A new study suggests that the male hormone testosterone may improve heart function. This heart/adrenal connection has been long recognized in traditional Chinese medicine. In fact, a common acupuncture treatment for chronic heart failure includes points for kidney, adrenal and heart strength. Python Extra pills a popular natural vegetarian supplement by Vitamin Shoppe that is suggested for male potency and stamina includes tonic herbs for the heart (artic root AKA rhodiola) and precursors to testosterone, including tribulus and herbs for circulation including gotu kola. The easily available pill offers a balanced formula that supports energy, mood, and circulation. Testosterone is also necessary for women’s health. However, excess use of testosterone may result in menstrual and other discomforts. Here is more information on the study done on testosterone and heart health.

In the study, testosterone patches and injections improved the breathing and exercise abilities of people with heart failure, a chronic inability of the heart to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Although most of the study participants were men, the researchers said the results would likely apply to women as well, through much smaller doses of testosterone. Some heart failure patients have symptoms even after standard therapies, such as drugs called beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, said study researcher Dr. Justin Ezekowitz. An inability to exercise is one of the hallmark symptoms of heart failure, Ezekowitz said.

“They physically cannot walk as far or as fast or as much as they could when they were healthy,” Ezekowitz said. “Testosterone appears to be a promising therapy” to improve exercise ability in heart failure patients, the researchers said.

Uses of testosterone herbs

Herbs that produce natural testosterone are wellknown in Asian herbal medicine. Chinese herbalists use cuscuta, yin yang hao (AKA lusty goat weed) and tribulus among others. Tribulus is known to Ayurvedic herbalists as gokshura. Tonic herbs that increase testosterone are used in complex formulas to reduce back and leg pain resulting from muscle weakness, fatigue, low spirits, low sexual drive, energy and endurance. They may be used in rejuventating formulas for men and women who suffer from chronic chills, shortness of breath, low metabolism, poor memory, insomnia and reduced appetite. Chronic heart failure results when muscles become too weak to pump blood from the heart and heart qi and blood become congested.

Heart failure may result from severe emotional shock, illness and infection, chronic weakness, and resulting poor circulation. Useful herbs for heart health have been covered at this website and include the single herb hawthorn and the combination HeartCare by Himalaya which contains arjuna to reduce cholesterol and strengthen the heart muscles.