Many herbs, minerals and dietary supplements claim to treat erectile dysfunction; however, scientific evidence on them remains mixed. Some products contain harmful combinations of ingredients or may interact with medications taken simultaneously.
Before turning to herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction, consult with your physician first. They can discuss the root of your issue and suggest appropriate solutions.
Mondia whitei:
Mondia whitei is an herbal remedy used for issues related to sexual health such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and infertility. With high nutritional value and easy cultivation in many regions of the world (including South Africa) including being shown to possess aphrodisiac effects.
This plant is popularly found throughout East African, and has been reported as having therapeutic effects against ED, infertility and sexual appetence for both men and women. Herbalists report treating symptoms including pain during penetration, early ejaculation, lack of orgasm and atrophic vaginitis in men as well as short orgasms in women.
Mondia whitei extracts are typically prepared using roots (44.9%) and leaves (21.8%) as plant parts. Roots may be more accessible than leaves for harvesting at any time; additionally, roots contain concentrated amounts of herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction phytochemicals that make up their medicinal benefits.
Ginkgo biloba:
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal remedy known to boost male sexual function. The flavonoids in its leaves help protect nerves and blood vessels while its terpenoids increase blood flow by dilatation of vessels and decreasing stickiness; studies have also confirmed its benefits with regards to penis blood flow as well as sexual desire and performance enhancement, according to one research paper.
Unfortunately, the results of this study were mixed and more research is necessary to validate them. Furthermore, Ginkgo Biloba may interact with certain antidepressant medications and interfere with neurotransmitter activity involved in erections; so before taking these supplements it is advisable to discuss it with your healthcare provider first.
Yohimbine, an herbal supplement designed to increase libido and sexual motivation, should also be taken with caution; its side effects include high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Furthermore, other drugs or herbs that could potentially cause dangerous interactions should not be combined with it; raw ginkgo seeds contain potentially toxic cyanogenic glycosides that must not be consumed directly nor touched directly by humans.
Horny goat weed:
Horny goat weed has long been used in Chinese traditional medicine. It gets its name from goat herders' observations that their herds became aroused upon grazing the plant, prompting folklore that its name came about. Today, this herbal supplement is often prescribed to men suffering from erectile dysfunction or low libido due to its content of icariin which acts as a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor and improves penile blood flow while providing other health benefits like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and heart protective benefits.
Although claims may suggest otherwise, there is limited scientific evidence supporting horny goat weed as a means of improving human erectile function. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not consume it and it may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners and antiretroviral drugs - potentially leading to serious adverse interactions.
Horny goat weed should not be taken by those with low blood pressure as it may decrease the blood supply to organs such as the brain. Furthermore, this herb has also been known to cause stomach upsets, dizziness and nosebleeds in some people; thus it's wise to check with a medical provider prior to using this herbal medicine for low sperm count.
DHEA:
Dietary changes, in combination with herbal supplements and home remedies, may help treat erectile dysfunction. These include increasing consumption of foods rich in omega-3s and antioxidants; eliminating Tran’s fats; and decreasing sugar consumption to help improve blood flow and prevent vascular conditions - common causes of ED. Furthermore, lifestyle modifications may reduce symptoms that are psychogenic in nature as well.
Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a naturally produced hormone from the adrenal glands and converted to estrogen and testosterone in the body, and low levels are linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). Some studies have demonstrated how DHEA may improve sexual function; however more research needs to be conducted into its effects.
Horny goat weed (Epimedium) is another herbal remedy that may help improve erectile function, and its main component icariin works similarly to Viagra by relaxing blood vessels leading to the penis. L-arginine, an amino acid which widens blood vessels, may also aid ED; it's available as a dietary supplement and may even be present in foods like watermelons.
L-arginine:
Arginine, an amino acid produced naturally in the body and found in many foods, can assist the production of nitric oxide (NO). NO acts as a vasodilator and widens blood vessels to increase blood flow to the penis - providing more blood for creating an erection. Unfortunately, clinical studies on supplemented L-arginine for treating erectile dysfunction have yielded mixed results.
Other herbal and dietary supplements have also been touted as natural treatments for ED, such as horny goat weed (Epimedium) and pine bark extract, although these haven't been scientifically tested for effectiveness or safety. Yohimbe, another popular herb, can cause side effects including high blood pressure and fast or irregular heartbeat; thus it should only be taken under medical advice.
Some herbal supplements have not been thoroughly investigated and could contain undeclared or incorrect dosage of prescribed drugs that could pose health risks if taken unwittingly, so it's best to seek professional advice before trying any natural remedies for erectile dysfunction. In addition to natural supplements, diet and exercise may help alleviate ED symptoms; medications are also available to treat it herbal medicine for premature ejaculation.