Sex is a basic instinct like hunger. Sexual activity, however, demands complete concentration and relaxation. It cannot be performed in haste and tension. Persons who are usually tense and overoccupied are unable to follow these norms. Many persons, therefore, suffer from sexual dysfunctions. The most common male sexual dysfunction is impotence.
Causes and Symptoms
Impotence takes three forms. There is primary impotence when the man’s erectile dysfunction is there from the very beginning of sexual activity and he simply cannot have an erection. Secondary impotence is the commonest and this implies that the man can normally attain an erection but fails on one or more occasions in between normal activity. The third form is associated with advancing age.
Sexual impotence may result from psychological illness such as depression which lowers both sexual drive and erectile function, tiredness, alcohol abuse, the therapeutic use of oestrogens, paralysis of parasympathetic nerves by drugs or permanent damage to them, and diabetes. Other causes of impotence include a devitalised condition of the system in general. The main problem of secondary impotence is the apprehension created by an earlier failure, which generates a good deal of anxiety for the n^xt time.
Remedies
Garlic: Garlic is one of the most remarkable home remedies found beneficial in the treatment of sexual impotence It is a natural and harmless aphrodisiac. According to an eminent sexologist of the United States, garlic has a pronounced aphrodisiac effect It is a tonic for loss of sexual power due to any cause, and for sexual debility and impotency resulting from sexual overindulgence and nervous exhaustion. Two to three cloves of raw garlic should be chewed daily.
Onion: Onion is another important aphrodisiac food, second only to garlic. It increases libido and strengthens the reproductory organs. The white variety of onion is> however, more useful for this purpose.
Carrot: Carrots are considered valuable in impotence. For better results, about 150 gm of carrots, chopped finely, should be taken with a half-boiled egg, dipped in a tablespoon of honey, once daily for a month or two. This recipe increases sexual stamina.
Lady’s Fingers: Lady’s fingers are another tonic for improving sexual vigour. It has been mentioned in ancient Indian literature that persons who take five to ten grams of the root powder of this vegetable with a glass of milk and two teaspoons of ground mishri daily, will never lose sexual vigour.
Asparagus: The dried roots of asparagus are used in Unani medicine as an aphrodisiac. They are available in the market as safed musli. Fifteen grams of roots boiled in one cup of milk should be taken twice daily. The regular use of this remedy is valuable in impotency and premature ejaculation.
Drumstick: A soup made with about fifteen grams of drumstick flowers boiled in 250 ml milk is very useful as a sexual tonic in the treatment of sexual debility. It is also useful in functional sterility in both males and females. The powder of the dry bark is also valuable in impotency, premature ejaculation, and thinness of semen. About 120 gm of the powder of the dry bark should be boiled in half a litre of water for about half an hour. Thirty grams of this powder, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, should be taken three times daily for a month.
Ginger: The juice extracted from ginger is a valuable aphrodisiac and beneficial in the treatment of sexual weakness. For better results, half a teaspoon of ginger juice should be taken with a half-boiled egg and honey, once daily at night, for a month. It is said to relieve impotency, premature ejaculation, and spermatorrhoea.
Dried Dates: Dried dates are a highly-strengthening food. Pounded and mixed with almonds, pistachio nuts, and quince seeds in equal quantities, about 100 gm should be taken daily as an effective medicine for increasing sexual power.
Raisins: Black raisins are useful for restoration of sexual vigour. They should be boiled with milk after being washed thoroughly in tepid water. This will make them swollen and sweet Eating of these raisins should be followed by the intake of milk. Starting with 30 gm of raisins, followed by 200 ml of milk three times daily, the quantity of raisins should be gradually increased to 50 gm each time.
Dietary Considerations
Diet is an important factor in treating sexual impotence. To begin with, the patient should adopt an exclusive fresh-fruit diet for five to seven days, taking three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits at five-hourly intervals. After die all-fruit diet, he may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits, with generous use of special rejuvenative foods such as whey, sour milk — particularly goat’s mailk, millet, garlic, honey, cold-pressed vegetable oils, and brewer’s yeast. The patient should avoid smoking, alcohol, tea, and coffee; and all processed, canned, refined, and denatured foods, especially white sugar and white flour, and products made from them.
Other Measures
A vigorous massage all over the body is highly beneficial in the treatment of impotence, as it helps to revive muscular vigour which is essential for nervous energy. The nerves of the genital organs are controlled by the pelvic region. Hence a cold hip bath for ten minutes in the morning or evening is very effective. Every effort should be made to build up the general health level to the highest degree, and fresh air and outdoor exercises are essential for the success of the treatment. Yogasanas such as dhanurasana, sarvangasana, and halasana are also highly beneficial.