Herbs for Andropause

Damiana

• As its scientific name, Turnera aphrodisiaca, indicates, damiana is known as a potent aphrodisiac. Native to the American Southwest and Mexico, its use as a sexual stimulant stems as far back as the ancient Maya civilization. A damiana tonic stimulates the intestinal tract and helps to oxygenate the genital area. It also helps to increase energy in both men and women, restoring libido and passion. It contains essential oils, cyanogenic glycosides, thymol and trace amounts of phosphorous. No scientific studies have been performed on humans, however, sexually lethargic rats have benefited from damiana in animal studies, according to the Herb Wisdom website. The leaves are also a main ingredient in a Mexican liquor used as an aphrodisiac.

Muira Puama

• A 1994 issue of American Journal of Natural Medicine reported a study of 262 men suffering from age-related sexual dysfunction. Of those who took muira puama, 60 percent reported an improved sexual desire and performance. One reason for this may be the presence of sterols in the plant, which are the building blocks of testosterone and other sex hormones. Because testosterone is necessary for overall male health, supplementing with muira puama may help improve most symptoms of andropause. Life Extension website reports preliminary evidence suggests muira puama may also act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which is an ingredient in modern drugs that treat Alzheimer's disease.

Maca Root

• Native to Peru, maca root is an ancient remedy for numerous age- and hormone-related health issues. Maca may help to strengthen and balance the endocrine system in both men and women and may help regulate hormones. It is also a sexual enhancer as a result of its ability to balance testosterone. Dr. C.F. Gonzales, of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru, conducted a blind study of 56 participants in which maca root and a placebo were administered. Sexual desire did increase, although Gonzales and his colleagues did not find evidence of the herb's ability to significantly increase hormone serum levels, according to the study, published in the Journal of Endocrinology.

Saw Palmetto

• As men age, changes occur in their reproductive organs. An enlarged prostate can cause problems with urinating and affect a man's sexual health. Medline Plus, a division of the National Institutes of Health, asserts that saw palmetto may be effective in reducing symptoms of the enlarged prostate. The organization also cites research indicating the herb may be as effective as prescription medications finasteride or tamsulosin. Preliminary evidence suggests that saw palmetto may help treat baldness when taken with beta-sitosterol. Treating enlarged prostate with saw palmetto may take one to two months for symptoms to improve.