Plants since time immemorial have been sources for the cure of different ailments. As the man has been dependent on plants for food and different utilities such as cloth (cotton), shelter (thatching) etc, it was nothing but natural to look towards plants for remedy of different diseases. And undoubtedly, plants never disappointed men. Plants providing medicines were called herbs and there have been decoctions, poultices around us since olden times. All across the globe, in ancient times, people living in close proximity and connection of nature and forests have developed their own herbology such as Ayurveda, Chinese herbal sciences, Incan and Mayan herbologies etc. With the progress of modern thinking and sciences, systematic researches started on plant-based medicines and many medicines were derived from plants such as Cinchona bark for malaria, Colchicine for gout. A new field of study was founded to study plants for their medicine-yielding potentials and it was called pharmacognosy. Even the word ‘drug’ which is used in modern medical science for a curing molecule literally means ‘dried herb’.
There are herbs that may increase the testosterone secretion from testis and in turn may get you rid of low testosterone symptoms such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction etc.
What Is Testosterone And Why is It Important
Testosterone is the major male sex hormone that is produced mainly from the testis of a man. A negligibly small amount is secreted from suprarenal glands in both males and females but that is of no consequence. Testosterone at the time of adolescence carries out changes important in transition of a boy to a man for example sprouting of beard and mustache, hair on genitals, increase in the size of genitalia, male voice etc. These are called secondary sexual characters as they differentiate between men and women. Testosterone also stimulates and maintains spermatogenesis, sexual desire, erection and ejaculation. If a boy loses his both testis before testes, he will have almost no beard, mustache, sexual desire, sperms and erections. If he loses them after puberty, he will have drastically deleterious effects on his libido and erections. Libido will be diminished and there will be no spermatogenesis.
If testosterone level in the blood drops for any reason, it may produce many symptoms such as lack of sexual desire, problems in having and maitaining erections, low sperm counts, depression, anxiety, weak bones, cachexia (low muscle mass).
That’s why it is important to maintain a regular level of testosterone in the blood.
How To Know You are Grappling With Low Testosterone Levels
If you are having the symptoms explained above such as low libido, erectile dysfunction and problem in ejaculation, get a lab test done for blood testosterone levels. In a healthy adult male, the normal blood testosterone level ranges between 300 nanograms per 100 ml and 1000 nanograms per 100 ml. If it is below 300 ng/100 ml, it means you are having low testosterone levels. A nanogram is one millionth part of a ml (mililitre). Now it’s time to consult a doctor.
Why Herbs For Testosterone ?
Admittedly there are testosterone injections available in the market. If so, why should a person take a herb for low testosterone instead of testosterone directly? Because herbs clearly have an edge. Herbs are raw plant parts, which on ingestion, are naturally assimilated. The body will accept only as much as it needs and thus have no or minimum side effects. Besides, these herbs will themselves not be testosterone per se, rather they will stimulate the testes to secrete testosterone. On the other hand, pure testosterone may cause side effects.
Here are some testosterone booster herbs:
Gokhru ( Tribulus terrestris)
Gokhru, a common indian vine, found naturally in farm fields and jungles is proven to increase blood testosterone levels by stimulating the testes to secrete testosterone. It is called puncturevine in English and Gokshura in Sanskrit because its fruits bear spikes. In Ayurveda, Gokhru has been used as a natural aphrodisiac as it increases libido. Apart from testosterone, it is used in urinary tract infections and arthritis. Its root is part of Dashamoola. Although Its fruit and root, both are used as medicines, fruit (seed) extract is found most beneficial in getting rid of low testosterone symptoms. Its seed powder increases libido, helps get an erection, increases sperm count, boosts male fertility. On account of these properties it is called herbal Viagra. Another plant with similar properties is also found and is called large Gokhru (Pedalium murex).
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha also known as Indian winter cherry is an evergreen shrub found in India and used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is called a Rasayana herb in Ayurveda, which means an adaptogen : something that helps reduce stress and thus increases life expectancy. It reduces stress, anxiety, depression and calms the brain. It increases testosterone secretion and thus normalises sexual functions in men. In some research, the use of Ashwagandha has been found to be associated with virility, increased sperm count and motility. Ashwagandha strengthens the immune system and because of its energizing effects it is called Indian Ginseng. Dried roots are used as a herb in the form of capsules, tablets, powder etc.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
Tongkat ali also known as longjack is an evergreen shrub found in eastern Asia especially Indonesia and Cambodia. Its aphrodisiac properties have been well-known to the local people for a long time. It is found to increase testosterone production in the body as well as some studies suggest that it acts as a natural PDE5 inhibitor and thus acquiring the epithet: herbal viagra. The root powder and extract of Tongkat Ali not only boosts testosterone level but also sperm production and libido. Because of recent evidence in favor of Tongkat Ali’s aphrodisiac claims, its root supplements are very popular to relieve erectile dysfunction and decreased libido in men.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)
Horny Goat weed known locally in China as yin yang huo has been used in Chinese herbal science for treating erectile dysfunction, low libido, decreased stamina and endurance. Recent studies, though not conclusively, suggest that horny goat weed improves blood testosterone levels, sperm count, sperm motility, endurance, stamina, vigor and vitality. It also relieves the complications of low testosterone levels such as osteoporosis and wasting muscles. An active compound named Icariin has been isolated from its leaves and it is believed that Icariin may be behind the aphrodisiac properties of Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali leaves are available as tablets, capsules, dried powder, extract, liquid extract etc.
Malabar Spinach (Basella alba)
Mentioned in Ayurvedic texts as Upodika and Potaki and in Hindi as Poi, Malabar spinach or Indian spinach is an Indian vine that has recently attracted the attention of biologists and researchers when its methanol extract was found to stimulate testosterone production in the testis of some experimental animals. Charaka Samhita, one of the most influential and classical Ayurvedic treatise clearly mentions Potaki as Vrishya, which means something that gives strength and stamina and is used as an aphrodisiac. Recent evidence of its testosterone booster properties are in line with its medicinal properties mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic books. The part used as a herb is its leaves.
White Musli ( Chlorophytum borivilianum)
White musli known in Ayurvedic texts as Shweta Musli is a very useful herb of Indian origin. It has been in use in India since ancient times for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, lack of libido, lack of vigor and vitality and male infertility. Recent research on the root extract of this plant indicates that its root extract has some active compounds which may mimic testosterone like properties. Owing to its testosterone imitating potential, it increases sperm production and balances the decreased libido. It cures depression and anxiety and increases the positive attitude towards life. It boosts stamina and performance and relieves symptoms of sexual dusfunction in men. There is a different plant with almost similar properties and is known as Black Musli (Curculigo orchioides).
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek known in Ayurveda as Medhika or Methika is another herb, the testosterone boosting potential of which has recently been established. Fenugreek, a common spice in many cuisines, has been linked to many health benefits such as reducing obesity, cholesterol. Modern theory about its helping reduce weight is that it boosts testosterone levels which in turn decreases fat and increases muscle mass. Fenugreek seeds and leaves both have medicinal properties but seeds are more beneficial.
These are the herbs that help maintain the regular blood testosterone levels by stimulating the testes to secrete testosterone.
There are other herbs that do not increase testosterone production but help relieve low testosterone symptoms through other mechanisms and routes such as low sperm count, low libido, erectile dysfunction etc.
Some of these herbs are Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa), Vridhdaru (Argyreia speciosa), Varahikand ( Dioscorea bulbifera), Kaunch Beej (Mucuna pruriens), Talmakhana ‘
(Astercantha longifolia), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Salampanja (Dactylorhiza hatagirea), Kamarkas (Butea monosperma) etc.