Herb × Condition

Somalata for Male Sexual Health

Sanskrit: सोमलता | Sarcostemma brevistigma W. & A.

How Somalata helps with Male Sexual Health according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Somalata is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for male sexual health. Somalata (Sarcostemma brevistigma) is described as the legendary Soma plant of Vedic fame. The text notes considerable debate about the true identity of Soma. Sarcostemma is a leafless, fleshy, twining climber. The stems yield a milky juice which was traditionally used to prepare Soma Rasa. It is sweet, astringent, light, unctuous, and cold in potency. It is described as intellect-promoting (Medhya), rejuvenative (Rasayana), cardiotonic (Hridya), and vitality-enhancing (Ojovardhaka). The text discusses extensively the mystical and medicinal significance of Soma. Various scholars have proposed different plants as the original Soma including Ephedra, Sarcostemma, and others. The juice was used in ancient Vedic rituals. Verse refs: pages 444-445.

How Somalata Helps with Male Sexual Health

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Somalata has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing male sexual health:

  • Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
  • Taste (Rasa): Madhura (sweet), Kashaya (astringent)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous)

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Alkaloids, cardiac glycosides
Also Known As
English: Soma Plant, Moon Creeper
Sanskrit: सोमवल्ली, सोमलता, अंशुमती, चन्द्रभागा
Hindi: सोमलता, सोमरस

Other Herbs for Male Sexual Health

⟶
Adraka Zingiber officinale Roscoe (fresh)
⟶
Agarwood Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.
⟶
Almond Prunus amygdalus Batsch.
⟶
Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.)
⟶
Amla Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
⟶
Amarvela Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.
⟶
Apamarga Achyranthes aspera Linn.
⟶
Asclepias Asclepias curassavica Linn.

See all herbs for male sexual health on the Male Sexual Health page.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.