Herbs for erectile dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is well known under the name impotence, and it refers to the inability of men to get an adequate erection for sexual activity. Usually, it happens in men after they reach 65 years, but there are also some cases when impotence occurs much earlier.

There are several herbs and natural remedies that can help in solving this problem.

DHEA is very good at increasing the level of testosterone in men, and thus is very effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Acne and the lowering of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may occur as side effects when taking DHEA. Gingko is another natural remedy that is very helpful for this condition because it improves the flow of blood to the penis by relaxing the penis muscle.

Typically, Gingko is used in men who have erectile dysfunction that occurred as the result of taking some antidepressant medicines, but it is not recommended to take this herb when preparing for surgery, because this herb can cause the thinning of the blood and subsequently bleeding.

Ginseng is an herb that is very helpful in increasing sexual function, but it is not proven if it is effective for erectile dysfunction. The side effects of this herb are very rare, but sometimes, the use of this herb can cause sleepiness and insomnia. It should not be used along with antidepressants. L-arginine is the amino acid that enhances the effects of nitric oxide. L-arginine helps in the relaxation of the muscle that surrounds the blood vessels in the penis.

As a result, the blood flow is increased due to the wider blood vessels and erection is possible. The most common side effects of this amino acid are diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Yohimbe may be very effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, which occurs because of some psychological problems. Hypertension, tachycardia, mood swings, as well as nausea, headache, and dizziness are the adverse effects of this remedy.

Epimedium or Horny Goat Weed is also used for erectile dysfunction because it enhances the level of testosterone and increases the libido.

It is not proven why, but Zinc deficiency has effects on erectile dysfunction. Therefore, Zinc is good for the treatment of impotence. The combination of folic acid, vitamin E, and Viagra is very helpful for the reaching of an erection.

All these remedies must be used in normal dosages, because otherwise, unwanted side effects may appear. Anyway, it is always better to first consult a doctor or an herbalist, and then decide to use some herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction.

For a male, sexual performance carries an identity and the sense of self-esteem in his society. Thus, sexual performance in the male has an unprecedented importance depending on the erectile function of the male sex organ. In daily life, it is very easy for men to admit having a sore throat or hemorrhoids. However, admitting to having erectile dysfunction is contrary to the male ego and especially so if the dysfunction occurs when he is at mid-life and is getting older and there any suspicion of him entering the phase of male menopause.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the “inability to reach and maintain erection during the intercourse” leading to the victim’s experience of inadequate libido, inefficient orgasm and retarded or premature ejaculation.
It is reported that nearly 100 million people around the world are living with erectile dysfunction. Yet, only 10% of these 100 million, i.e., 10 million are opting for treatment, despite enormous advancements and treatment facilities in all parts of the world. To cite a few countries, in China and Korea only 9% and 30% males voluntarily admit to having ED and in most of the other countries in Asia, it is still considered very sensitive with considerable social stigma and secretly will resort to herbal remedies and tonics before seeking conventional medical help.
Mode 1: circulatory stimulants (ginger, prickly ash bark, turmeric, motherwort), and adaptogens, which also can help support adrenal function (eleuthero, American ginseng, ashwagandha, schisandra);
Mode 2: testosterone enhancers (where testosterone is low e.g., wild oats);
Mode 3: adaptogens help support adrenal function e.g., eleuthero, American ginseng, ashwagandha, schisandra, passion flower;
Mode 4: circulatory stimulants: when a person is often cold e.g., ginger, prickly ash bark, turmeric, motherwort;
Mode 5: tonics-blood, vital energy & vital essence: when a person is deficient or weak;
Mode 6: relaxing (muscle) herbs help where there is nervousness, tension or anxiety e.g., wild oats. Valerian used as a fresh plant liquid extract can work in this manner;
Mode 7: testosterone enhancers: animal studies show that ginseng extracts e.g., red panax ginseng do stimulant testosterone production. Others claim to increase testosterone levels by increasing its actual level or its free fraction or cause existing testosterone to be more effective by blocking its aromatization

In the East, many herbal tonics and preparations are used to assist the aging male improve his ability to have sexual drive or perform penetrative sex by increasing sexual stimulation, erectile, ejaculatory, orgasmic and other responses for sexual function and satisfaction. Currently available herbals, tonics and therapies range from Tongkat Ali, Ginseng, Tribulus etc. Those that act as testosterone releasers have some value especially if the male has andropause and those containing some pick-me-ups II and energizers like ginseng help the tired and fatigued male and possibly those with asthenia. Deer horn contains growth factors and taking these may help improve nocturnal erections in the male with somatopause.

✓ Fact confirmed: Asian herbals and aphrodisiacs used for managing ED Peter H. C. Lim; 2017 Apr