Men's Health
Beat Impotence With A Traditional Chinese Remedy That Works Like Viagra But Without The Harmful Side Efffects
Impotence, also called erectile dysfunction, is a distressing problem that is thought to affect one in 10 UK males over the age of 21 at some point in their lives. It involves the inability to get an erection or sustain it long enough for sexual intercourse.
Now, a new product called Libidfit Viatrin has just been launched in the UK that can boost a flagging libido and help you maintain an erection. It contains a blend of 10 herbs that have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
The herbal extracts Libidfit contains are derived from the following plants: Fructus Corni, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, Herba Epimedil, Fructus Lycii, Fructus Schisandrae, Radix Polygoni Multiflori, Cortex Cinnamomi, Fructus Amomi and Ginseng.
You may be familiar with some of these herbs, which weve covered in past issues of HSI, yet the majority are new to Western medicine. For example weve reported on Ginsengs ability to improve libido and maintain an erection before. In double-blind clinical trials, 60% of men with erectile dysfunction experienced improvements after taking a ginseng extract for just eight to twelve weeks 1.
HSI has also featured a report on Fo-ti the root extract of Radix Polygoni Multiflori. Its potent aphrodisiac properties have meant that it is often referred to as Herbal Viagra. Historically Fo-Ti has been used to treat infertility and prolong the quality and length of life itself. Indeed, its Chinese name, He-shou-wu, is linked with a member of the Tang Dynasty whose infertility was allegedly cured by the herb. According to legend, his unusually long life and libido was attributed to its anti-ageing effects.
What causes impotence?
Most impotence is temporary and is the result of stress and often taking active measures to relax, such as a programme of exercise or yoga, is all thats needed to reverse it 2. Other causes include declining testosterone levels and reduced blood flow to the penis.
You should also be aware that certain medications can cause impotence as a side effect (such as beta-blockers for high blood pressure, cimetidine (Tagamet) prescribed for stomach ulcers, and tricyclic antidepressants). If you are taking any of these drugs, talk to your doctor about reducing your dosage or finding alternatives.
Impotence can also occur following prostate surgery due to nerve damage of the penis. For a month or so after surgery, many men are unable to get an erection. Approximately 60% of patients who have their whole prostate removed are left impotent 3.
Its vital that you see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to determine the exact cause of your impotence, as erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of benign prostate enlargement or prostate cancer that needs to be identified so that a suitable treatment programme can be implemented.
Viagra has been linked to a range of side effects from dizzy spells to heart problems
Mainstream medicine normally treats impotence with phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, like Viagra (Sildenafil). They work by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) that destroys nitric oxide a chemical in your bloodstream that allows you to get an erection by dilating the blood vessels in your penis, which increases the flow of blood during arousal.
However, one of the major drawbacks attached to the drug is that it can cause a range of unpleasant side effects, including headaches, facial flushing, dizziness, indigestion and visual disturbances 4. More alarmingly, Viagra has been linked to an increased risk of raised blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke and even sudden death in rare cases.
Libidfit works in a similar way to synthetic PDE inhibitors like Viagra by improving blood flow to the penis. However, unlike Viagra its beneficial influence is not just confined to the sexual glands. It also appears to exert a direct action in the pleasure centres of the brain, which increases desire. The combination of these two actions may make Libidfit particularly useful in cases of impotence that are of either physical or psychological origin.
Libidfit has a 96% success rate when it comes to helping men achieve an erection
A double-blind randomised study was recently undertaken at the University of Bejing involving 145 impotent men between the ages of 21 to 65. Participants were divided into two groups and received either one to two capsules of Libidfit or a placebo each day for seven days.
On days one and eight erections were assessed using a questionnaire and scanning device called Dacomed Rigiscan this is worn on a belt and has a loop which passes round the shaft of the penis that measures swelling over a 12 to 24-hour period.
Of the 109 participants who had been sexually active during the course of the trial 96 described a full recovery of erectile function and a further nine had an erection sufficient for intercourse on one occasion.
Questionnaires and scan results confirmed an improvement in erectile function of 96% following the use of Libidfit compared to pre-treatment measures. This result was significantly better than the control groups. Side-effects attached to Libidfit were described as minimal and the therapeutic benefit was described as superior compared to other traditional formulas.
This study is still awaiting publication in a peer-reviewed journal. In the meantime, further studies are being carried out in Norway and HSI promises to keep you fully updated on the findings as soon as they become available.
What to take for best results
The recommended dosage for Libidfit Viatrin is one to two capsules, depending on body mass, to be taken before sexual intercourse. Two capsules are recommended with a body weight in excess of 80kg. See the product label for full dosage instructions.
The active ingredients work in about 20 minutes and the duration of their action is approximately 16 hours which is longer by several hours than Viagra. Direct stimulation of the genitals to create arousal is necessary with this product as it is with other PDE inhibitors. While there are no known adverse reactions linked to Libidfit it is important to consult your doctor before taking it if you are currently on any medication.
1. Int J Impotence Res 1995; 7: 181-6; J Urol 2002; 168: 2070-3
2. Scand J Urol Nephrol 1997; 31: 271-4
3. JAMA 2000; 283 (3): 354-60
4. BMA New Guide to Medicines and Drugs, 2001
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