Erectile Dysfunction (ED), or impotence, is a major challenge for many men today regardless of their age — young, middle-aged, or old.
Because erectile dysfunction may be caused by many factors — a health condition, emotional or relationship problems, some kinds of medication, smoking, drugs, or alcohol — an erectile dysfunction cure is possible.
Though erectile dysfunction treatment options may include ED medication and surgery, there are also noninvasive erectile dysfunction remedies that may help.
According to research, men with erectile dysfunction may experience some or all of these persistent symptoms:
- Reduced sexual desire
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
The condition can affect men at any age, but according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, erectile dysfunction (ED) is most common when a man is 75 years or older.
Recent innovations in medical treatments mean that there are now more medications available to reduce ED. However, some men prefer to take herbal supplements as an alternative.
Many herbs show the potential to be effective in improving men’s sexual function, but little evidence actually exists to support the use of any herbal medication in the treatment of ED. People should always exercise caution when taking any form of herbal supplementation.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
ED is often a symptom, not a condition. An erection is a result of complex multisystem processes in a man’s body. Sexual arousal involves interaction between your…
- body
- nervous system
- muscles
- hormones
- emotions
A condition like diabetes or stress can affect these parts and functions and can cause ED. Research shows that ED is mostly due to problems with the blood vessels. In fact, plaque buildup in the arteries causes ED in about 40 percent of men over 50 years old.
5 Natural Herbs for erectile dysfunction
Many stores sell herbal supplements and health foods that claim to have sexual potency and fewer side effects. They’re also often cheaper than prescribed medications. But these options have little scientific research to back up the claims, and there’s no uniform method for testing their effectiveness. Most results from human trials rely on self-evaluation, which can be subjective and difficult to interpret.
Always talk to your doctor before trying supplements as they may interact with medications you’re already taking. Many supplements are also known to interact negatively with alcohol. Your doctor will be able to make recommendations based on your condition.
Herbs for Erectile Dysfunction do wonders to get rid of the problem. Here are a few of them:
- L-arginine
- Ginkgo
- Horny goat weed (epimedium)
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- Red ginseng
Read on to discover what studies say about these herbs and how they might treat ED.
L-arginine Herbs for erectile dysfunction
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps make nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is essential for healthy sexual functioning. It mainly works to relax blood vessels in order to facilitate a successful erection.
According to research, 31% of men (suffering from ED) taking 5 grams of L-arginine per day noticed a drastic improvement in their sexual function.
In the second study, it was found that L-arginine combined with pycnogenol successfully restrained sexual ability to 80% of the volunteers after two months. On the other hand, 92% of the participants had restored their sexual ability after 3 months.
Another placebo-controlled study found that erectile dysfunction herb L-arginine in combination with other medication was effective, safe, and well-tolerated for mild to moderate Erectile Dysfunction.
How Does It Work?
A high dose of L-arginine can stimulate blood vessels to become larger. It also improves the flow of blood, which could help a man get a bigger, harder erection.
Clinical Research
L-arginine is often combined with yohimbine hydrochloride and glutamate to treat Erectile Dysfunction.
According to the study published in the Journal of Sexual and Marital Therapy, the researchers gave participants a combination of pycnogenol (a supplement originated from pine bark) and l-arginine. After getting treated for 3 months, 94% of the 40 men experienced a normal erection.
What Are The Side Effects?
Taking L-arginine may cause a few mild side effects including stomach upset, cramping, and diarrhea. The supplement can also adversely affect your body when you take it with the medication Viagra.
Ginkgo biloba Herbs for erectile dysfunction
The main function of Ginkgo biloba is to increase blood flow to the penile area. According to the researchers, the effects of Ginkgo biloba on men with ED is really amazing. They even reported improved erections.
Another study showed the improvement in sexual function in 76% of men who were actually taking antidepressant medication.
This is one of the main reasons why researchers believe that ginkgo can be beneficial for men who are experiencing ED due to medication.
However, some trials also reported no differences or improvements after taking this erectile dysfunction herb.
This means that gingko is the best herb for treating ED.
How does it work: Proponents of taking ginkgo for erectile dysfunction believe ginkgo dilates blood vessels to promote blood flow to the sexual organs.
Research: The Mayo Clinic rank the evidence for ginkgo in treating erectile dysfunction a “C,” meaning that there is unclear scientific evidence for the herb’s use.
According to Columbia University, ginkgo may be effective in helping treat sexual dysfunction that has been caused by taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), medications prescribed to treat depression.
Side effects: Ginkgo can increase the risk for bleeding, and people who take blood thinners should not take it.
Other side effect risks include nausea, headache, stomach upset, and mouth irritation.
Horny goat weed
Horny Goat Weed, the traditional Chinese herb that is also called Yin Yang Huo or Epimedium. The herb which is derived from a Chinese flowering shrub is used in traditional Chinese medicine. The herb is in use for thousands of years that help to get rid of fatigue and low libido.
Horny Goat Weed is commonly taking as aphrodisiac. The herb helps to boost sex drive and improve erection quality along with other benefits. This is available in the form of a tablet, capsule, powder, or tea. Epimedium is available as a supplement on the market and it is also useful in supplement formulation.
This Chinese herb helps to get rid of sexual dysfunction problems including erectile dysfunction. Epimedium can also be used by women to reduce the incidence of painful intercourse and low libido.
How Does Epimedium Work: There is no exact mechanism of working of Horny Goat Weed. But, scientists believe that it can improve sexual performance after altering the levels of certain hormones in the body.
Research
Horny Goat Weed study has not been done in the public. However, The Journal of Sexual Medicine study has studied the effect of Horny Goat Weed on rats. The effect of this herb increases the blood flow in the rats.
Side effects
Consumption of this herb can affect heart function of a person. So, person with heart disease can avoid consuming this herb. Horny Goat Weed can interact other drugs as well.
DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) happens to be a natural hormone that is produced by adrenal glands. This further converts to both estrogen and testosterone in your body. Scientists make dietary supplement using DHEA from wild yam and soy.
Male aging study of the influential Massachusetts showed that men with ED will have low levels of DHEA. In a study of 2009, half men among 40 received 50mg DHEA and half received placebo once a day for six months. Men who were able to receive more DHEA were likely to achieve a rock hard erection.
DHEA is a well-known solution to treat ED with concurrent diabetes. ED affects men who has hormonal issues and can also reduce blood flow to the organs.
DHEA dosage can vary from one person to another. Some of them can take 20-75 milligrams (mg) for 6 months, while others may take between 100-400 mg for up to 8 weeks.
How Does DHEA Work: Natural DHEA level subsides a person age. The higher level of hormone improves sexual function and energy levels as well.
Research
According to the study of Journal Urology, DHEA treatment improves sexual performance. The study was very small and there were inconsistent results with other research. Moreover, a report of 2012 suggests no help from ED with DHEA.
Side effects
The dosage of DHEA is completely safe if you take low dosage of it. However, you face a side-effect such as acne.
Red Ginseng
Red Ginseng happens to be a herbal remedy which comes from Korea. This herb can treat major sexual condition like erectile dysfunction.
The herb is pretty old and is not harvested if the plant is less than 6 years old. However, a fresh Ginseng can be about 4 years old.
Red Ginseng is a plant that appears to be a human with arms and legs. This herb can be prepared as a tea or in pill form by herbal supplement manufacturer.
This herb is the natural remedy for ED that is in a supplement form. The plant should be of 5 years or older before you use it. This means a high-quality Ginseng will be higher in price. The dried and unprocessed root of it is known as White Ginseng. The dried and steamed root is known as Red Ginseng.
How Does Red Ginseng Work: Researchers are not sure how this herb helps to get rid of symptoms of erectile dysfunction. But, it influence to get a quality erection. This herb also promotes the blood flow level while increasing nitric oxide production.
Research
According to a review of British Journal 2008, Red Ginseng is pretty much effective than placebo in reducing ED symptoms.
However, there is a small sample size of the study that makes it difficult for researchers to draw a firm conclusion on the benefits of Red Ginseng.
Side effects
Consumption of Red Ginseng for long period can cause insomnia. But, when you take it on for short-period it’s safe!