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“Keeping Up With Your Groupies”

By Karen Stauffer

Nutritionist

Even if you are happily married or committed and have no intention of straying, wouldn’t it be nice to know you have the stamina to keep up with anyone?

Your choice of a sexual partner is, of course your business. And I’m assuming you’re smart enough to take care of contraception and disease prevention.

At some time in most people’s lives, both men and women may experience either a lack of interest and/or sexual stamina. This can be upsetting, particularly for men. And since a great deal of sex has to do with mental state, they can get stuck in the trap of “performance anxiety” (i.e.: “I failed before so I might fail again”). Women can get sidelined by, “It was uncomfortable before so I can’t relax this time.”

Thus “aphrodisiac” formulas for men often focus on stimulating herbs and substances and women’s on relaxing types. For both men and women, adaptogenic and tonic herbs can help.

Of course, if your problem is lack of rest and sleep, that’s the first thing you need to correct. And see your doctor to make sure if you’re having problems, they’re not due to illness or medicine side effects. (Some medications for blood pressure and some psychotropic medications can cause problems – see if it may be appropriate for you to try a different one.)

Get your thyroid checked for underactivity, particularly if you feel cold all the time. (And men, try the old “postage stamp” trick if your suspecting you’re non-functional. Paste a ring of postage stamps around your organ at bedtime. If you wake up and it’s been broken, you probably are functioning, just not optimally)

So, if you are ok, just not satisfied with either desire or performance, what could you do? (Remember that Viagra can have side effects and thus is not for everyone.)

The most popular ingredient in herbal preparations is an African bark known as Yohimbe. This is effective enough to be recommended by some doctors, but can raise blood pressure, so beware if you have high blood pressure. Some people enjoy the feeling of yohimbe, others find it unpleasant. It can be taken alone or combined with other herbs.

Some substances, such as tribulus terrestris (puncture vine) are supposed to increase testosterone. This action can increase desire in both men and women.

Catuaba and Muira puama are traditional South American herbs for men and women.

Ginseng is reputed to have energizing and aphrodisiacal effects. An extract of fertilized eggs, called Ardor, can be helpful if taken regularly - not just right before you want results.

There are many combination formulas, some oriented towards men or women, some effective for both. Some of these are over priced, some are worthless or nearly so, and some are very good for some people and don’t work for others. Thus it helps to have help when choosing a product, although some people are too embarrasses to discuss it and just pick the product that makes the most outlandish claims! (Beware of any product that contains “spurious” of “placebo” ingredients and never buy the ones sold in “adult” stores) Spanish fly?? Forget it. It’s fake and real Spanish fly is toxic.

Ever heard the phrase, “Sow your wild oats”? Green Oatstraw is a good tonic, sold as Avena Sativa, in pills or tea. This is to be used daily.

For women, kava-kava in small amounts can produce a pleasant, dreamy relaxation conductive to sexual release when taken before an encounter.

Believe it or not, there’s even a product called, “Love Potion #9” (like the old song), a liquid herbal combination. (No, I’ve never tried it – but you can order it by calling me, and find out for yourself)

Kal makes a product known as “Rendezvous”- there’s one for men and women.

And let’s not forget “Horny Goat Weed” Otherwise known as the Chinese herb, “epimedium”.

The list of products goes on and on, as this is an area important to most people and manufacturers see a potential for great profits. But don’t be taken in by unbelievable claims. Get the real info, a dependable brand, and the right product for your needs by asking first.

Karen Stauffer

"River of Life Natural Foods"

1-800-651-3820

KarenStauffer@professorpooch.com

[Karen's advice is not meant to replace the advice of a physician. 
If you think you have a medical problem, see your doctor]