Definition

Weakness, especially inability of the male to achieve or maintain erection. This may include: anatomic impotency (caused by a defect in the genitalia); atonic impotency (resulting from paralysis of nervi erigentes, which convey impulses bringing about erection); functional impotency (due to an organic or anatomical defect); organic impotency (anatomic); psychic impotency (due to mental disturbance); or symptomatic impotency (due to poor health, drugs, or presence of disease). The inability to achieve or maintain an erection, premature ejaculation, and the ability to ejaculate makes it impossible for the male to impregnate the ovum of the female.
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Causes

As stated above, may be psychological or organic in nature. Some organic causes include low sperm count; peripheral vascular disease; diabetes; use of some medications, alcohol, or cigarettes; psychological factors; and having had the mumps as an adult. There are many other causes of impotence. A qualified doctor is needed in most cases.

Information on a self-test designed to detect and measure the rigidity off erections while sleeping can be obtained by calling (800) 328-1103.
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Nutrients

L-Arginine, taken as directed on the label, is an amino acid that increases the male sperm count. Vitamin E, 400-1,000 IU per day (increase slowly). Zinc, 80 mg. per day, is important in prostate gland function and reproductive organ growth. Vitamin C, 3,000-6,000 mg. per day, keeps the sperm from clumping and makes the sperm more motile. Liver injections, 2cc twice per week. L-Tyrosine, 500 mg. 2 times per day on an empty stomach, helps stabilize moods and alleviates stress. Raw orchic substances, taken as directed on the label, is a glandular extract of the male reproductive organs which promotes glandular function. Vitamin A, 15,000 IU per day, enhances immune system. Beta-carotene, 15,000 IU per day, enhances immune system. Vitamin B complex, 50 mg. 3 times per day, is needed for a healthy nervous system and for the synthesis of RNA and DNA which contain the genetic instructions for cell reproduction. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 50 mg. 3 times per day, is needed for a healthy nervous system and for the synthesis of RNA and DNA which contain the genetic instructions for cell reproduction.
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Herbs

• Burdock
• Celery, seeds
• Cloves
• Damiana
• Fenugreek
• Garlic
• Ginseng, Asiatic
• Goldenseal
• Gotu kola
• Gravel root
• Lovage
• Mint
• Nutmeg
• Palmetto, saw
• Plantain, common
• Poke root
• Raspberry
• Rue, goat's
• Saffron
• St. John's wort
• Sarsaparilla
• Savory
• Schizandra
• Solomon's seal
• Spatterdock
• Willow, black, American
• Yam, wild
• Yohimbine

Recommendations

A balanced diet is important. Do not consume animal fats, fried foods, sugar, or junk foods. Do eat pumpkin seeds, bee pollen, or royal jelly. Avoid vigorous exercise, hot tubs, and saunas as this leads to reduced sperm counts, possible drop in production of hormones involved in potency, fertility, and sex drive.

Do not smoke. Avoid being around cigarette smoke and avoid stress. Investigate the possibility of heavy metal intoxication. A hair analysis reveals possible heavy metal poisoning.
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Suggestions

Keep in mind that sexual function changes with age. An older man may require more stimulation and a longer period of time to experience an erection.

Alcohol intake decreases the body's ability to produce testosterone. Alcohol also sets the stage for a heart attack. Arteriosclerotic disease of the blood vessels, which restricts blood supply to the penis and to the nerves that otherwise would lead to sexual arousal, may result in impotence.

A common cause of impotence is the use of antihypertensive and tranquilizer drugs. The use of marijuana and cocaine, heavy smoking damages the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the penis.

The drugs Tagamet and Zantac (both taken for indigestion or ulcers) have significant side effects in some men. They may decrease sperm count and even produce impotency.

The drug papaverine is used either alone or in combination with phentolamine to dilate the penile blood vessels, causing increased blood flow to the erectile tissue. (Effective for both psychological and physiological impotence)
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Bibliography

• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., pgs., 88, 118, 164, 204, 296.
• The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pgs., 113, 126, 133-134.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 63, 108, 146, 220, 224, 259, 304.
• Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 81, 112, 121, 129, 134, 135, 136, 138, 142, 143, 245, 277, 302-310, 314, 394.
• The Herb Book, by John Lust, pg., 71.
• Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pg., 242.
• The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pgs., 112, 120, 133, 142, 144, 149, 167, 168, 169, 177, 186.
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pgs., 215-216.

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