(NaturalNews) Testosterone decreases as we age, but numerous herbs and nutrients can help increase the blood levels of this hormone. Low testosterone can increase the risk of heart problems as well as depression, osteoporosis, and dementia. Reduced testosterone causes a condition known as andropause that develops with aging. Testosterone is an anabolic steroid and research on synthetic hormone replacement has been inconclusive.
The UCLA School of Medicine studied the plant MUIRA PUAMA and found it had the ability to increase testosterone production in men. South American shaman and healers have used this plant from the Brazilian rainforest for generations. Known as "potency wood" it has been used as an aphrodisiac as well.
The Chinese herb FO TI is used in Oriental Medicine as an aphrodisiac and for longevity. The Chinese name is HOSHOU WU. It has been used to treat impotency and to turn back the clocks on aging.
Broccoli and cauliflower contain natural ingredients that help the body to eliminate estrogen. Another way to do this is by taking the nutrient L-ARGININE. A recent study showed that men taking less than two grams of l-arginine daily for two weeks had improvement. Another study of men taking five grams a day, demonstrated similar results.
SARSAPARILLA root has been made into a soft drink, like root beer, and is known in folk medicine as a treatment for increased virility. There is no research on this plant, but it has been used for generations.
Another plant known to raise testosterone is indigenous to India and parts of Eastern Europe. TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS has been shown to raise testosterone in chimpanzees by over 50%. The effects can be seen in just a few days. The common name for Tribulus terrestris is Puncture Vine.
The MACA ROOT has been used in South America as a drink and to increase virility. This plant is in the radish family and grows in the high Andes Mountains at elevations above 10,000 feet. In a test with men with prostate cancer, maca did increase libido but did not significantly increase levels of testosterone in the blood. This plant, once reserved for Incan Royalty, is also under investigation for menopausal issues.
Research has also shown that ACETYL-L-CARNITINE increases testosterone production. Used to burn fat and build muscles, this important nutrient increases both testosterone and luteinizing hormone.
Increasing testosterone in the blood can restore health and reverse the signs of aging, thereby reducing many of the side effects, for mood, memory and heart health.
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/15/75.cfmhttp://www.prostateawarenessfoundation.org/MacaResults.shtmlhttp://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/jul2008_Optimizing-Testosterone-Level...About the author
Melanie Grimes is a writer, award-winning screenwriter, medical journal editor, and adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University. She also teaches homeopathy at the Seattle School of Homeopathy and the American Homeopathic Medical College.
A trained homeopath, she is the editor of the homeopathic journal, Simillimum, and has edited alternative and integrative medical journals for 15 years. She has taught creative writing, founded the first Birkenstock store in the USA and authored medical textbooks.
Her ebook on Natural Remedies for the Flu is available at:
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