Better Sex Naturally: Herbs and Other Natural Supplements That Will Jump-Start Your Sex Life [Paperback]

Chris Meletis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2000

Spanish fly, ginseng, Brazilian bark -- the legends surrounding their aphrodisiac powers abound, but how can men and women know what works and what doesn't -- or even how much to take? The answers are all here in Better Sex Naturally, the most important guide to natural remedies for common -- and uncommon -- sexual problems ever compiled. How about Muira Puama tea for arousal or Saw Palmetto as an aphrodisiac instead of the overhyped Viagra? While Better Sex Naturally clearly explains which botanicals to use with caution and which to avoid all together, also included is an indispensable appendix of natural goods suppliers from around the country and reputable sources on the Web. Better Sex Naturally is the ultimate resource men and women need to use herbs and natural products for optimal effect.
-- Americans spent $5.1 billion on herbal supplements in 1997 and an estimated 12% of the population tried at least one herbal supplement that year.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The recent public interest in Viagra resulted in a wave of books about impotence, sexuality, and pharmaceutical and natural aphrodisiacs. Meletis, a naturopathic physician who is currently Chief Medical Officer and Dean of Clinical Education of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, weighs in with alternative medicine's botanical answers to Viagra. In simple language, he explains the physiology of sexuality and how to enhance it by using particular herbs (gingko biloba, ginseng, wild oats, and yohimbe). He carefully distinguishes between folk uses of these plants and published research on the efficacy of each as well as explaining dosages and side effects. The author addresses herbs that support male and female sexuality and warns against harmful substances. He concludes with useful appendixes and a glossary. Unfortunately, Meletis does not footnote or include complete citations for all the clinical research he discusses. However, he does present a balanced, responsible, useful text on a popular subject littered with questionable publications. Recommended for all public libraries and for any library with a consumer health collection.
-Mary A. Stout, Pima Community Coll. Lib., Tucson
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062736884
• ISBN-13: 978-0062736888
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,878,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authors respond to "A Reader", November 2, 2000

By 

Chris D. Meletis, N.D. and Susan Fitzgerald (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Better Sex Naturally: Herbs and Other Natural Supplements That Will Jump-Start Your Sex Life (Paperback)

The authors of Better Sex Naturally wish to respond to the assertions of "A Reader" and guide interested parties to source materials from which they may make their own assessment: --Gingko: The effectiveness and safety of this dosage (120-240 mg of standardized 24% extract) is well established by dozens of clinical studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals, several of which were cited in the book. Additionally, the German E Commission (which shares some of the same oversight functions as the US FDA) notes on pages 136-138 (First edition 1998, Integrative Medicine Communications) that taken at this level, there is no known overdosage and no known restrictions in pregnant and lactating women (though we do not recommend these women take herbal or pharmaceutical preparations without checking with the family physician). Side effects mentioned in the E Commission report as occurring only very seldom include GI upset, headache and skin rash. Additionally, Dr. Meletis has prescribed this level of gingko to many patients with no such side effects as "A Reader" describes. --Testosterone production by the adrenal glands: The authors draw "A Reader's" attention to A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 5th Edition, Frances Fishbach, p. 376, copyright 1996, as but one of many authoritative sources on which this statement is based. --"Tonic" or adaptogenic herbs: The authors cited the work of Varro Tyler, Ph.D., Sc.D., who surveyed ginseng research (Better Sex Naturally, p. 26), and Healing Power of Herbs (p. 268) by Michael Murray, N.D., who describes ginseng's effect as an adaptogenic herb that has a "normalizing action irrespective of the direction of the pathological state." --Up-to-date: The book's scientific sources draw almost exclusively on research conducted or published in the 1990s, cited from peer-reviewed scientific publications. Further, the bibliography lists more than 50 authoritative books and articles by M.D.s, Ph.D.s, N.D.s and other professionals to support many of the contentions and clinical observations in Better Sex Naturally. Older references were cited occasionally to substantiate historical use. --Credibility: Licensed naturopathic doctors are the only primary care-type physicians in the U.S. who receive scientific training in pharmacognosy (the biochemical actions of herbs and medicinal uses) in a four-year medical school, and use it clinically. Health professionals who wish to correspond with Dr. Meletis about his sources and clinical experience in treating conditions discussed in Better Sex Naturally are invited to contact him via HarperCollins.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This stuff works!, August 29, 2000

By 

Susan Pavlovich (Tacoma, Wash) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Better Sex Naturally: Herbs and Other Natural Supplements That Will Jump-Start Your Sex Life (Paperback)

I didn't really know what to expect when I first leafed through "Better Sex Naturally," but it wasn't a chemistry lesson! This is the first book that ever explained to me WHY stress (and other stuff!) is bad for me, and exactly what the effects are on the body. Then the author, Dr. Meletis, explains the chemistry of herbs like gingko and ginseng and why they help against stress in ways that improve better sexual function, and even libido. That's what knocked me out--it wasn't a bunch of voodoo, although I did enjoy learning about the folklore uses, then the scientific reasons for why they work. I loaned my copy to a friend, who later said she had been taking gingko for another reason, but was noticing some sexual improvement, and this book explained why. The book also explains a lot about how everyday choices wear away our health and our sex drive, and what to do about it, in addition to taking these herbs. There's no shortage of "how to eat better" books out there, but this one gives some really compelling reasons, putting them in the context of our whole lives, including sex. Even if you're not ready to give up some favorite vices, like beer and coffee, at least this book tells you how to offset some of that damage, and it speaks to both men and women. If you only read one self-help book this year, make it this one! It deals with a lot more than sex, and will make you think twice about what you do every day.

1.0 out of 5 stars It was just ok..., March 30, 2011

By 

Momty "findngoodread" (Georgia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Better Sex Naturally: Herbs and Other Natural Supplements That Will Jump-Start Your Sex Life (Paperback)

it was with absolute excitement that I embarked on reading the book. It was not what I thought. It was just okay.