Herbs with ‘viagra’ effect

By Charles Musisi

SEXUAL herbs may not be the only prop to your ebbing sex life, but they could be a sufficient reason for rekindling it. If you think this is a fib, Richard Othieno, the assistant horticulturist, in charge of medicinal plants at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), believes otherwise.

“Many relationships are on the rocks because of sexual problems,” says Othieno. “There are various species of sexual herbs in our herbal garden which treat diseases related to sex.”

According to the horticulturist, the herbs, he prefers to call them medicinal plants, can fan the embers of your sex life into a passionate flame, thus intensifying the emotional bond between a couple.

If you desire fabulous sex and your potency is on decline, Cajanus Cajan, locally known as Mpinamiti, can kick start it. Mpinamiti is a woody herb with trifoliate leaves, found in many areas. It is propagated from seeds.

“It is a sexual stimulant. It also cures colds and headaches,” says Othieno. “Boil two or three handfuls of fresh leaves in 250ml of water and take the solution in the evening, it will make a significant change in your sexual relationship.”

Another stimulant is Aframomum melegueta known as tungulu in Luganda. Othieno says a handful of roots boiled in one litre of water boosts your libido and potency.

Taking 250ml every evening will make you as strong as a horse.
Tungulu is a herb with an underground root-like stem or rhizome. Its oval shaped black fruits become red when they ripen. The herb grows in shady swampy areas.

Other sexual herbs in the garden include Spathodea campanulata (Kifabakazi), Aerva lanata (Lweza), Sida cuneifolia (Keyeeyo) and Hoslundia opposita (Kamunye). They cure diseases ranging from unpleasant odour to Syphilis.

Kifabakazi is a tree with trumpet red flowers, found in open Savannah and forested areas. It grows to about 40 metres and is propagated from seeds.

“It is very good for women who lack vaginal fluid. Kifabakazi is also an effective treatment for abdominal pain,” Othieno explains. “Boil two to three handfuls of crushed bark in one litre of water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Thereafter, filter and drink. The recommended dosage is three table spoonfuls, three times everyday for less than a week.”
Lweza is a creeping herb with small leaves. It is propagated from cuttings. According to Othieno, it is a treatment for unpleasant odour and it also restores fertility in women.

“To stop bad odour, crush the leaves and mix with Mormodica foetida (bombo) and Hoslundia opposita (Kamunye), then wash the body, particularly, the armpits,” Othieno says. “For fertility, crush the leaves and drink the liquid three times everyday.”

One of the herbs in the garden, Centella asiatica (Kutukumu), a creeping plant with green kidney shaped leaves, soothes and regulates emotions. Kutukumu is mainly found in shady areas especially the edge of forests. It is propagated by cuttings.

“It has Zinc, which is essential for the brain,” explains Othieno. “The extract from leaves is mixed in hot water, then drunk like tea. It is good to take everyday because it improves memory.”

There are over 100 sexual herbs in the garden. Prices range between sh1,000 and sh3,000, depending on the quantity you buy.

“Some herbs such as Aerva lanata (Lweza), Spathodea Campanulata (Kifabakazi), and side cuneifolia (Keyeeyo), are not for sale because they are common plants,” says Othieno.

But are the herbs effective cures? Othieno is quite positive about it. Patrick Mucunguzi, a senior lecturer, Department of Botany, says the horticulturist has grounds for his belief.

“Herbs such as Aerva lanata (Lweza), Centella asiatica (Kutukumu), Spathodea campanulata (Kifabakazi) have been validated and are commonly used,” observes the don. “Nonetheless there is need for herbalists to work hand-in-hand with scientists to determine the recommended dosage and to discover what should be done if people react badly to certain herbs.”

Although many people find solace in sexual herbs, John Musoke, 68, a marriage guidance counsellor, says herbs must be supplemented by “emotional intimacy between a couple, which is based on trust, sharing and openness. That is the secret of magic sex.”

The first herbal garden at UWEC, about a quarter of a hectare, was set up in 1998 primarily to educate people in the conservation of medicinal plants and their uses. It has over 200 species of medicinal plants. Last year, another garden, about an acre, was established.

“We intend to grow over 2,000 different species of medicinal plants,” says Othieno. “The primary goal of the project is to promote the use and conservation of medicinal plants.”