Impotence is an often humiliating condition which most men find hard to accept. While studies show this is quite common among men over 60 years of age, it has never been established as an age-related pathology. Men of various ages can be afflicted with impotence and various factors that can lead to this are stress, alcohol abuse, low hormone levels and depression to name a few. The inability to acquire or sustain an erection for sexual activity is called erectile dysfunction.

Unique cultural lore has listed various aphrodisiacs to solve the problems of loss of libido, sexual dysfunction, and even infertility and science has either proven or debunked the validity of such claims.

While the little blue pill aka Viagra has worked its pharmaceutical magic, there is still a sizeable percentage of people who prefer going the herbal way.

Muira puama has been nicknamed the "Viagra of the Amazon" due to its positive effect on men who suffer from impotence. The herb also has an aphrodisiac effect on women as well. It has been shown to improve sexual dysfunction and decreased female libido and even help ease menstrual problems. There is even a claim that it increases sensitivity leading to more intense orgasms in women! Not only does this herb increase libido in both sexes, it has a mild stimulant effect which leaves one with a general feeling of well-being and thus can be useful for depression. As with any supplement, it is important to take only the proper dosage. Though muira puama has not been discovered to have any severe adverse effects, restlessness and insomnia have been manifested by those who took high doses.

Another popular herb used to combat the bane of impotence and/or loss of libido is horny goat weed aka epimedium. While it certainly does have an amusing name, it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years and has been said to the best sexual tonic for men and women. Aside from increasing sexual energy in men, it also helps increase testosterone and sperm production. Its active ingredient is icariin which has a Viagra-like effect without the accompanying side effects. In animal studies, icariin was found to stimulate osteoblast activity in bone tissue thus resulting in the development and marketing of epimedium-base osteoporosis treatments. It is worth noting that women also take this herb for increased sexual drive. It magnifies the responsiveness of female erectile tissues such as the clitoris and thus heightens a woman's climax. The popularity of horny goat weed as a libido enhancer is certainly at its height now that it has been widely accepted as an herbal alternative to Viagra.

There are so many herbal libido enhancement products out in the market today such as tongkat ali, yohimbe, gingko biloba, and ginseng to name just a few and one has a myriad of choices!

Virility is often tied to a man's pride and sexual dysfunction can be emotionally straining for both men and women. While some people say the pursuit of sexual gratification is shallow and oftentimes overrated, it is nonetheless important that impotence, which can be an emotionally crippling condition, be addressed.