Herbal remedies such as Ginkgo biloba, Horny goat weed and Yohimbe have been shown to aid erectile dysfunction. Before consuming these herbal products however, please speak with your healthcare provider as some may interact with medications or cause side effects.
Rhodiola rosea may improve sexual function among those taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), commonly prescribed to treat depression. Furthermore, it increases blood flow to the penis
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Yohimbe:
Yohimbine is an alkaloid found in West African evergreen trees containing bark that contains alkaloid yohimbine, commonly used as an aphrodisiac and to enhance sexual function in men. Additionally, it may help with weight loss, exercise performance and angina (chest pain due to inadequate blood flow to the heart).
Small doses may cause mild anxiety as well as increases in urine output and blood pressure - however its use as dietary supplement has yet to be researched fully and large doses could prove harmful in their effects on human bodies.
Yohimbe is a central nervous system stimulant that works by inhibiting alpha-2 receptor activity. Long used as a sexual aid in Africa, studies are currently ongoing to explore its effectiveness against conditions such as angina, low blood pressure and xerostomia; plus it may reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Yohimbe supplements come in liquid, tablet and capsule forms. Since herbal supplements are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, their quality may differ greatly. People taking yohimbe should consult their health care provider to avoid side effects like gastrointestinal distress, tachycardia, high blood pressure, hallucinations and sweating; high doses may even lead to heart attacks or death - this herb should therefore not be recommended to people with existing cardiovascular conditions or medicine for nerves weakness.
Horny goat weed:
Horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum or yin yang huo), has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an aid to sexual function and may help increase blood flow to the penis while improving erectile function. As its natural, this remedy could potentially replace more expensive medications.
Horny goat weed may also provide other health benefits, including treating osteoporosis. Icariin, its active ingredient, has been demonstrated as effective at repairing blood vessels damaged in rats by inflammation and plaque buildup in their arteries, as well as possibly having anti-aging and testosterone boosting benefits; though more comprehensive clinical studies must first take place to understand these potential advantages.
Before taking any herbal supplements, including horny goat weed, it is advisable to consult your physician. This is particularly essential if you have serious health conditions or are on medications (e.g. blood-thinners or medications for high blood pressure treatment), or are pregnant.
Horny goat weed could interfere with these treatments and is considered unsafe during pregnancy and to young children.
Even though many claims about herbal supplements are made, few of them can be supported by scientific evidence. Furthermore, unlike prescription drugs which are regulated by the FDA for safety and efficacy testing purposes, dietary supplements do not fall under their purview so are likely not tested before being sold to consumers.
Maca:
Maca root is an herbaceous vegetable widely consumed throughout the world. Marketed as an aphrodisiac, studies have indicated its ability to increase sexual desire among men as well as increase energy, stamina and fertility among female users while helping relieve stress. Available at health food stores and pharmacies.
Not everyone realizes that certain herbal supplements can have serious interactions with prescription medications, including blood thinners such as clopidogrel and coumadin. Yohimbine can interact with these blood thinners, leading to serious adverse side effects including rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.
Furthermore, horny goat weed and epimedium could reduce testosterone levels which could result in erectile problems; so in general it's best to consult your physician instead of using herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction.
Rhodiola rosea, red ginseng and ginkgo biloba can also help treat ED by increasing oxygen in the blood and stimulating nitric oxide production. Furthermore, these herbs can boost libido and improve sexual unani medicine for high cholesterol.
Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris is an herb commonly used in traditional medicine to treat infertility and low sex drive, as well as its libido-enhancing properties and use by athletes to increase strength. Unfortunately, recent research has yielded mixed results so more investigation should be performed to ascertain its effectiveness.
Animal studies have demonstrated the positive benefits of Tribulus terrestris for stimulating testosterone production and increasing sperm motility, as well as potentially decreasing prostate inflammation and treating erectile dysfunction in men. It should be noted, however, that Tribulus terrestris may interact with certain medications used to treat high blood pressure or diabetes, or cause hepatotoxicity in certain people.
Tribulus saponins may help improve male fertility, yet its effects remain unclear. Potential candidates include phytoestrogen saponins diosgenin and protodioscin which convert to dehydroepiandrosterone in the body - these have been shown to boost both women's libido as well as men's.
One study demonstrated the combination of Tribulus terrestris and vitex agnus-cumin increased testosterone levels among men with low sexual drive, while another trial of 30 men found tribulus terrestris to significantly reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction and improve IIEF scores. Tribulus terrestris supplements come in capsule form; daily dosage can range between 250-1,500 milligrams depending on its herbs for low sperm count of saponins that may be responsible for its benefits.
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