Natural Erectile Dysfunction Remedies

Dr. Lisa Lawless, CEO of Holistic Wisdom
Clinical Psychotherapist: Relationship & Sexual Health Expert

zucchini, Natural Erectile Dysfunction Remedies

Be A Smart Consumer

If you have been searching for natural erectile dysfunction remedies, you have probably seen ads that say things like "Effective and Safe Healthy Male Supplements with 100% Natural Ingredients." They further entice you by saying that their supplements are made in the USA, which is supposed to reassure you that they are safe. They may make grand promises and claim to be the best male supplement for erectile dysfunction on the market and may even offer a money-back guarantee. It all sounds great, except that it is most likely unsafe or ineffective, and you may be risking your health.

Don't Get Scammed

Many of the ED herbal supplements being sold are likely to be ineffective and/or unsafe and can interfere with health conditions you may have or medications you may be taking. Furthermore, some herbal supplements have been tested and found to contain actual ED prescription drugs like Cialis (Tadalafil), and some have dangerous amounts. They can even be called "Natural Viagra Supplements" or "Herbal Viagra." For tips to not fall for natural and holistic marketing hype, please see our guide: Fear-based Marketing Hype.

Current law allows non-prescription supplements to be advertised so long as they do not make specific health claims, such as curing erectile dysfunction. However, those that contain actual prescription medications are illegal.

We Care About Your Health

We understand that people want natural options to ED, and being a holistic sexual health company, we will provide you with information on many safe, natural options available. However, because we prioritize your health and wellbeing, you will not find us trying to promote unproven, unsafe, or ineffective products.

The Most Important Thing You Can Do

The truth is that erectile dysfunction is a complex health issue with various causes. There is no one way to address it. Furthermore, ED can be a red flag of a more serious health condition, so you need to visit your doctor if you have issues getting full erections. It could potentially save your life.

ED is important to be evaluated because erections are created through blood flow to the penis. This means that your circulatory system, governed by your heart, is responsible for getting the blood to fill your penis. If something is wrong with your heart or circulatory system, you need to know about it and address it because not being able to get an erection may be the least of your health concerns. We cannot stress enough how important it is to be seen by a physician about this issue. Please see our guide for tips on How to Talk To Your Doctor About Sex.

Exploring Natural Options For ED

Healthy Diet

Eating a poor diet can create imbalanced thyroxine and prolactin levels in the body, contributing to ED through inhibited ejaculation. Adhering to a healthy diet can assist with circulatory-related erectile dysfunction. It can also reverse and remove atherosclerotic plaque, which causes thickening or hardening of the arteries, which can contribute to ED.

For example, healthy foods such as garlic, ginseng, and parsley can be helpful with erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis. Also, you may want to reduce your caffeine intake as stimulants can constrict the smooth muscle that has to dilate for an erection to take place. Please see the following guides for more information on ED and diet:

Exercise

Studies show that exercising just over 2.5 hours per week for six months can decrease erectile problems in men who had ED caused by cardiovascular diseases, lack of physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Exercise improves circulation, so naturally, it can improve blood flow to the penis.

Sleep

Not getting enough sleep may lower testosterone levels and contribute to ED. It can also lead to sexual issues like a lower desire for sex and infertility. Obstructive sleep apnea has been heavily linked to men who have ED. If you are having difficulty sleeping, it may be contributing to your inability to get a fully engorged erection. Speak with your doctor to rule out sleep apnea and explore ways to get better sleep, such as getting a prescription for a sleeping aid.

Other helpful things are to create and adhere to a sleep schedule, create a calm environment, limit naps, improve your diet, increase your physical activity, and control your stress levels.

Lower Or Eliminate Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can be so disruptive to penile health that it can cause ED even during short-term use. Alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction is a temporary condition from having consumed too much alcohol. It can result in not achieving an erection, having a weak erection, or being unable to ejaculate. With long-term, heavy alcohol use, 60 to 70 percent of men suffer from sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and loss of sexual desire.

Stop Smoking Or Vaping

Smoking, as well as vaping, can cause adverse health reactions such as ED. This is because they can damage blood vessels and reduce nitric oxide availability, which impacts the blood flow and muscle relaxation of the penis.

See our guide for more information: Smoking, Vaping & Sexual Health Issues.

Vitamins & Amino Acids

Vitamins B3 (niacin), B9 (folic acid), D3, C, and E are all helpful for erectile dysfunction. In addition, the trace mineral zinc helps in testosterone production.

Be careful about taking fat-soluble vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D3, E, or zinc, as some people may take too much while others not enough. For example, overweight people need more Vitamin D because of their extra fat stores. Speak with your doctor about taking extra vitamins for ED treatment. They can also test your blood to check your levels and see if you are deficient.

The amino acids L-carnitine and L-arginine have been studied and shown effective for some forms of ED. L-arginine increases nitric oxide production, which aids in promoting erections. It is often combined with a common ED medication called Tadalafil for firmer erections. Most patients take 2,500 mg of L-arginine and 5mg of Tadalafil per day.

L-carnitine can improve cardiovascular health, fat metabolism, and sperm production. Because of improvements to the cardiovascular system, it can also promote healthier erections. This amino acid is also commonly paired with ED prescriptions such as Viagra.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It acts as a precursor to sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Natural production of DHEA in your body peaks in your mid-20s and gradually declines with age. Some studies have shown that it can help with ED, while others showed little to no improvement.

Taking DHEA supplements may be helpful to some; however, it should be noted that it can interact with some medications and raise hormones levels which can impact health negatively. This may be especially true if you have hormone-sensitive cancer, such as prostate cancer. It is best to review with your physician if this supplement is right for you and, if so, how much. Possible side effects can include fatigue, acne, headaches, and an irregular heartbeat.

Herbs

There are a variety of herbs that are recommended for ED through holistic practitioners. As always, we encourage you to review these with your physician before taking them, as they can cause adverse side effects, and they are not guaranteed to be safe or effective.

Red ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is sometimes referred to as herbal Viagra because it contains compounds (ginsenosides), as it may help relax the penile smooth muscle, which helps provide erections. It is thought to improve blood circulation and cardiovascular health, which in turn would improve erections.
Ayurvedic medicine promotes Kapikacchu (Macuna Pruriens), ashwagandha, Shatavari Bala, Cuscuta, and licorice.
Chinese medicine promotes Kan Wei Ling (Excessively Limp Efficacious Remedy), containing 30% Tang Kuei, Paeonia, licorice, and 10% dried centipede. Working with an Acupuncturist is the best way to ensure that the Chinese herbs you are taking are right for you.
Yohimbe is sourced from the bark of an African tree and has been used to improve sexual dysfunction. However, it can cause increased blood pressure, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and anxiety, so it should never be used without a doctor's supervision.
Ginkgo may increase blood flow to the penis; however, no studies confirm it helps with erectile dysfunction. Because it may increase the risk of bleeding, anyone with clotting issues or on blood thinners should avoid it.
Horny goat weed (epimedium) is an herb used to improve sexual performance for many centuries, but the herb has not been studied well and may affect heart and breathing functions.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used to treat erectile dysfunction, and research shows that it can be particularly effective with psychologically induced ED. It uses needles to stimulate nerve endings, influence hormones, and increase blood circulation throughout the body. To learn more about acupuncture and sexual health, please see our guide Sex & Acupuncture.

In Closing

We have a comprehensive ED guide on erectile dysfunction and highly recommended sex toys that you can use if you have ED. Make sure to check them out below, as they have excellent resources and products that may benefit you.

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