Eleven Great Natural Herbs and Supplements For Virility and Stamina

With our modern day diets plagued with processed foods and many people eating out more and obtaining food on the go, it is becoming increasingly common for females and males to suffer from symptoms of weak libido and a lack of invigoration for life.

I realize this subject is slightly taboo, but nonetheless a part of overall human health and happiness.

In order to improve stamina, we have to observe the external factors in the environment as well as the foods that are being consumed on a regular basis. Vigor, virility, and vitality are all crucial components in a persons healthy body functioning for exercise and daily life.

Many recent studies have shown that cell phone radiation can negatively effect testosterone and fertility in men. One study including this one from Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, “A total of 34 male Albino rats [Wistar strain], 2 months of age, weighing 150-160 gm were used for the experiment. These animals were divided into 3 groups. The first group containing 6 rats was assigned as a control group. The second group containing 14 rats was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 30 minutes daily and the third group containing 14 rats was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes daily for the total period of 3 months. At the end of experimental period, blood was collected into the container, and serum testosterone was analyzed using double-antibody radioimmunoassay method by Coat-A-Count.

The results of the study were, “Exposure to mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes/day for the total period of 3 months significantly decrease the serum testosterone level [p=0.028] in Wistar Albino rats compared to their matched control.”

With that study comes a probable case for why many Western men are now suffering from decreased testosterone and low energy, not to mention the struggle of infertility.

In order to provide proper solutions to these issues at hand, it is important to find some healthy foods to reincorporate into the diet as well as include a good exercise regimen.

In addition to diet and supplementation, including heavy weight interval training into your lifestyle can help assist with increasing healthy hormone levels and elevating strength and stamina.

The next step following a weight lifting regimen is to implement the correct supplements including amino acids, herbs, vitamins and minerals.

If you’re looking for some herbal alternatives to include into your modern day lifestyle here are some great herbs to start with….

Ashwagandha Root-

This amazing Ayurvedic herb is a root by the name of Withania somnifera. It is used across the globe for its special use as a nerve tonic. It’s classified under the adaptogen group of herbs and may stimulate energy levels or calm the body down depending on the needs of the body.

The herb is known to help the body handle both fatigue and stress by bringing the hormones into a homeostatic balance. Ashwagandha has also shown a positive effect on energy, endurance, immune system health, longevity, and stamina.

Its adaptogenic and anti-stress activities have been studied in detail. In experimental models it increases the stamina of rats during swimming endurance test and prevented adrenal gland changes of ascorbic acid and cortisol content produce by swimming stress. Pretreatment with Withania somnifera (WS) showed significance protection against stress induced gastric ulcers. WS have anti-tumor effect on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell carcinoma. It was also found effective against urethane induced lung-adenoma in mice. In some cases of uterine fibroids, dermatosarcoma, long term treatment with WS controlled the condition. It also has a Cognition Promoting Effect and was useful in children with memory deficit and in old age people loss of memory. It was also found useful in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzeimer’s diseases. In addition it has GABA mimetic effect and was shown to promote formation of dendrites. The anxiolytic effects also improves energy levels and mitochondrial health.

So for Pete’s sake take some Ashwagandha!

Cayenne Pepper – 

This pepper is primarily effective due to the phytochemical called capsaicin. It works well for increasing cardiac blood flow and has many other health benefits such as anti-fungal properties, detoxification, pain relief, and metabolism boosting.

As assessed by Open Heart Journal, “Rodent studies suggest that capsaicin may merit clinical evaluation with respect to endothelial function, progression of atherosclerosis (most notably in diabetics), angina, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiac hypertrophy, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, obesity and gastric ulceration. (See table 1 for a summary of these potential benefits and the mechanisms that may underlie them.) In addition to the many studies assessing capsaicin’s impact on metabolic rate and adiposity, the trial of topical capsaicin in patients with angina, and the studies documenting capsaicin’s gastroprotective effects, represent initial efforts in this regard.

A study examining endothelium-dependent vasodilation in diabetics might be particularly useful, as a systemically adequate dose of capsaicin could be expected to have a notably favourable impact on this parameter. Assessment of the dose-dependency of this effect could provide useful insight into capsaicin clinical dosage schedules which could provide systemic metabolic benefits.”

Krishna Musli –

This herb also known as Shweta Musali (Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB)) is traditionally used as an ayurvedic herb for its benefits in male sexual and general health.

This herb is slightly unknown to many, however it’s clinical studies have been more than promising. With studies showing that it not only boosts performance but also increases the quality of off-spring, it should be noted that this herb could be a viable option for couples struggling to conceive due to infertility, lack of desire, and erectile dysfunction.

This adaptogenic herb is noted for its important functions in ayurveda since experimental studies reaffirm its role in sexual behavior, spermatogenic activity, immunomodulatory activity, anti-stress and anti-oxidant activities. Clinical trials also confirm its positive impact on sexual behavior, sperm count, and so on.”

Maca Root-

This adaptogen root has aphrodisiac and fertility enhancing properties. The herb Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian hypocotyl root that grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. It has also widely been shown to have hormone-balancing effects especially in post-menopausal women.

According to studies done in study was conducted and jointly supported by a long-term joint R&D program of the Research Institute of Medicinal Plants (RIMP) in Poznan, Poland and School of Health Study, Charles Sturt University & Therapeutic Research International, Sydney, Australia on medicinal plants and therapeutic preparations, “Maca-GO treatment significantly (P<0.001) lowered total KMI and GMS, relieving symptoms responsible for negative physiological and psychological manifestations, frequency and severity of flushes and night sweating – in particular, which are recognized under commonly-used term of “menopausal discomfort”.

In addition to hot flashes and profuse sweating, Maca-GO treatment significantly (P<0.01) alleviated such menopausal symptoms as, nervousness, mood swings, interrupted sleep pattern, fatigue, stress, headaches depression, and decreased libido observed in early-postmenopausal women.”

Shwet Musli –

This ayurvedic herb has been touted for its benefits of increasing strength and vigor. Its botanic name is Chlorophytum tuberosum. 

Safed Musli has very good ayurvedic medicinal use. It is a rich source of over 25 alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, steroids saponins and polysachharides etc. Musli or Talamuli ha.s been used iii the indigenous systeni of medicine for a long period. According to Bhavprakash the drug is sweet, cooling, mucilaginous increases Kapha and reduces `Pitta daha and acts as stimulant, it gives strength Mush prepared as a paste with goats milk or honey and applied locally over the face, brightens the complexion of the face.

It is extensively used by the Ayurvedic practitioners for a wide variety of ailments and particularly an ingredient of aphrodisiac preparations.

In Raj Nighantu it has been described that the Kali mush is more effective than Sweta mush, which is botanically identified as Chlorophytum tuberosum. The root stock extracts is effective mainly on the urinary system and is considered to be diuretic in action. it is given in dysuria, poluria, gonorrhoea in addition to the menorrhagia, lcueorrhoea, piles and leucoderma. The drug is considered to be alternative appetiser, fattening and restorative (Charka Samhita, Sushrutá Samhita, Vagbhatta, Misra, 1969, Kirtikar and Basu, 1933, Nadkami, 1954 and Sharma, 1956) presently a number of health tonics (sexual tonics) are prepared from it.

In Unani system of medicine, the drug is employed in bronchitis, opthalmic conditions, vomiting, than hoca, dyspepsia, lumbago, pain in the joints and in the diseases of nerves. It is considered to have carminative, tonic, aphrodisiac and anti-pyretic properties (Kirtikar and Basu, 1933, Nadkarni, 1954).

Keshar/Saffron-

This herbal spice is also widely used in teas. It has many medicinal characteristics that make it a very useful herb to incorporate into daily living. Saffron happens to have special oils and carotenoids that both play a role in human vitality. The carotenoids present happen to be helpful with vision, skin, fertility, and cardiovascular health. In addition, saffron has shown the ability to help with depression and enhance mood in people who undergo lots of stress.

Some specific conditions that benefit greatly from carotenoids include macular degeneration.

Oat Straw-

Also known as Avena Sativa. This plant and herb is thought to be soothing to the brain and nervous system, whilst at the same time increasing sexual desire, and performance, in both men and women.

It is often the reason why horses have a great amount of energy and vigor.

This plant is a good alternative to pharmaceutical drugs and provides a great amount of iron, manganese, and zinc. It primarily helps with increasing blood flow and has a natural viagra effect on both men and women. It can also be used for anxiety, depression and overall general health.

Panax Ginseng-

This herb not to be confused with Siberian Ginseng, happens to be more effective for combating fatigue, and rebuilding strength. It is also used to increase free testosterone, Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing hormone (LH).

It helps oxygenate the adrenal glands and allows more oxygen utilization by the muscles, decreases plasma lactate levels, and decreases time to exhaustion on stress tests.

Tongat Ali-

Tongkat Ali also known as Eurycoma longifolia has shown great ability to help promote healthy hormone levels in males. This herb happens to have shown through a study in 2012, that consisted of seventy-six men, only 35% of whom had normal testosterone levels, was orchestrated. It was reported that after one month of supplementing with tongkat ali, the number of men in the group with normal testosterone levels jumped to over 90%.^[7]

That goes to show that consuming this herb can increase overall health, testosterone, and regulate normal hormone levels.

Here are some amino acids to assist with stamina and virility:

L-Arginine-

This essential amino acid, is a precursor for nitric oxide production in the body as well as creatine phosphate in the body. Also known as a vasodilator. This amino can help support cardiovascular system, promote vigorous heart function and enhance healthy circulation throughout the body. To summarize some of its effects; l-arginine is involved in the production of a variety of enzymes, hormones, and structural proteins. More can be read about L-Arginine here.

L-Citrulline-

The amino acid L-Citrulline is a present in the body and is a potent endogenous precursor of L-arginine, which is a substrate for NO synthase. Here, there was an investigated effect of oral L-citrulline supplementation on cycling time trial performance in humans.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a very small but very important molecule in the human body that is produced by L-Citrulline. It plays a crucial role in many processes in the body. For example it is known that nitric oxide plays a role in the regulation of blood flow and blood pressure amongst many other functions.

Nitric oxide is made in the body from nitrites and nitrites can be made out of nitrate (from beetroot juice for example). Nitric oxide is also made from the amino acid arginine. It is often suggested that arginine supplementation can help NO production. The problem is that most of the arginine is broken down or converted before it reaches tissues. It is estimated that only 1% of ingested arginine is available. Another way to increase arginine in the body could be to ingest citrulline. This is not broken down but is converted in the body to arginine.

Studies with beetroot juice (a dietary source of nitrate) have suggested beneficial effects for athletes. Studies have shown that dietary nitrate supplementation can increase NO biomarkers (suggesting NO has indeed increased), reduce blood pressure and improve exercise economy/efficiency and exercise tolerance in healthy adults. There is however, a continuing search for other ingredients that can stimulate NO synthesis.

Overall, the natural alternatives I have included may provide a base of integration for optimizing one’s lifestyle. Every person’s body is composed of different biochemistry and if you choose to include some of the herbs or amino acids mentioned above, remember that it takes time for the body to regulate its hormone levels. For best results check your physician to see your exact levels of specific hormones.

Supplement needs really vary depending upon your sex, age, overall health, lifestyle, stress levels, and diet. Make sure that you know all that you need to know about your supplements and whether you are taking OTC medications.

The prime time for taking most supplements is with foods or after meals, this way maximum absorption can take place, unless otherwise specified to take on an empty stomach.

For further reading on similar subjects check out the following:

Dr. David Friedman has a very good article that mentions how testosterone is affected by technology in this article.

If you happen to be looking for some helpful testosterone boosting foods read this post here.

Liability Statement

The statements found within these pages have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If a product or treatment is recommended in these pages, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is meant to be used to educate the reader and is in no way intended
to provide individual medical advice. Medical advice must only be obtained from a qualified health practitioner.

Works Cited

1. Meissner, H. O. et al. “Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon): (III) Clinical Responses of Early-Postmenopausal Women to Maca in Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Configuration, Outpatient Study.” International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS 2.4 (2006): 375–394. Print.
2. McCarty, Mark F, James J DiNicolantonio, and James H O’Keefe. “Capsaicin May Have Important Potential for Promoting Vascular and Metabolic Health.” Open Heart 2.1 (2015): e000262. PMC. Web. 17 May 2017.
3. Rajinder Singh, Subrata De, and Asma Belkheir. “Avena sativa (Oat), A Potential Neutraceutical and Therapeutic Agent: An Overview Critical Reviews In Food Science And Nutrition.” Vol. 53 , Iss. 2, 2013.
   
4. Rath, Sudipta Kumar, and Asit Kumar Panja. “Clinical Evaluation of Root Tubers of Shweta Musali (Chlorophytum Borivilianum L.) and Its Effect on Semen and Testosterone.” Ayu 34.3 (2013): 273–275. PMC. Web. 16 May 2017.
5. Singh, Narendra et al. “An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda.” African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines 8.5 Suppl (2011): 208–213. PMC. Web. 16 May 2017.
6. SJ. Bailey, JR Blackwell, T Lord, A Vanhatalo, PG Winyard and AM Jones L-citrulline supplementation improves O2 uptake kinetics and high-intensity exercise performance in humans. J Appl Physiol 2015 May 28:jap.00192.2014. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00192. 2017.
7. Sultan A. Meo, Abdul M. Al-Drees, Sufia Husain, Muhammad M. Khan, Muhammad B. Imran Saudi. “Effects of mobile phone radiation on serum testosterone in Wistar albino rats.” Med J. 2010 Aug; 31(8): 869–873.
8. Suzuki T, Morita M, Kobayashi Y, and Kamimura A. “Oral L-citrulline supplementation enhances cycling time trial performance in healthy trained men: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled 2-way crossover study.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2016. doi: 10.1186/s12970-016-0117-z. 2017.
9. Zanoli P, Zavatti M, Montanari C, Baraldi M. “Influence of Eurycoma longifolia on the copulatory activity of sexually sluggish and impotent male rats.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Nov 12;126(2):308-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.08.021. Epub 2009 Aug 22.