Viagra is no aphrodisiac'

In the age of Viagra, nearly 350 men, all in the 50-plus age bracket, and a handful of women openly discussed impotence at a lecture on `What is new in the Management of Male Impotence?' at the S P Jain Auditorium, Bombay Hospital, organised by the Indo-American Society.

While Dr Bhalchandra Parulkar, Consultant Urologist and Andrologist at the University of Massachusetts Hospital, USA, quoted various examples of the Americans' need for lifelong virility, the questions that followed showed things were barely different this side of the world. Parulkar explained thatthere are a whole list of drugs which should not be used along with Viagra. ``Viagra will not work if the blood vessels and nerves surrounding the prostate gland have been surgically removed. If the vessels are intact, it might,'' he said, adding that if a man was capable of walking up two storeys without getting breathless, he could safely use Viagra, even after coronary bypass.

Parulkar also laid to rest doubts on Vanprasthashram and Hindu culture, quoting the example of a newly married 80-year-old Viagra user. "If every impotent man in the US uses Viagra six to eight times a month, the country will go bankrupt. But if a 60 year-old Indian man wants to use Viagra and pay for it himself, there is no reason why we should stop him!'' Explaining the 21 related Viagra-deaths in the US, Parulkar said: "Those who take this drug must undergo a detailed examination to exclude coronary artery disease. When a patient is hospitalised after a heart attack, a nitrite patch is placed on his chest. Nitrite and Viagramake a lethal combination".
Viagra apart, there was a keen interest evinced on alternative methods to cure impotence. Parulkar spoke of two drugs: Pentalomine and Apomorphine, which are yet to be launched. There is also a range of other products like injection therapy, a supository which has to be inserted in the urethra, a vacuum pump which induces erection using negative pressure, micro-surgery and implants. In the present scenario, where Viagra is being sold in Mumbai without a licence, prescription or medical check up, there is an obvious need to highlight the difference between a drug for impotence and an aphrodisiac. Parulkar stressed that Viagra will not increase libido. The best aphrodisiac, he pointed out, is an understanding partner.

Posted By Dr.Krishna.R.S Ayurveda Helath care for men

Ashwagandha- the Indian ginseng

Ashwagandha - also known as Indian Winter Cherry has the Botanical name Withania Somnifera -It is a shrub belonging to Solanace family. It is grown in the western India, Gujarat, MP, Punjab and in Himalayas.

Ashwagandha gets its name because its roots have the odor of horse. (Ashwa = horse , gandha = odor). It is called by another name Varaha karni because its leaves resemble pigs ear. Ashwagandha has light (laghu) and sticky (snigdha) properties, bitter and sweet taste. On digestion the sweet taste dominates. The main part used is root of this herb.

Medicinal properties of Ashwagandha

The various medicinal properties of ashwagandha is attributed to compounds known as withanolides which are present in it. Ashwagandha is used as an adaptogen (as it enhances endurance), rejuvenating tonic and sedative. Hence many herbalists refer this herb as Indian ginseng.

Effects on mind: As it balances vata and kapha, it improves memory, counteracts the effects of stress and calms mind. It has an ability to relieve stress. It acts as sedative. Stressed patients with insomnia are benefited by this herb. This herb can be used in Alzheimers disease, memory loss and insomnia.

Effects on general health : It acts as balya and strengthens the body. Generally, ashwagandha stimulates the immune system and strengthens it. It increases body energy level. Convalescent patients gain more energy and can spring back to normal routine quicker when this herb's preparations are used after illness. The immediate relapse of disease is prevented on use of Ashwagandha. This supports HIV patients by strengthening their immune system.

Anti-inflammatory properties: It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been successfully used in adjuvant therapy for arthritis. It reduces inflammation of joints and eases movements.

Effects on digestive system: Ashwagandha increases appetite . It normalizes digestion and bowel movements.

Effects on reproductive system: This magic herb increases shukra dhatu, sperm count and sperm motility. It increases libido and known as best Vajikara dravya (aphrodisiac)

It is also used as uterine tonic and to enhance female libido.

Ashwagandha retards ageing process when used as rasayana (rejuvenating preparation).

It reduces hypertension and also acts as diuretic.

Effects on pregnant woman: Ashwagandha is very effective in conditions like habitual abortion, threatened abortion. It stabilizes pregnancy and balances hormones which stabilize pregnancy.

Usefull preparations of Ashwagandha:

1. A paste of ashwagandha leaves when applied on a local inflammation acts as anti inflammatory.

2. The herbal massage oil which includes this herb is useful in many conditions like paralysis, epilepsy, sleeplessness etc.

3. The preparation of Ashwagandha which is processed with ghee, sugar and honey is a very good aphrodisiac and increases semen quantity, sperm count and motility. It is effectively used inErectile dysfunction, low libido and premature ejaculation.

4 Ashwagandha roots when used regularly helps to improve the conditions like emaciation of children, senile debility, rheumatism, in all cases of general debility, nervous exhaustion, brain-fag, low of memory, loss of muscular energy and spermatorrhoea. It increases body energy and vigor . It helps to rebuild the body system which is worn out due to chronic diseases like syphilis, rheumatism etc. It also replenishes the lowered energy of body due to over-work, mental exertion thus preventing early ageing.

5 Ashwagandha when used regularly , is very useful in emaciated children. It increases body weight and body energy.

6 Regular use of ashwagandha helps to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

7 Fine powder of ashwagandha well mixed with oil is very use full in many skin conditions.

8 Ashwagandha also acts as galactogogue and thickens the milk when given to nursing mothers.

This article is copy righted. The author Dr. Krishna Rao.S is an Ayurvedic Physician .Read complete article at Ashwagandha- the Indian ginseng