When Viagra first hit the scene, men all over hailed it as the perfect answer to the “Where’d my erection go?” question. They just popped a pill, waited a few minutes, and the answer was blatantly obvious. Instant arousal seemed miraculous…until the women started complaining: “He’s ready to go, and I haven’t even got started yet!”

Aphrodisiacs Anyone?

These aphrodisiacs are the foods of love, foods believed to heighten sexual arousal and enjoyment. Do they work? Some say yes, others no. I say anything that might help get you in the mood is worth trying, especially when it’s part of a romantic dinner. Next time you’re setting the stage for seduction, make sure some of these foods are on the menu:

• ■  peaches
• ■  avocados
• ■ asparagus
• ■  pine nuts
• ■ caviar
• ■  mussels
• ■  oysters
• ■  chocolate
• ■  figs
• ■ arugula
• ■  artichokes
• ■ basil

And that complaint is just one drawback to the quick erection. Now consider some of the reported side effects of Viagra:

• ■ headaches (including migraines)
• ■ dizziness
• ■ urinary tract infection
• ■ diarrhea
• ■ indigestion
• ■ edema (swelling of the arms and legs)
• ■ pain
• ■ rashes
• ■ abnormal vision changes
• ■ heart problems (from angina to heart failure)

The list goes on and on, but these are some of the more commonly reported issues. Some of these are real mood killers, but that’s too bad—you may not be in the mood, but your penis isn’t calming down any time soon. And the last side effect is more than a mood killer; it can actually kill you.  The thing is, you don’t need to suffer (or die) to have great sex again. You don’t have to trade an erection for a migraine or indigestion. There are lots of natural ways to improve your sex drive, performance, and enjoyment—to enjoy easier and longer-lasting erections and more intense orgasms—without putting yourself in any danger. I’m going to tell you about the best ones, and get you back in the saddle.

Muira puama doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but its common name says it all: potency wood. Supplements made from this Brazilian shrub increase sexual desire and erection…but they do take some time to work. One study found that 60% of patients battling impotence were able to achieve an erection within two weeks of adding the herb to their regimen. And another study found that 63% of men taking muira puama enjoyed more frequent sex. You can either take between 1 and 1.5 grams of the extract daily or drink one cup of muira puama tea each morning…but don’t do both! You’ll find muira puama preparations at most healthfood stores.

Horny goat weed is another herb with a great name and the ability to give back your lost erections. This herb (also called barrenwort) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a remedy for impotence, as a premature-ejaculation preventive, and as an aphrodisiac. Horny goat weed affects your body in two key ways to achieve that sexual trifecta: It dilates blood vessels (to boost circulation) and increases levels of dopamine (a feel-good brain chemical that plays a role in testosterone release). Take 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day of horny goat weed. You should be able to find it in capsule, tablet, or powder form in most health-food stores. One note of caution: This herb is for short-term use only, so don’t plan on using it for the long haul.

L-arginine is an amino acid that can give you back your erections. One of the greatest things about l-arginine is that it works with the natural processes of your body to get your sexual mojo going again. Plus, it’s proven to be as effective as lots of prescription drugs without subjecting you to a laundry list of nasty side effects. There are dozens of studies showing the effects of this amino acid on male potency, making it perhaps the best thing you can take to restore your sex life—in fact, your body can not achieve erection without it! Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg every day, away from food, and you should feel it working in about two weeks.

Yohimbe comes with a caution: Though this herb can do wonderful things for your sexual function, it comes with an impressive array of possible adverse side effects and health warnings, just like prescription ED drugs. For that reason, I’m extremely careful about recommending it. No one should take this herb without guidance from a medical professional. You can get the prescription version (yohimbine hydrochloride) at most pharmacies. Or you can try the nonprescription variety, the extract form. If you decide to go the nonprescription route, it’s still a good idea to talk to a doctor or naturopath first. The standard dosage is 15 to 20 mg per day, but you can take up to 42 mg per day; always start with the lowest dosage and give that a chance to work. Here’s one more caution: Many of the yohimbe preparations you’ll find in health-food stores don’t list the dosage, so get the right dosage for that formula from a naturopath or pharmacist.

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Dr. Spreen has been teaching people how to be thin and disease-free for over a decade.  He is also on the Health Science Institute advisory panel.  You can read more at www.hsibaltimore.com.

This particular article is an excerpt from his Agora Health Book Doctor's Secrets to Living Younger Everyday.  You can order it here.

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