The most notable symptom of impotence is erectile dysfunction. In a nutshell, this means that a man is either unable to get an erection at all, or has trouble maintaining an erection long enough to penetrate and/or satisfy his sexual partner.
Slowly but surely, herbal treatments for impotence are becoming more and more popular. more and more men are willing to seek treatment for a disease that severely affects one of life’s most cherished pastimes.
If you’re experiencing signs of impotence, read on to learn how herbs can relieve the problem.
Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction
ED is often a symptom, not a condition. Erections are the result of complex multisystem processes in the body. Sexual arousal involves an interaction between you: Penis, Muscle, Nervous System, Mood, Hormone.
Insufficient blood flow to the penis due to poor circulation or narrowed arteries is one of the causes of erectile dysfunction. Changes in hormone levels, especially low testosterone levels, also play a role.
Problems with the human nervous system can also affect erections in men. The spinal cord is the main line of communication between the brain and the male genitalia, so any disruption to the nervous system can negatively affect this communication.
Herbal Treatments For ED
Erectile dysfunction supplements and other natural therapies have long been used in China, Africa, and other regions. Certain herbal supplements and health foods may improve sexual performance with fewer side effects than prescription drugs, according to some supplement manufacturers and health food store owners.
Herbal remedies for ED have little scientific research to support these claims, and no uniform method for testing their effectiveness. Most results from human trials rely on self-assessments, which can be subjective and difficult to interpret.
There is little research on the safety of natural remedies for treating ED. Some remedies have side effects ranging from mild to severe. Additionally, a 2014 study of four popular herbal remedies used for ED found that the uncontrolled availability of potentially harmful substances was a cause of public health concern.
The conclusion drawn by the researchers is that extensive research and monitoring are needed. Some may have side effects or interact with other drugs. The amount of active ingredients may vary depending on the product.
The following list describes some common natural remedies people use for ED:
Ginseng
Ginseng, or Panax ginseng, is a popular home remedy. A study suggests that ginseng can improve sexual function in male patients with erectile dysfunction. Ginseng cream can be used to improve premature ejaculation.
It has been known in Eastern civilizations for decades as a herb that can increase the vitality of men. With more blood where needed, ginseng greatly improves stamina. Specifically, this herb helps improve blood flow to the penis (and throughout the body).
A 2012 study showed that ginseng berry extract could help treat mild to moderate ED. But more high-quality studies are needed to confirm this.
In addition to potentially treating ED symptoms, taking Ginseng may also improve:
Pressure
Endurance
Concentrate On
Overall Well-Being
It can also be improved:
Perimeter
Increase Libido
Penis Hardness
Duration of Erection
The most common side effect of ginseng is insomnia. Other side effects include increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, and headache.
Ginseng interacts negatively with alcohol, caffeine, and some medications. If you plan to use ginseng, ask your doctor how often you can take it.
Ginkgo
One animal study found that ginkgo biloba helped improve erectile function after nerve damage in rats. Ginkgo biloba might increase blood flow to the penis, which can improve libido and fight ED.
While more research is needed, researchers speculate that the herb may help restore erectile function after prostate cancer surgery.
However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that there is no conclusive evidence that ginkgo is beneficial for any health condition.
Side effects of this supplement include headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, heart palpitations, and constipation.
It can cause an upset stomach. Your risk of bleeding may increase, especially if you take blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin. Talk to your doctor if you are considering taking ginkgo supplements.
Yohimbine
Yohimbine, the main ingredient in the bark of the African tree, is a traditional aphrodisiac. Many clinical trials have shown that the main component of this African bark can improve sexual dysfunction associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression.
People use yohimbine as a treatment for ED because it is thought to:
Increase libido
Prolonged erection
Activates penile nerves to release more nitric oxide
Dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow to the penis
Stimulate the pelvic nerves and promote the supply of adrenaline
A meta-analysis of several studies found that yohimbine was only effective for ED when combined with other treatments. But research on the effects of yohimbine has been mixed.
The NCCIH reports that there is insufficient evidence that yohimbine in bark can treat ED. Studies have linked yohimbine to serious side effects, such as heart attacks and seizures. Other side effects include stomach problems, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Talk to your doctor before taking yohimbine, especially if you are also taking antidepressants or stimulant medications.
Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla is a tropical plant of the genus Smilax. Climbing woody vines grow deep in the canopy of tropical rainforests. Sarsaparilla restores potency levels by assisting the production of the male hormone testosterone.
The steroidal saparins in this ingredient are thought to replicate the function of certain hormones found in the human body. There are no known side effects of using sarsaparilla. However, saponins may cause stomach upset when taken in large amounts.
Please note that smilax may interact with certain drugs. It can enhance the body’s ability to absorb other medications. Herbs and supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have not undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing before being marketed.
Call your doctor right away if you experience any side effects while taking sarsaparilla.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed, also known as Epimedium, is a traditional remedy for enhancing fertility. The herb works as a natural phosphodiesterase inhibitor to dilate blood vessels in the penis, just like prescription drugs for ED.
A 2010 study found that icariin, the active ingredient in horny goat weed, may have a positive effect in treating ED caused by nerve damage.
However, the researchers conducted the study on nerve cells grown in the lab and on rats with damaged nerves. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and dry mouth. This supplement is generally well tolerated, but there is insufficient evidence to support its use.
Potential Risks And Side Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any of these herbs as medical treatments. Many herbs come from other countries and may be contaminated by soil pollutants or poor factory conditions.
Herbal Viagra is banned because it may contain undeclared prescription drugs or harmful ingredients that may cause serious side effects.
They also haven’t been as well researched or tested as prescription drugs like Viagra. The FDA also warns men against buying supplements and creams that market themselves as “herbal viagra.”
In most cases, harmful substances are not listed in the ingredients of Herbal Viagra. If necessary, always purchase supplements from reputable sources.
Alternative Therapies
Some people try alternative treatments for ED, such as acupuncture and yoga.
Regular exercise: Exercise can benefit ED by improving blood pressure, blood flow, mood, and endurance. It’s also an effective way to improve your overall health.
Reduce smoking and drinking: Smoking is a major risk factor for ED because it reduces blood flow to the penis. Excessive alcohol consumption can also have an effect.
Relieve pressure: Stress and anxiety can have a major impact on libido and erectile function. Common sources of stress include health, work, finances, and relationships.
When To Contact A Doctor?
If a person experiences ED on a regular basis, they should talk to a doctor. People may want to try home remedies if they don’t want to talk to a doctor. Examples include exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking.
They may also prefer to talk to a mental health professional and try talk therapy for ED. It is important to note that ED medications and natural remedies for ED can cause serious side effects.
There is also a risk of interacting with existing medications. Therefore, a person should always talk to a doctor before taking anything for ED.
Summary
People have used herbs for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, including erectile dysfunction.
Researchers have studied the safety and effectiveness of many of these herbs, and some herbs have still not been studied as ED drug alternatives. It’s important to remember that more research is needed before these herbs can be approved as effective ED treatments.
There are many ways to treat ED symptoms, and the best option depends on the underlying cause. When possible, a person should consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements or over-the-counter medications, as they may have side effects and interact with existing medications.
Discuss any herbal or natural supplements you may be taking or interested in taking with your doctor to make sure they won’t interfere with any other medications you’re prescribed or a medical condition you have.