Years ago, men in our culture pretty much accepted whatever they were dealt in the sexual department, and they certainly didn't talk about their problems or concerns. Today, men aren't willing to live with uncertainty, embarrassment or feelings of inadequacy when it comes to sex -- and fortunately, they've found there really is something they can do about it. With the advent of prescription drugs for impotence, men began to question their long-held beliefs that sexual problems were just something you had to learn to live with (or deny). But prescription drugs aren't for everyone, and indeed, most men have concerns that can be addressed more simply and inexpensively than with doctor's office visits and subsequent pharmaceutical prescriptions.

Now men have another option: all-natural male enhancement supplements. Anyone who's been watching TV or using the Internet lately knows these products are out there, but few know how they work or which products do work.

So let's take a look at how these products do the job and what makes them effective for hundreds of thousands of men.

Quality male enhancement pills contain a number of botanical and natural ingredients that come from around the world, with proven anecdotal records of success in increasing libido, empowering sexual drive and function, and creating greater stamina and erection hardness. Today, even medical doctors, typically resistant to herbal and naturopathic healing, now endorse natural formulas for male sexual enhancement.

The best formulas out there contain scientifically tested, potent aphrodisiac herbal concentrates from China, Europe and South America to successfully stimulate sexual activity, maintain a firm erection and increase sexual pleasure.

First, they promote peripheral tissue vasodilation to improve arterial erectile function. The ingredients have a direct effect on the endothelial cells, which enhances blood flow of both penile arteries and veins without any change in the systemic blood pressure. Some formulas also have the ability to relax and tonify the nervous system, which is necessary to deal fully with psychological stressors present.

When looking for a good supplement, you may come across many of the same ingredients in many of them -- however, keep in mind that it is not only the specific components, but the blends, proportions and formulation that make a difference. Here are some of the herbs commonly used, and their effects in the male body:

Epimedium Leaf Extract Epimedium was discovered in 200 BC. Legend has it that an ancient Chinese goat herder noticed that his flock suddenly became sexually active after grazing in a certain patch of weed. The Chinese consider Epimedium to be the premier libido lifter for men. It is also reputed to have a testosterone effect, to stimulate the sensory nerves and restore sexual desire. After centuries of use in China, top medical doctors now report that Epimedium can be used to boost libido, improve erectile function, restore sexual power and increase sensation. Scientifically, Epimedium works by freeing up testosterone, which naturally increases sex drive and endurance.

Cuscuta Seed Extract

Cuscuta is frequently used in long-term tonic programs, most commonly to strengthen the uro-genital functions. It is used to treat premature ejaculation, frequent urination and leukorrhea as well as aching lower back, symptoms that often accompany deficient kidney conditions which cause sexual weakness. Cuscuta seed is also widely used to nourish the sperm and marrow and strengthen sinews of the sexual organs. It is used to increase fertility in both men and women, and is listed as an aphrodisiac in all traditional Chinese pharmacopoeias.

Ginko Biloba Leaf

For over 5,000 years, Ginkgo has been prescribed in Chinese herbal medicine. In the last 30 years, more that 300 studies have given clinical evidence that Ginkgo prevents and benefits many problems throughout the entire body. Ginkgo is gaining recognition as a brain tonic that enhances memory because of its positive effects on the vascular system, especially in the cerebellum. Ginkgo improves peripheral circulation, oxygenation, and increases blood flow to the genitals to improve sexual function and the power of an erection. In a recent scientific study, 78% of men with non-medically caused impotence problems reported significant improvement - significantly, with no side effects. Ginkgo has been shown to be nutritional support for mental alertness, enhanced vitality level, circulatory health and blood vessel health. Note that its high antioxidant activity is valuable for fighting age-related conditions. Ginkgo may help to counteract the effects of aging, including mental fatigue and lack of energy.

Asian Red Ginseng - Panax Ginseng

Ginseng is traditionally used to overcome general weakness and deliver extra energy. It also has aphrodisiacal powers. Used to combat non medically caused impotence, and premature ejaculation, Ginseng helps normalize blood pressure while rejuvenating and revitalizing the body. It also promotes the growth of nerve tissue. A key ingredient of Ginseng is ginsenoside, which alters blood flow to the brain and penis and can build blood and sperm. Russian scientists have reported and recorded that Ginseng stimulates both physical and mental activity, enhances athletic performance and has a positive effect on the sex glands.

Saw Palmetto Berry - Fructus Serenoae

Native Americans and early American settlers used Saw Palmetto to treat problems associated with the genitals, urinary tract and reproductive system. This herb is called the "plant catheter" due to its therapeutic effect on the neck of the bladder and the prostate in men. Saw Palmetto is widely used in Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and the U.S. for nutritionally benefiting the prostate and urinary tract. Saw Palmetto is a tonic, and is one of the few herbal remedies that are considered to be anabolic -- strengthening and building body tissues. The Saw Palmetto berries have long held a reputation as sexual stimulants and aphrodisiacs. Their largest use today is as a supplement for reducing enlarged prostate glands, treating urinary tract problems and for improving body strength. Saw Palmetto has shown significant action in treatment of conditions associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Saw Palmetto extract works to prevent testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone, the hormone thought to cause prostrate cells to multiply which leads to an enlarged prostate. Saw Palmetto inhibits androgen and estrogen receptor activity and may be beneficial for both sexes in balancing the hormones. Because of its hormonal effects, Saw Palmetto can aid the thyroid in regulating sexual development and normalizing activity of those glands and organs.

Muira Pauma Bark Extract

Muria Puama is an herb from a shrub native to Brazil, otherwise known as "Potency Wood". Both verbal and written historical records show that Muria Puama helps with lack of sexual desire and the difficulty to maintain erection. Muria Puama is used to restore sexual virility and to treat genital weakness "of intent", meaning the strength associated with sexual desire and potency in men. The textbook Specific Indications for Herbs in General Use, published by the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, lists benefits of Muria Puama to these specific body systems: Improvement in reproductive system function, adrenal stress, cardiovascular system function, central nervous system activity, renal activity, and thyroid stress. Recent clinical studies further validate the potency of Muria Puama.

Catuaba Bark Extract

Catuaba has a long history in herbal medicine as a male 'strengthener' and aphrodisiac. The Tupi Indians in Brazil first discovered the qualities of the Catuaba plant and over the last centuries, have composed many songs praising its wonders. Indigenous people and local people have used Catuaba for generations and it is the most famous of all Brazilian aphrodisiaca plants. In the state of Minas there is a saying which goes, "Until a father reaches 60, the son is his, after that the son is Catuaba's." According to Dr. Meira Penna, Catuaba "functions as a stimulant of the nervous system, above all when one deals with functional impotence of the male genital organs... it is an innocent aphrodisiac, used without any ill effects at all." In Brazilian herbal medicine today, Catuaba is regarded as an aphrodisiac with "proven efficacy." Herbalists and health practitioners in the United States use Catuaba regularly as a tonic for genital function, as a central nervous system stimulant, and for treatment of sexual non medically caused impotence. According to Michael van Straten, noted British author and researcher of medicinal plants, Catuaba is beneficial to both men and women as an aphrodisiac, but "it is in the area of male impotence that the most striking results have been reported" and "there is no evidence of side effects, even after long-term use."

Hawthorn Berry - Fructus Crataegi

This phytochemical, with exceptional preventive capacities, comes from the hawthorn tree. Hawthorn is rich in bioflavonoids, which relax and dilate the arteries. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that help increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. This reduces the work required by the heart to circulate blood, and in- turn this reduces blood pressure and stress to the heart muscle. The bioflavonoid substances in Hawthorn give strength to the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow to other areas of the body. Components in Hawthorn have also been shown to lower cholesterol, and the amount of plaque in arteries. Officially approved for pharmaceutical use in Germany, government studies show the Hawthorn plant to be completely free of any side effects. European studies have shown that the Hawthorn botanical increases blood flow to the heart and brain, protects the heart from irregular beats, enhances the strength of the heart's contractions, and mildly lowers blood pressure.

Other botanicals appear in male sexual aids, as well; its advisable to research the effects. The ingredients shown above are the "gold standard" however; they can be found in the correct proportions in a very popular supplement called VigRX