas, including the Amazon. It is a regularly consumed food that also has a number of medicinal uses. It has also long been used by the people of Brazil, China, Ghana and Mexico as an aphrodisiac.

Written and compiled by Blogger Paul Joubert