NATURE’S GIFT TO MASCULINITY
Men are considered to be born stronger than females, both physically and mentally. This masculinity is gifted to them by the hormones present in them, mainly testosterone. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone (or androgen) which is important for sexual and reproductive function and is also responsible for the development of the secondary sexual characteristics in men like facial and body hair growth, deepening of voice, and increased muscle and bone mass. It also regulates sex drive, production of sperm and fertility. So it is basically the hormone which transforms a male child into a sexually mature adult who has the capability to reproduce.
It has been reported that over 25% of urban Indian men have low testosterone. Low levels of testosterone in males is clinically referred to as ‘Testosterone deficiency’ or ‘Androgen deficiency’ or ‘Male Hypogonadism’. The increase in number of males suffering from testosterone deficiency in cities is mainly due to high consumption of junk food, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, drinking alcohol, and stressful routine. Lifestyle diseases like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes also affects testosterone levels. This condition results in lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, reduced bone and muscle mass, fatigue, weight gain and depression. This condition is also linked to the drastic increase in male infertility in India.
According to a recent report by WHO on the status of infertility in India, of all infertility cases, approximately 50% is due to “male factor” infertility, owing to the reproductive anomalies in the male. They have reported that while the sperm count of a normal Indian adult male used to be 60 million/ml three decades ago, it now stands at around 20 million/ml. Male infertility factor is the primary reason for inability to conceive specially between the age group of 29 to 35. But even then this burden or guilt is generally laid or imposed on females by the society as males are not able to digest this bitter fact. Also majority of the times men are not open to discussing their sexual issues with doctors or their families.
It is very important to sought help for testosterone deficiency because it not only affects fertility, but also increases the risks for cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis. It has also been studied that men with long-term low levels of testosterone have high chances of premature death or short life spans. Thus controlling or normalizing testosterone levels is very important.
Hormonal or Testosterone Replacement therapy is commonly advised by practitioners but suffers from serious health risks like heart problems, prostate abnormalities and cancer. Nature offers many remedies which can take care of male hypogonadism. Below mentioned are a few important herbs which can help male hypogonadism and improve sexual function.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha (Botanical name: Withania somnifera) is a very commonly used herb in Ayurveda. It is also referred to as ‘Indian Ginseng’. It derives its name from the fusion of words Ashwa (meaning ‘Horse’) and gandha (meaning ‘smell’) as it smells like horse. Though it is used for many diseases or health conditions it is most popularly used for male sexual problems (premature ejaculation, low sex drive and erectile dysfunction) and for boosting testosterone levels.
It is one of the best male rejuvenating tonic herbs which is used in cases of sterility and infertility. It promotes sperm production and improves blood flow to the reproductive organs. It is also an adaptogenic herb as it reduces stress (and cortisol- the stress hormone) and its damaging effects on the body tissues. It also possesses anabolic property (increases muscle mass).
Safed musli: Safed musli is a rare herb. Its botanical name is Chlorophytum borivilianum. Safed musli means ‘White tubers’. Its tubers/roots are used as a health tonic and rejuvenator. The tubers possess aphrodisiac, adaptogenic, immunomodulatory and anti-ageing properties. It is effective in relieving sexual problems. It enhances libido and sexual performance, boosts energy and stamina, increases testosterone levels, improves sperm count and quality, prevents premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
Due to its tremendous health benefiting properties it is also called as ‘Divya Aushad’ and is also considered as an herbal alternative to ‘Viagra’.
Gokhru: Gokhru (Botanical name: Tribulus terrestris) is commonly referred to as Gokshura or Devil’s thorn. The word Gokshura is derived from ‘Go’ means Cow and ‘Aakshura’ means hoof as the fruits of the plant look like Cow hooves. It is known to increase sex drive in both men and women. It boosts testosterone levels and improves sperm count and quality. It also improves muscle strength. It is useful in premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and infertility.
Kapikacchu: Kapikacchu (Botanical name: Mucuna pruriens) is a popular herb due to its multiple health benefits. Its seeds are commonly called Kaunch or Magic Velvet Beans. It acts as an aphrodisiac and thus enhances sex drive (or libido) in men. It increases the sperm count, motility and quality. It also boosts male reproductive health and so overall also improves vitality and prevents male sterility. The seeds contain L-Dopa that can help increase dopamine in the brain which can increase sexuality, mood and coordination. It also possesses anti-depressant effects and reduces stress and anxiety.
Shatavari: Shatavari (Botanical name: Asparagus racemosus) is a very important herb for women’s overall health and vitality. It acts as a tonic for female reproductive system and helps in sexual and hormonal problems in females. Despite having said that, it also serves as a powerful male tonic. It improves male reproductive health and is well known for its aphrodisiac and rejuvenative properties. It prevents sexual debility, reduces risk of impotence and is useful in erectile dysfunction. It is also an adaptogen and so reduces negative effects of stress on the body.
Drumstick: Drumstick is commonly referred to as Moringa (Botanical name: Moringa oleifera). It is a superhero shrub which is used for its array of medicinal and nutritional benefits. It is therefore also called ‘The Miracle Tree’. The leaves of drumstick are loaded with proteins, vitamins, minerals (iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and potassium) and antioxidants. It also helps to purify the blood and remove the toxins. This detoxifying nature and presence of nutritive and antioxidant substances helps improve energy levels and promotes overall sexual health. It also improves the quality and quantity of sperm. Moringa seeds and flowers also help in erectile dysfunction and infertility.
Shilajit: Though not a herb Shilajit has been used for centuries in Ayurveda for various health issues. Shilajit is a natural blackish-brown sticky substance available from the rocks of high mountains (like Himalayas). It is a formed by the long slow and gradual process of decomposition of plants and minerals. In males, it has been proved to increase testosterone levels and improve the sperm count and motility. It boosts libido, improves sexual performance and is useful in erectile dysfunction and infertility. It is enriched with essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium which help increase strength and endurance power in men.
Many doctors are of the opinion that the side-effects (acne, fatigue, body ache, sleep issues, etc.) and complications (heart diseases and cancer) of Testosterone therapy are more than its benefits and so do not recommend it. Considering this Priority Herbals has developed a purely natural product PRIOPEN which contains herbs which boost the testosterone levels naturally and also help with accompanying problems like low sperm count, poor sperm quality, erectile dysfunction, low sexual drive, etc. The product also helps to build a healthy reproductive system, reduces stress and boosts confidence in men and helps restore masculinity.
