A variety of herbal remedies exist to help men struggling with impotence. Many herbs have a long history of acceptance in countries where they have been used beneficially for centuries. Herbs can easily be grown in an indoor or outdoor garden, if you have a green thumb. They can also be found locally or online through health food suppliers. These remedies do not require a prescription, and they offer a gentler alternative to commonly-prescribed pharmaceutical drugs. They are also far less expensive than prescriptions.
Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain a strong enough erection to consummate sexual intercourse. Symptoms include the loss of erection prior to ejaculation, or even the total incapacity to attain an erection.
Impotence causes vary, but studies show that less than twenty percent of men are impotent due to psychological causes. The cause is most often physical. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), and heart disease are often heralded by erectile dysfunction. Blocked arteries, poor circulation, and high cholesterol can cause impotence, as can prostate surgery, bowel or spine problems, or liver and kidney disease. Hormone and thyroid disorders can also cause impotence.
The plus side to using a natural remedy is the avoidance of negative side effects that sometimes accompany prescription drugs. Prescriptions may provide faster results, but they generally have more side effects. You will need to use herbs for a longer period of time prior to seeing results. Additionally, effective and safe dosages for most herbs have not been scientifically determined. Start with small amounts to make sure of your tolerance, and increase amounts gradually. The following list includes herbal remedies known for positive effects on male impotence.
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Winter Cherry, is a bush native to India. Ayurvedic medicine uses ashwagandah root to energize and revitalize, and for anti-inflammatory and stress-reduction properties. Ashwagandha has been used to increase sexual performance in men. This herb may cause drowsiness, and should be taken with caution to avoid any problems caused by that effect.
Damiana, also called Turnera Aphrodisiaca and Turnera Diffusa, is a plant from Mexico and the southern US. The dried leaves contain compounds with similar effects to progesterone. Some people have trouble digesting it.
Horny Goat Weed is actually one of many varieties of Epimedium, a plant native to southern China, also known as Barrenwort, Bishop’s Hat, Fairy Wings, Rowdy Lamb Herb, or Yin Yang Huo. These hardy flowering perennials are believed to have strong aphrodisiac qualities.
Fo-ti, also known as Polygonum Multiflorum or He Shou Wu, is native to China, Taiwan, and Japan. Red fo-ti is created by boiling the plant’s root in black bean liquid. The Chinese consider red fo-ti helpful in preventing erectile dysfunction. It is used to increase vitality and strength. Evidence exists that fo-ti can improve hardening of the arteries, lower blood cholesterol, and enhance and improve the immune system.
Ginseng, both Panax Ginseng (Asian) and Panax Quinquefolius (American), is an herb used for centuries as a healing remedy. The American form is used for respiratory problems and to reduce fevers, and the Asian form increases circulation. The active components of ginseng are called ginsenosides and have hormone-like effects. Some ginseng studies have reported improvement in the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. This herb may have side effects, including agitation, diarrhea, headaches, and heart palpitations, and it can also interact with medications and other herbs.
Gingko Biloba comes from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, also called maidenhair, kew, or Japanese silver apricot tree. The ginkgo tree is an ancient species and its leaves have been used for centuries in China as a traditional herbal remedy. It enhances oxygen supply within the blood stream, increasing the flow of blood to the penis, thus aiding in stimulating erections. Gingko may affect blood clotting, seizure disorders, and blood sugar levels, and can interfere or increase the effect of certain drugs and even other herbs.
Maca, also called Peruvian ginseng or lepidium meyenii, is the root of an herb grown in the Andes Mountains, taken for generations in Peru as an impotence remedy. Inca warriors used Maca before battles to increase physical endurance. Some Peruvians believe Maca has supernatural healing effects. Maca roots contain more than fifty naturally occurring beneficial chemicals, including some hormone-like compounds. Limited scientific studies have shown improvement in sexual desire in men taking Maca for two to three months.
Yohimbe is an herbal compound derived from the bark of a West African evergreen. It has been touted as an aphrodisiac and may cause dilation of small blood vessels. A form of yohimbe has been approved for treating erectile dysfunction by the FDA. However, side effects can occur even with low dosages. Abdominal pain, anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, hallucinations, low blood pressure, and paralysis have been reported.