Many men suffer in silence because they assume the symptoms are simply a part of ?growing older? when the causes are usually much more manageable. Physical health, stress, relationship issues, depression, smoking and obesity may all be causes of ED.

Although this is a taboo subject, everyone has heard of latest drug to hit the market that treats this condition.

Ever since the emergence of Viagra, the famous erectile dysfunction (ED) drug which exploded on the market a few years ago, not a single day has passes without seeing ads of the magical ED pill ? especially in spam email, proving that this drug is in great demand.

There has definitely been a good deal of controversy over Viagra?, its use and more recently, its side effects among some unfortunate patients. The most common side effects from taking this drug is a headache and hot flushing. But there are less common, more serious reported side effects which are a runny nose, indigestion and a blue tinge to the vision.

Then there is the risk of death ? especially if you have a heart condition and are taking a form of nitrate treatment. Viagra causes the blood pressure to drop a very slight amount, for most people this is fine and will cause no problems but from men taking nitrate treatment, when mixed with Viagra there is a huge drop in blood pressure which can prove to be fatal.

So what are the alternatives ?? What are the natural alternatives ??

According to the legend, a goat herder noticed an increase in the sexual activity in his flock after they ate this abundantly growing weed. This weed is known by many names such as Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat and Fairy Wings but the most common name is Horny Goat Weed.

This plant has testosterone like effects and has been proven to stimulate sexual desire and activity. It also contains an active ingredient called icariin which is thought to work by increasing levels of nitric oxide which relaxes smooth muscles and results in an increase in blood flow. Horny goat weed also appears to act by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzyme, which is the same way that the popular drug Viagra works.

This plant has for over 2000 years been helping both men and women increase their libido, sexual desire, energy levels, stamina and sensory stimulation. It is estimated that currently sales of this king of herbal sex enhancers are over 100 tons per year from China. In 2003 Horny Goat Weed was ranked 18 in the top 25 supplements bought in the USA which equals $2.5 million in sale, up 13.9 percent from 2002 ? proving that sex does sell !!!

Available in convenient capsule form, blended with complementary supplements to enhance the overall effect of the horny goat weed. Are there any side effects ?? High dosages of horny goat weed may cause side effects in some people, which would include rapid heart beat, restlessness, and insomnia ? which are less severe than those of Viagra and could also be attributed to the desired effect of the weed.

But there is more to this amusingly named herb, as it has a few other health giving properties such as lowering blood sugar levels, lumbago, arthritis, numbness and weakness of the limbs, hypertension and chronic bronchitis. It doesn't stop there, it also has adaptogenic properties much like Cordyceps, Rhodiola, and Ginseng etc. by increasing levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine when they are low which has an energy-promoting effect. As well as reducing cortisol levels when they are elevated which has an anti-stress effect

Remember that horny goat weed has been used safely for more than 2,000 years ? by both men and women. The reason ? It obvious, it's because it works.