Sex Drive Support - Sexual Health and Enhancement for Adults

Sex Drive Support - Sexual Health and Enhancement for Adults
by Dusty R. Green, Research Scientist / Author

I've personally been experimenting with natural aphrodisiacs for years and wrote about them in "piecemeal fashion."  One day, it dawned on me that I hadn't "spelled-it-out" for those of you who may be interested.  Many people I've counseled over the decades have reported the same positive experiences indicated below. My Experiences With Each The first supplement I started using in the early 90's was D, L-phenylalanine.  It does so many things for us besides sex drive that there's not enough room here to discuss all the benefits (thus, the above link).  In short, it turns out that one of the major contributions to our bodies is it boosts dopamine (a major brain neurotransmitter) back to normal levels -- particularly in the aging "Baby Boomer" population.  Dopamine is a major neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for feelings associated with sex.  I assumed my dopamine levels were okay until I started taking D, L-phenylalanine on a regular basis and to my surprise, the whole sexual experience became more intense. D, L-Phenylalanine Dose Once I maximized my dose to two gm/day (4 caps in the AM before food or any other supplements), I noticed longer and more intense orgasms.  That was great ... didn't know what I'd been missing.

More than 4 caps of D, L-phenylalanine/day doesn't necessarily mean better.  The same goes for most natural products.  In essence, they tell us how much is needed to get the desired effect.  Anything over the optimum dose is generally wasted money.  The body utilizes what it needs and you excrete the rest.  However, if/when you are in a deficiency state, the body benefits from the recommended dose in most cases.

Then Came Avena Sativa -- Green Oats
Before I learned about green oats, I didn't think sex could be any better than the D, L-phenylalanine experience.  The green oats discovery came about a year after I started using phenylalanine.  Green oats assists in freeing up "bound testosterone."  Testosterone is a hormone that has powerful sexual implications for males and females, both.  Typically, male testosterone levels are 10:1 over estrogen levels and females are 10:1 in favor of estrogen over testosterone.  As we age, testosterone becomes bound to fat molecules in both sexes.  It doesn't work so good when bound ... we want it to be "free."  The Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco discovered the testosterone releasing effects of green oats on the body.  Men and women in the studies reported increases in sex drive after consuming 300 mg/day as long as it is also combined with saw palmetto.

It Only Works For Awhile
I have discovered green oats works to a certain degree.  Once it converts all the "bound testosterone" to "free testosterone," then it seems to cease working for sexual enhancement.  And, it is for this reason that I put it in my system for a couple of weeks and lay-off for 2-3 months.

Testosterone Production
Tribulus terrestris (TT) has been shown to naturally enhance testosterone levels in males and females both.  Tribulus terrestris (TT) comes from a plant called puncture vine found in tropical areas of the world.  Since it is natural, it does not have the negative side effects associated with steroids.  Steroids keep testosterone levels elevated for extended periods-of-time which may cause health problems if abused.  Testicular atrophy, acne, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), deep voice, prostate enlargement, liver toxicity, kidney stress, and excessive hair growth are known side effects of steroid abuse.  Steroids can cut-off natural testosterone production causing testosterone-producing organs to shrink or cease functioning.

All indicators show Tribulus terrestris (TT) may mimic natural testosterone production.  For most healthy people, testosterone is normally released into the body in pulses.  There are morning pulses and evening pulses.  After an oral dose of Tribulus terrestris (TT), testosterone levels can rise 30-60 minutes later.  Studies on TT show testosterone levels in men can be boosted significantly above normal levels.  The boost returns to normal levels a few hours later after taking approximately 625-1250 mg.  For this reason, I take 1-2 capsules before sex.  And no, it doesn't create big bulging muscles.

L-Arginine
L-arginine serves other functions besides increasing blood flow in the genital region.  Arginine is required in the body to synthesize nitric oxide.  The prestigious journal Science called nitric oxide "molecule of the year" in 1993 because of several health benefits associated with proper nitric oxide metabolism.  Nitric oxide enables the arterial system to retain its youthful elasticity, which may assist with normalizing blood pressure in some people.  Nitric oxide helps to produce endothelial relaxation factor, which is needed by the arterial system for expansion and contraction with each heart beat.  The inability of arteries to expand and contract in the penis can be a major cause of inadequate sexual performance.

Another product I recently discovered that contains L-arginine is Lady-Vi.  It's a cream, that when applied, acts a lubricant and causes a tingling sensation in the male and female genitalia.  The arginine in Lady-Vi appears to be transdermally absorbed in males and females, both.  Since it contains arginine, it appears to possess the blood flow factor needed by the sex organs.

Super Mira Forte
This is one I cycle on-and-off with Tribulus terrestris (TT) as needed.  Estrogen overload is a serious problem in aging men.  High serum levels of estrogen trick the brain into thinking that enough testosterone is being produced, thereby slowing the natural production of testosterone.  As people age, testosterone becomes bound and is not available to the cell receptor sites were it is needed to initiate sex stimulating centers in the brain.  The component in the blood that renders "free testosterone" inactive is called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).  Excess estrogen can increase the production of SHBG and block testosterone-receptor sites.  The natural compounds in Super Mira Forte (zinc, muira puama, and maca root) have been shown to effectively increase testosterone levels naturally while two other ingredients, black pepper and chrysin, suppress estrogen levels.

Yohimbe Bark (yohimbine HCL)
Yohimbe bark (yohimbine HCL) is another "old standard."  Yohimbe bark (yohimbine HCL) works similarly to L-arginine.  In addition to assisting with sex drive, I'll occasionally, take 1 capsule before workouts due to the "mild speed" feeling.  Other regular exercisers use it for the same reason.  Yohimbe comes from the bark of a tree found in West Africa.  For centuries, folk medicine practiced by tribes in this region and the nearby West Indies Islands has included a tea distilled from the inner bark of this tree.  It is the traditional fuel (aphrodisiac, if you will) for intense tribal sex ceremonies reported to last as long as half a month -- rituals which might never have been possible without this herb.

Stamina RX
Stamina RX has been called "the frugal alternative" due to its low cost compared with drugs.  Its actions in the erection department (associated with our brain) make it one of the best nutritional supplements on the market for sex drive support.  The proprietary formula contains yohimbe, l-arginine and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).  GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid produced in the brain.  It acts as a neurotransmitter -- a chemical that fosters communication between nerve cells and helps to keep stress-related nerve impulses at bay.

The brain normally sends out all the GABA we need.  Unfortunately, due to a poor eating habits, environmental toxins, and other factors, levels of GABA become depleted.  A short supply of this compound may result in insomnia, anxiety, and irritability.  A deficiency of GABA has also been linked to negative moods.

Choline and Vitamin B-5
Other supplements to consider are choline and Vitamin B5.  The full menu of Life Extension Mix contains generous amounts of these nutrients, however, some people do not take the full menu of Life Extension Mix.  Thus, a balanced formula with just choline and Vitamin B5 was born for this purpose.  Since I have been taking the full Life Extension Mix menu for decades, choline and Vitamin B5 is not a consideration for my sex drive experimentation.

Sexual arousal occurs not just in the genitals but in the whole body and, especially, in the brain.  For men, it actually begins when the brain sends impulses down the spinal cord and out to the nerves that serve the penis.  These impulses trigger the production of nitric oxide (NO), which causes penile arteries to dilate and the spongy core of the penis to relax and become engorged with blood.  The neurotransmitter that carries the sexual message is acetylcholine (ACh) which is important for women, too.

Numerous studies confirm a key role for cholinergic nerve transmission in sexual responses.  Simply speaking, with too little ACh, sex drive / sexual activity goes down.  Increase ACh levels (when there is a deficiency state), and sexual activity goes up.  ACh is involved in the build-up toward orgasm and the urethral and vaginal contractions that occur during orgasm as well as the subjective perception of orgasm intensity and duration.

The Schedule
Here's specifically how I keep my sex drive "up" and the experience optimally fulfilling.

-=- D, L-Phenylalanine -- Two grams (gm) (which is the same as 2,000 milligrams -- mg) per day in the morning before food or other supplements (not to be taken within 20 minutes of other amino acids -- they compete for access through the blood/brain barrier).  Build up to this amount if you haven't been taking it -- 500 mg per day the first week, one gm (1,000 mg) per day the second week and so on.  This can be taken every day until you decide to quit using it.

-=- Avena Sativa (green oats) -- Two to four tablets per day for a week or two then lay-off for 2-3 months.  I like this particular formula since it combines saw palmetto (and others) with green oats.  According to The Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, saw palmetto is the necessary ingredient needed along with avena sativa in order for it to turn "bound testosterone" into "free testosterone."

-=- Tribulus 625 or Tribex -- Two capsules 30 minutes before sex.  Taking either of these (not both) with green oats is okay but not necessary.  Tribex contains both tribulus terrestris and green oats (the amount of green oats is not known in Tribex), however, no saw palmetto.

-=- After you've finished your bottle of Tribulus 625 or Tribex and green oats, then it's time to consider Super Mira Forte (along with I3C).  Super Mira Forte will elevate testosterone levels while suppressing/lowering estrogen due to its combined ingredients.  Consider taking the whole bottle of Super Mira Forte per the label directions then go back to Tribulus 625 (or Tribex) and green oats.  This method of cycling keeps your endocrine system "fired-up" due to the different organ delivery systems.

-=- L-Arginine -- Intake varies from 5-30 gm per day.  In 1998, the Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery that blood flow is regulated by nitric oxide (l-arginine is required for the body to synthesize nitric oxide).  Blood flow into the penis is what creates an erection.  Blood flow into women's genitals increases sensation and orgasmic intensity.  This amino acid has nothing to do with testosterone and can be taken daily with or without any of the above supplements (however, not at the same time as D,L-phenylalanine or other amino acids).  Some amino acids compete with one another as they attempt to enter the blood brain barrier.

-=- Yohimbe bark (yohimbine HCL) works similarly to L-arginine.  This herb has nothing to do with testosterone.

-=- Stamina RX -- Stamina RX has been called "the frugal alternative" due to its low cost compared to drugs.  This is a good "stand-alone" product for pre-sex.  It contains a proprietary blend of ingredients including yohimbe and l-arginine.

-=- Lady-Vi is a pleasure cream which contains l-arginine that can be applied to the genitals daily ... or, just prior to having sexual relations.

-=- Choline and Vitamin B-5 can be taken daily.

Most people discover greater frequency and more intense feelings when consuming the above supplements following the above or similar schedule.  If a person has a psychological barrier to sex, effectiveness may be diminished.

• Pleasure Pill -- A combination of L-Arginine and Yohimbe, Horny Goat Weed, Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa, Ginkgo Biloba, MACA, and Cnidium Monnier, among others,
• L-Theanine -- An extract from green tea that enhances dopamine levels in the brain,
• OptiZinc -- Helps to keep testosterone levels elevated.

Another Sex Drive Support article | Destroying the Myth About Testosterone Replacement and Prostate Cancer

Order:  Tribulus Terrestis & Tribex | L-Arginine | Avena Sativa | D,L Phenylalanine |
Bioidentical Hormones - Natural Estrogen/Progesterone | Lady-Vi Pleasure Cream |
Pleasure Pill | Stamina-Rx | Super Mira Forte | Theanine |
Vitamin C | Yohimbe/Yohimbine HCL | Zinc