Top 7 Herbal Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition in men that do not allow them to attain a desired penile erection or maintain it to get decent intercourse or enjoy enough sexual pleasure. It is one of the most common sexual problems among men across the globe, and yet very few take up the right kind of treatment or medication, out of the fear of being judged by others.
Fortunately, the symptoms of erectile dysfunction or ED, can definitely be reduced to a considerable extent with the help of some herbal supplements, along with some lifestyle changes like having a healthy diet, following proper exercises, and opting for mental health or relationship counselling.
Herbal Supplements to cure Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
#1 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.
#2 Ginseng
Ginseng, or Panax ginseng, is considered to help in the relaxation of the body’s smooth muscles and increase blood flow toward the penile region, helping in producing an erection. Its primary side effect is insomnia, which again increases the risk of recurring ED. Thus more research needs to be done to determine its overall effectiveness.
#3 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.
#4 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.
#5 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.
#6 Tribulus terrestris
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. However, more evidence is needed to show how it works and how effective it is.
#7 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 are of the opinion that saw palmetto might help increase testosterone levels, apart from improving prostate health, reducing inflammation, preventing hair loss, and enhancing urinary tract function.
Risks of Herbal Supplements for ED
None of the above-mentioned herbal supplements has been approved by the FDA or even supported by any reliable scientific studies proving their efficiency in preventing, treating, or improving erectile dysfunction, although preliminary studies suggest that some may be helpful.
Being unregulated, these supplements may have many side effects or interfere with 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.
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Some Oral Medications that help to cure ED: