Virility Health Dictionary

If you enjoy a cup of herbal tea, then sarsaparilla tea can count as a good choice for a daily beverage. The many health benefits should also tempt you to give it a try. Find out more about sarsaparilla tea. About Sarsaparilla Tea Sarsaparilla tea is made from the roots of sarsaparilla, a plant native to Central and South America. It is also known by the name Smilax regelii. In Spanish, it is called zarzaparrilla; “zarza” means “shrub” and “parrilla” means “little grape vine”. Sarsaparilla is a perennial plant which has a trailing vine with lots of wood-like stems and long thorns. It has small, greenish flowers which grow in axillary umbels. It is often used to flavor soft drinks. There is also the “false sarsaparilla”, native to South Asia. It belongs to a different plant family and genus, and it is often used in place of sarsaparilla. The false sarsaparilla is a slender shrub with woody and aromatic roots and many slender stems. It has small leaves and greenish flowers. Sarsaparilla Tea Constituents Both types of sarsaparilla have their own active constituents. The usual type includes sarsasaponin, sarsaparilloside, flavonoids, sarsapac acid, dextrose, and fatty acids. Meanwhile, the “false sarsaparilla” has some of the following constituents: coumarins, saraponins, starch, tannins, tannic acid, glucose, phenols, iron, and magnesium. Both the American type and the South Asian one can be used to make sarsaparilla tea, which gets the active constituents found in the roots. How to prepare Sarsaparilla Tea No matter the variety, you can easily prepare a cup of sarsaparilla tea. Just add about 1 gram of chopped dried root to a cup of freshly boiled water. Let it steep for about 10 minutes; then, stream to remove the root pieces. Sarsaparilla Tea Benefits The American and South Asian sarsaparilla root share a few health benefits, which are transferred to sarsaparilla tea, as well. They are used to treat various skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis. Drinking sarsaparilla tea also helps you with arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. This tea is also included in the treatment of various sexual diseases, such as herpes, gonorrhea or syphilis. Drinking sarsaparilla tea might help improve your memory and mental concentration. It also helps with urinary tract infections, and menopausal symptoms. It can even be applied topically, to treat sores and burns. The tea made with the American sarsaparilla is believed to improve the sexual performance, and to enhance virility. If you’re using the ‘false sarsaparilla’ to make sarsaparilla tea, this can help fight various digestive problems and upper respiratory infections. Sarsaparilla Tea Side Effects It is recommended not to drink sarsaparilla tea if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Sarsaparilla tea can affect the baby in both cases. Also, don’t drink this tea if you’ve got asthma; it might worsen your condition. If you’re under any kind of medication (especially if you’re taking other diuretics), make sure you talk with your doctor first before you start drinking sarsaparilla tea. Also, be careful with the amount of sarsaparilla tea you drink. If you drink too much, it might cause digestive problems. Sarsaparilla tea is a pleasant everyday herbal tea. With its many health benefits, just one cup can help you stay healthy.... discover sarsaparilla tea!

(Desr.) Verdc.

Family: Convolvulaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India in the plains, especially on the bank of stream and rivers.

Ayurvedic: Lakshmanaa (Also equated with Ipomoea obscura (Linn.) Ker-Gawler.), Putradaa, Putrajanani.

Folk: Tirutaalli (Kerala).

Action: Used as a single drug for curing sterility in women, and for promoting fertility and virility.

The seeds of Ipomoea obscura contain non-ergolin type indole alkaloids, ipobscurine A and B and serotonin also alkaloid ipobscurine C.... ipomoea marginata

Hook.

Synonym: M. pruriens Baker non DC.

Family: Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.

Habitat: Throughotu India, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

English: Cowhage, Horse-eye Bean.

Ayurvedic: Aatmaguptaa, Kapikac- chuu, Rshabhi, Adhigandhaa, Ajadaaa, Kacchuraa, Laan- guli, Rshyaproktaa, Svaguptaa, Shyaamguptaa, Markati, Kanduraa, Kevaanch, Shuukashimbi.

Unani: Konchh.

Siddha/Tamil: Poonaikkaali.

Action: Seed—astringent, nervine tonic, local stimulant, used in impotence, spermatorrhoea, urinary troubles, leucorrhoea, traditionally used for male virility. Also used in depressive neurosis. Hair on fruit— vermifuge, mild vesicant; used for diseases of liver and gallbladder. Leaf—applied to ulcers. Pod— anthelmintic. Root and fruit—spasmolytic, hypoglycaemic. Root— CNS active.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia ofIn- dia recommends the seed in impotence and paralysis agitans; the root in vaginal laxity.

The seeds contain the alkaloids, mu- cunine, mucunadine, mucunadinine, prurieninine, pruriendine and nicotine, besides beta-sitosterol, gluthione, lecithin, vernolic and gallic acids. They contain a number of bioactive substances including tryptamine, alky- lamines, steroids, flavonoids, cou- marins and cardenolides. L-DOPA is present in the seed as well as in the stem, leaves and roots.

Major constituents of the hairs on the pod are amines such as 5-hydroxy- tryptamine (serotonin), and a proteolytic enzyme mucuanain. (Serotonin was present only in pods.)

Prurieninine slowed down heart rate, lowered blood pressure and stimulated intestinal peristalsis in experiments carried out on frogs. The spas- molysis of smooth muscles was caused by indole bases.

Seed diet produced hypoglycaemic effect in normal rats, however, such diet had insignificant effect on alloxan- treated rats.

There is some evidence that Cow- hage might be useful for chlorproma- zine-induced hyperprolactinemia in men. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.) (Males with hy- perprolactinemia frequently face im- potency.) (Cured seeds are used in Indian medicine for male sexual dysfunction.)

Mucuna cochinchinensis Cheval.; synonym M. nivea (Roxb.) DC.; Sti- zolobium niveum Kuntze (cultivated in Bengal and Bihar for edible pods and seeds) is known as Lyon Bean (Khamach in Bengal). The pod yielded L-DOPA (0.06%).

Dosage: Cured seed—3-6 g (API, Vol. III); root—3-6 g powder for decoction (API, Vol. IV.)... mucuna prurita

Used for centuries in Asian medicine as a cure for almost anything, nowadays Ginseng tea is consumed around the world due to its important health benefits. Read more about its origin, various types, benefits and side effects.

More about Ginseng tea

Ginseng is an herbaceous perennial plant with fleshy roots that grows in the forest and is native to parts of Asia and North America. Nowadays there are many types of Ginseng, cultivated in various parts of the world. However, there are two main types of Ginseng : Oriental ginseng and American ginseng. Ginseng tea is made from the juicy roots of the plant. Sometimes, the leaves can also be used but they are less important than the root. The root contains most of the essential nutrients. Ginseng root can be used in two ways : fresh or dried. You can buy it as a whole, sliced, powder like or directly as teabags. Ginseng tea has a reputation of being a strong aphrodisiac, especially for men. Included in teas or in other medicines, it is often used to treat ejaculation problems. The tea is considered as an overall tonic for the whole body enhancing vitality. The taste of Ginseng tea is very particular. Many people think it can be a sharp, earthy with a strong aftertaste. However, for people with an acidic condition, it can taste very bitter indeed.

How to brew Ginseng tea

If we refer to the drink, you should know that one cup of ginseng tea is equivalent to one tea bag, one teaspoon of ginseng tea cut, two to three grams of ginseng, or five to eight slices of ginseng. Add the necessary amount of ginseng to a cup of hot water. Let it infuse for four to five minutes. You can leave it longer as well, but you should know that the longer you allow the ginseng to stay in the water, you will get a stronger tea. For a better taste, you may also add honey or other natural sweeteners like for example citrus fruits or even mix together with other types of teas. Later on, you can also reuse the slices or the tea bag that you used previously for one or two extra cups of ginseng tea. If you drink ginseng tea for the first time, it is advisable to prepare the ginseng tea initially for no more than five minutes. Give yourself time to get familiar with its taste at first. Alternatively, you can boil three cups of water, add eight to ten ginseng slices then let them boil for fifteen to twenty minutes. Drain the tea and let it cool. The ginseng tea can be served warm or cold as an iced ginseng tea. Store the tea in the refrigerator. For best results, ginseng tea should be consumed in cycles, such as three weeks on and one week off. Ginseng tea should not be drunk for more than three months at a time.

Health Benefits of Ginseng tea

Ginseng tea has traditionally been seen as a “cure-all” for many types of ailments. This tea has many health benefits like:

• Boosting the appetite
• Improving the digestion
• Aiding in respiration
• Rejuvenating the body
• Reducing physical and mental stress
• Enhancing sexual virility and libido especially for men
• Reducing the symptoms of arthritis and asthma
• Lessening the effects of diabetes, Crohn’s disease and TMJ syndrome
• Counteracting headaches and diarrhea
• Strengthening the immune system
• Fighting the fatigue
• Reducing bad cholesterol
• Boosting blood circulation

Side Effects of Ginseng tea

The side effects of ginseng tea have always been disputed. It may react with some medications or pre-existing conditions. Avoid drinking this type of tea during pregnancy or nursing, and do not take it for longer than three months in a row. Ginseng tea should not be taken with other herbs which stimulates the nervous system or with oral diabetes medications. Ginseng tea should be avoided by those with psychological conditions. People suffering for hypertension, or high blood pressure or those who are taking other stimulants should consult their physician before drinking ginseng tea. Ginseng tea is not suitable for children. Although sometimes the side effects of the ginseng tea are still a subject of debate, if you take into consideration the precautions, drinking it from time to time will surely have a tonic effect on your body as it proved its qualities along the centuries. Drink it during breakfast to boost up your day.... ginseng tea

Linn.

Family: Verbenaceae.

Habitat: Throughout India in the warmer zones; ascending to 900 m in the North-western Himalaya.

English: Five-leaved Chaste tree.

Ayurvedic: Nirgundi, Shephaa- likaa, Sindhuka, Sindhuvaara, Suvahaa, Sugandhikaa. Nila, Nila- nirgundi, Shveta nirgundi (var.). White-flowered var. is known as Sinduvaara, blue-flowered as Nirgundi or Shephaali,

Unani: Sambhaalu, Fanjankisht.

Siddha/Tamil: Nochi, Nalla Nochi, Vellai Nochchi, Nirkundi.

Action: Seeds—prescribed in spermatorrhoea, and for promoting spermiogenesis (in Unani medicine). Also given as a rejuvenating tonic for retarding old age and for retaining and promoting virility. (in Ayurvedic medicine). Leaf—anti-inflammatory, analgesic; removes foetid discharges and worms from ulcers. Flowers—astringent, febrifuge, antidiarrhoeic; prescribed in liver complaint. Oil— applied to sinus, scrofulous sores.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the leaf (also the root) in excessive vaginal discharges, oedema, skin diseases, pruritus, helmin- thiasis, rheumatism, and puerperal fever.

A water extract of the leaves, when administered to rats, exhibited anti- inflammatory, analgesic, antihistami- nic and membrane stabilizing and an- tioxidant activities. (J. Ethnopharmo- col, 2003, (203), 199-206.) Methano- lic extract of leaves showed remarkable antihistaminic activity.

The leaves contain iridoid glyco- sides, isomeric flavanones and flavo- noids, besides casticin and the gluco- sides, luteolin-7-glucoside and alpha- D-glucoside of a tetrahydroxy mono- methoxy flavone.

Dried powder of roots contains hen- triacontane, beta-sitosterol and its aetat and stigmasterol. Alcoholic extract of the root showed 40-60% antiimplantation activity with no anti- ovulatory effect in rats.

Flavone vitexicarpin (1), isolated from the leaves, exhibited broad cyto- toxicity in human cancer cell line panel. Two pentacyclic triterpenoids, betulin- ic acid and ursolic acid, along with an aliphatic alcohol, n-hentriacontanol, beta-sitosterol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid have been isolated from leaves.

The seeds contain p-hydroxybenz- oic acid, 5-oxyisophthalic acid, glucose and the triterpene, vitextriter- pene. Several anti-inflammatory triter- penoids and flavonoids have also been isolated from the seeds. The flavanone, 5,7,3' trihydroxy-6, 8,4'-trimethoxy- flavone exhibited anti-androgenic activity in adult mice and dogs.

Dosage: Leaf—10-15 ml juice (API, Vol. III); root—10-12 ml juice (API, Vol. IV.)... vitex negundo