Erectile dysfunction can strike at any age, and for a wide range of reasons. Past social stigma has made erectile dysfunction a subject that many men really don’t want to talk about. Statistics show that approximately 30 million men are afflicted with full or partial erectile dysfunction, though only about a million are in treatment for the condition. Because of the nature of the problem, it’s very likely that it’s under-reported and those statistics don’t reflect the entire problem. In most cases, erectile dysfunction can be corrected; it’s often just a matter of correcting an underlying cause or replacing certain chemicals that are instrumental in arousal. For those who don’t really want to take pharmaceutical therapies for erectile dysfunction, there are a number of herbs that may be helpful.
Fava and velvet beans
Chosen for their content of L-dopa, which has a long reputation as an erectile enhancer. While large doses of L-dopa can cause problems, it is deemed relatively safe when taken naturally in a food source.
Ginkgo biloba
Renowned for its circulation-boosting abilities, ginkgo may also be useful in maintaining an erection, especially for people who are able to get an erection but are unable to maintain it for a sufficient period of time.
Yohimbe
Though it can be dangerous in its natural form, yohimbe supplements can be very effective in alleviating erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe is most useful in instances where the dysfunction is caused by issues with testosterone production or uptake. It helps boost energy levels and improve the usage of existing testosterone, which in turn boosts libido and may help increase stamina.
Anise
This popular tea herb is also popular for increasing libido, and can be especially useful when mixed with some of the other tea herbs that are also considered useful, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and/or ginger. Combining a libido-booster with a circulation-booster, for instance, may help “cover your bases” for erectile dysfunction.
Ginseng
Tagged as a possible aphrodisiac, ginseng is popular in Chinese herbal medicine. It’s often touted as a “fountain of youth” by herbalists, and has a number of distinct applications in the world of herbal remedies.
Oats
Wild oats have been used in horses for centuries, leading to the common phrase about how young men must sow them. More recent studies suggest that there may be something behind the tradition of feeding these oats to stallions in order to enhance their performance, and that oats may have a similar effect on humans.
Wolfberry
In studies, wolfberry helped boost testosterone levels in men with erectile dysfunction, which suggests that it may be useful in treating age-related dysfunction. Yet another herb that is commonly connected with restoring youthful vigor, wolfberry can be taken fresh or in an herbal tisane.
Which herbs work best for you will depend upon any underlying causes, as well as what other medications you may be taking. As with any other supplement, discuss herbal erectile dysfunction remedies with your doctor before you begin taking them. These herbs have been selected as some of the best herbs for erectile dysfunction based on a balance of safety and efficacy.
