Better Sex Naturally: A Consumer's Guide to Herbs and Other Natural Supplements That Can Jump Start Your Sex Life (Paperback)

by Chris Meletis (Author), Susan M. Fitzgerald (Author)

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 Description

Go From Good Sex to Great Sex!

Spanish fly, saw palmetto, Brazilian bark. The legends surrounding their aphrodisiac powers abound, but how can you know what really works and what doesn't--and how much to take? The answers are all here in Better Sex Naturally, the most complete guide to remedies for common--and uncommon--sexual problems.

Learn how to:Increase stamina with ginseng Augment your sex drive with wild oats Promote multiple orgasms with gingko biloba Relieve PMS with dong quaiCombat impotence with pygeumand much more

This book explains which botanicals to use with caution and which to avoid altogether, and includes an indispensable appendix of natural-goods suppliers from around the country and on the Web. Better Sex Naturally will help you experience the best sex of your life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 206 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062736884
• ISBN-13: 978-0062736888
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,441,902 in Books (See Bestsellers 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

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

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.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This little book is helpful for both the novice and the more inveterate reader..., August 30, 2007

By	Heather L. Parisi "Heather & Robert Parisi" (Pekin, IN USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

So you want to know how to improve your sex life...well here is a good place to start looking. The format of this book is very clear and concise, the chapters/topics are supported by substantiated scientific research, and the tone is serious but not too formal.

The book opens with a brief introduction to herbal medicine and a background of naturopathic medicine. It swiftly moves to a explanation of the body's biochemistry and factors which enhance and detract from sexual enjoyment. The next chapters detail specific herbs which have been shown to enhance sexual function.

Some herbs such as the ginsengs augment the body's natural adaptogenic response to stress. Ginkgo enhances microcirculation thereby producing improved blood flow to the sexual organs. Wild oats directly affect the libido and yohimbe is useful for erectile dysfunction.

The next section titled "Especially for Men" tackles such nagging men's problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the sometimes concomitant erectile dysfunction. It explains why nutrients such as zinc are essential, while beer may have a detrimental effect for sufferers of BPH. The oft-touted saw palmetto's pharmacology is explained here as well of the benefit for its combination with other herbs such as pygeum and stinging nettles.

"Especially for Women" addresses specific issues that women face, particularly those caused by hormonal fluctuations. It explains how these hormones affect us and proper balance is of the utmost importance. Dong Quai, Wild Yam, and Black Cohosh are useful for sufferers of PMS as well as post-menopausal women. Additionally, proper diet and lifestyle factors are covered.

"Fact or Folklore?" deals with herbs which do not have the same amount of controlled research substantiating their benefits but, nonetheless, may be of benefit. Ashwaganda is an adaptogen as is ginseng which is common in Ayurvedic medicine, but not very well known in the West. L-Arginine is an amino acid which dilates the blood vessels by production of Nitric Oxide. This is the same mechanism upon which the science of Viagra is based.

"Buyer Beware" mentions supplements which should not be taken because of their potential health risks which greatly outweight their minimal-to-nil benefits. "Everyday choices for better sex" details lifestyle choices which are beneficial to health in general and sexual health in particular. This chapter also mentions several foods which have purported aphrodisiac properties.

The book ends with two helpful appendices which help the consumer to know where and how to purchase appropriate herbal remedies and also where to look for further information regarding naturopathy and herbal medicine. The glossary contains a list and description of helpful terms and facts which are helpful better to understand the book and health in general.

Overall, I feel that this book its very faithful and appropriate to its subject and would recommend it to anyone interested in an overview of natural ways to improve sexual health, functioning, and enjoyment. Check it out, if you can!