Although most of us end up going for allopathic treatments for a faster recovery, there is a considerable amount of people who still prefer to go for the ‘herbal’ medications and avoid the severe side effects of allopathic pills. Even in cases of sexual problems, there are some of us who would prefer to go via the herbal route, to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), lower libido, and so on.
What is ED?
Erectile Dysfunction or ED is the medical state where a man faces the recurring problem of achieving an erection and maintaining the same that is required for successful intercourse and for optimum sexual pleasure.
Is it possible to cure ED through herbal remedies?
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction or ED can definitely be reduced to a considerable extent with the help of some natural or herbal supplements, along with some lifestyle changes like getting a healthy diet, doing specific exercises, as well as seeking mental health or relationship counselling.
In May 2014, The Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study stating that some men can actually reverse their symptoms of erectile dysfunction with the help of some healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercise, weight loss, a varied diet, and regular hours of adequate sleep.
To be precise, by regulating other medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, etc., one can actually lower the chances of getting erectile dysfunction. Speaking of which there are numerous herbal remedies that come up as great solutions for such problems.
Ayurveda, which includes herbal medications in it, points out three doshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha; which must be in a well-balanced state for every human body, for healthy living.
10 Best Herbal Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction
1. Tribulus Power
This is an excellent herbal formulation that is quite effective in improving men’s sexual health. These capsules are made using the pure and standardized extract of the natural herb- Tribulus Terrestris or Gokshura.
Tribulus Terrestris has long played a role in traditional medicines in India and China. It often features in male sexual health products and is supposedly helpful to boost erectile function, increase sexual behavior and possibly increase testosterone levels, although there are no measures to confirm this. It also appears to increase nitric oxide production and boost vasodilation.
The herb is an excellent stamina-enhancing herb and is used frequently in Ayurveda for male sexual health. The herb is regarded as the best natural source of male hormones precursors and it is a strong aphrodisiac. The herb is useful in improving erection. Thereby, the herb is helpful in improving self-esteem and self-confidence as well.
However, more evidence is needed to show how it works and how effective it is.
2. Indian ginseng
Wonderful herbs such as Ashwagandha; pose as a great solution to sexual problems. The Ashwagandha herb is popularly known as Indian ginseng and is used frequently in Ayurveda for increasing the stamina and strength of a person and thereby helpful in weak erections. Also, the herb is known as a natural stress reliever too, and hence an added advantage.
3. Shatavari
The shatavari herb has a strong effect on erections. It is useful in improving erections and impotence as well.
4. Musli
Safed musli, kali musli, and semal musli are also used in certain herbal formulations for sexual problems; as these are natural aphrodisiacs and help in improving erections.
5. Ginkgo
As a potent vasodilator, this herb may be helpful in increasing the blood flow in the penile area, which improves one’s sexual desire and controls ED. However, ginkgo should never be taken in combination with warfarin (Coumadin), which is a blood thinner, or in case anyone has a bleeding disorder.
6. Yohimbine
For years, the bark from this African tree was a go-to supplement against the symptoms of ED. Interestingly, some clinical trials involving yohimbine have shown improvement for people who have sexual problems due to depression medicines. This herb is a traditional aphrodisiac for the treatment of ED. However, yohimbine may have some serious side effects, including anxiety, increased blood pressure, heart attack, and seizures.
7. Horny goat weed
Epimedium grandiflorum, also known as horny goat weed, is a traditional remedy for increasing fertility, but there is not enough evidence to support its use for ED problems.
8. Rhodiola Rosea
Also known as “golden root,” this plant is a relatively new herbal remedy in the U.S. for erectile dysfunction issues. It’s been used to boost endurance and sexual function in Russian folk medicine for decades.
9. Saw palmetto or Serenoa repens
Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens is a tree that grows up to 10 feet tall with thorn-shaped leaves arranged like a fan. Its ripe fruit is used to make medicine. Some believe that saw palmetto might help increase testosterone levels, besides improving prostate health, reducing inflammation, preventing hair loss, and enhancing urinary tract function.
10. Maca
It is a root vegetable from Peru; which is rich in amino acids, iodine, iron, and magnesium. There are three types of maca: red, black, and yellow. Black maca may alleviate stress, which can cause ED.
Things to Keep in Mind When Doing Herbal Remedies
None of the above-mentioned herbal remedies have FDA approval nor are supported by any reliable scientific studies proving their efficiency in preventing, treating, or improving erectile dysfunction. Yet, some preliminary studies suggest that they may be helpful in some cases.
Although completely natural items, these might have many side effects or even interfere with any prescribed medications that are already been followed, or may even contain undisclosed ingredients, inappropriate doses of prescription drugs, or different doses of ingredients than the label suggests. All these factors somehow undermine the importance of such medications and supplements that one takes, post having a consultation with a healthcare professional.
When to see a doctor?
A man should see his doctor about his ED in the following conditions:
- Facing regular problems in getting and maintaining erections
- If he is experiencing changes in sexual desire
- Changes in erectile function after taking a new medication
- Other changes in sexual function
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