Reader recommends ginkgo for erectile dysfunction

Q. You recently ran a letter from a fellow who was disappointed in the herbal sex pills he bought. I, too, am an older gentleman who has faced challenges in the virility department. I’d tried maca, horny goat weed and other herbs with few real, sustained results.

I also had started putting cinnamon on my cereal to help lower my high cholesterol. I noticed on days that I ate this breakfast I was much more likely to be successful than on days that I didn’t.

Then a lady friend of mine suggested Ginkgo biloba. I’d never heard of using ginkgo for male potency before, but let me tell you the difference for me has been significant and sustained. It is now easier to get and maintain a state of readiness than it has been for years. I can be ready again in 20 minutes as opposed to 24 hours. I take one tablet after breakfast and one after dinner, so spontaneity is no problem. I hope this helps other readers as much as it has helped me.

A. Thanks for sharing your fascinating experience. Clinical trials of Ginkgo biloba for erectile difficulties have yielded inconsistent results, so we can’t promise that others will benefit as much as you have. Some research suggests that this herb improves circulation, which might account for the effect you’ve noticed.

For most people, ginkgo should be relatively safe, though it can occasionally cause digestive upset, rash or headache. People taking anti-clotting drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin should probably avoid ginkgo, since it might increase the risk of bleeding. As far as we can tell, there are no data to suggest cinnamon would be helpful for erectile dysfunction.

Q. I have heard that sour cherry juice can ward off gout attacks and help relieve arthritis pain. I cannot tolerate drugs such as ibuprofen because of a sensitive stomach. When I asked my pharmacist about nondrug options, he was clueless. Have you ever heard of cherries against pain?

A. Some data suggest that sweet cherries have anti-inflammatory activity that might be helpful against both gout and arthritic conditions (Journal of Nutrition; June 2003 and April 2006).

Both sweet and sour cherries block an enzyme (COX-2) that is active in inflammation (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Feb. 25, 2009). One reader reported, “I have used tart cherry juice for over one year now, and I am PAIN-FREE! I had a hip replaced, and then pain started flaring up in the other one. I also have moderate arthritis in my knees, which would throb at night. I took tart cherry juice every morning and saw results after the third week.”

There is more information about cherries for both gout and arthritis, along with many other natural approaches, in our book “Favorite Home Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy.” It is available online at www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. For the past 10 years, I’ve given half a coconut macaroon cookie to my greyhounds when they have diarrhea. It works every time, and the dogs love it.

A. Many readers have tried coconut to help control chronic diarrhea, and most seem to have success. You are not the first one to report that this remedy also can help dogs.

XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Favorite Home Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy.”

2009 King Features Syndicate Inc.