Herbal remedies for impotence

What is Impotence?

Frequent or permanent inability to achieve or maintain an erection is called impotence or erectile dysfunction. Impotence can occur at any age but is more common in men older than 65. More than 30 million men in the U.S. suffer from the various forms of impotence.

Herbal Medicine in Impotence Treatment

There is increasing number of herbs that are used in treating erectile dysfunction. Plants that are commonly used to improve erection and other problems of sexual dysfunction include: Ginkgo Biloba - many people use this plant to improve concentration and memory. This herb improves blood circulation, especially in the veins that are located just below the skin. Traditional herbal medicine practitioners use this herb for treating erectile dysfunction (improves blood flow to the penis) and other problems of sexual dysfunction. Yohimbe bark comes from the African yohimbe tree. It is considered one of the most popular herbs for treating erectile dysfunction. But, this plant could be used only after contacting a doctor, because it can cause nausea, insomnia, nervousness, high blood pressure, tachycardia and some other side effects. Panax Ginseng, also known as Chinese ginseng, is valued because of the ability to provide mental and physical strength. Ginseng is very promising in the treatment of impotence. Taking Panax Ginseng in duration of two to three months improves sexual function, number and motility of sperm. This plant is generally considered safe, but can cause mania when it is taken with MAOI antidepressants. Muir Puama, also called potency wood, is a shrub that grows in Brazil. It is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac in South America. Numerous clinical studies have shown that this herb is an excellent remedy for erectile dysfunction. Damiana (Turnera Aphrodisiaca) has been used as an aphrodisiac and to stimulate sex in the Maya civilization. Many researches have shown that this plant is capable to provide achieving and maintaining the erection and delaying ejaculation. It is also interesting that, unlike other plants, Damiana is used to boost sexual desire in women. Tongkat Ali is traditionally used to treat sexual dysfunction in men and women for thousands of years. Although it used for centuries, scientists continue to discover its other potential medicinal properties. Property of the plant to strengthen sexual desire in both sexes comes from its ability to strengthen the secretion of testosterone, where the low level of testosterone is one of the major causes of sexual dysfunction. Maca abundantly grows in the highlands of Peru. It is also called "Peruvian ginseng" (although it is not related to ginseng, which grows in Asia) because it gives strength and alertness, and encourages sexual activity. Second name for this plant is 'Natural Peruvian Viagra' because it is increasingly used for erectile dysfunction. Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium sagittatum, Epimedium grandiflorum) improves circulation, reduces fatigue, improves sperm production and boosts sexual desire. These effects help men to achieve erection, increase energy level and generally feel better. There is no enough information about possible side effects, but very large doses can cause respiratory problems. Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) has a significant importance among the plants for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Tests have shown that this herb increases testosterone level and strengthens sexual desire. The use of this plant has not been associated with some side effects, but some men have reported abdominal discomfort. In addition to these plants, there are many others such as Ashwagandha (highly valued aphrodisiac herb from India) and Catuaba, etc. that are used for erectile dysfunction and other sexual dysfunction problems.