Natural Viagra?

By Bryce Edmonds

Turns out it’s not called horny goat weed for nothing. Scientists testing alternatives to Viagra found that a new, modified extract of the herb (aka Epimedium brevicornum) may treat erectile dysfunction as well as Viagra with far fewer side effects. Though it might be years before clinical trials are completed and this new extract unveiled, David Scrimgeour, LAc, says traditional Chinese medicine uses an herbal blend containing epimedium to boost flagging libido and aid impotence. But don’t think of horny goat weed as a quick fix for your next romantic encounter, he says. The herb has traditionally been “used to correct the underlying imbalance which leads to impotence, not the erectile dysfunction itself.” So until the modified formula hits the shelves, talk to your TCM practitioner about the epimedium supplements that are available now. —Bryce Edmonds