Mother Nature has strewn the world with a variety of natural treatments for erectile dysfunction, from the summits of the Andes to the very center of Africa.
But how can you tell which ones are effective when there are so many options and a lot of rumors about the subject? Consulting an online ED doctor can help you navigate these choices with professional guidance, ensuring you find the best natural or medical solution for your needs.
This article attempts to clear up any confusion caused by fanciful stories, questionable anecdotes, and widespread myths.
- Maca
Maca is a “cultivated root belonging to the brassica family used in the Andean region for its supposed aphrodisiac properties.” It is also referred to as Peruvian ginseng and Lepidium meyenii. In other words, although the precise mechanism is still unknown, it helps to create motion in your ocean.
How effective is Maca?
Men with mild erectile dysfunction (ED) reported better erections following maca treatment, according to a study. After twelve weeks of treatment, maca improved the men’s psychological, physical, and social satisfaction in a glorious trinity of sexual wellbeing.
How safe is Maca?
Even though eating maca has “uncommon and mild” side effects, moodiness, cramps, gastritis, and insomnia are possible.
- L-citrulline
Commonly referred to as citrulline and citrulline malate, L-citrulline is a naturally occurring amino acid that aids in enhancing blood flow to the penis. The body uses it to produce L-arginine, which in turn produces nitric oxide, a crucial molecule that permits blood vessels to relax and permits a healthy erection.
How effective is L-citrulline?
L-citrulline has been shown to help people with mild ED regain their erections. Fifty percent of the twenty-four men in the trial returned to normal erectile function after taking L-citrulline.
How safe is L-citrulline?
One study concludes that “L-citrulline supplementation has been proven to be safe and psychologically well accepted by patients,” despite the fact that it is “less effective than phosphodiesterase type-5 enzyme inhibitors” (such as sildenafil and tadalafil).
- Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng, sometimes referred to as Korean ginseng or red ginseng, is the wise, grey-bearded grandfather of male sexual enhancement, if sildenafil and tadalafil are the hip, youthful poster boys.
For two millennia, its purported adaptogenic properties have been utilized to increase sexual stamina and concentration, and new clinical research is confirming the latter.
How effective is Panax ginseng?
In men with erectile dysfunction, Panax ginseng has been shown to improve penile rigidity, girth, and erection duration. It has been demonstrated to increase libido and satisfaction in addition to erection-enhancing properties.
How safe is Panax ginseng?
Panax ginseng “appears to be well tolerated” in general. However, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and insomnia are examples of frequent adverse reactions.
It is best to consult your doctor before taking Panax ginseng because it should be used with caution when combined with certain medications, including insulin, phenelzine, oral hypoglycemic agents, and warfarin.
- Propionyl-L-carnitine
The body naturally contains the amino acid propionyl-L-carnitine, also referred to as glycine propionyl-L-carnitine. By promoting blood vessel relaxation, it is believed to aid in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
How effective is Propionyl-L-carnitine?
In conclusion, it’s something to think about for diabetics for whom sildenafil doesn’t appear to have been effective. In one study, propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) was found to be more effective than sildenafil alone in treating patients with both diabetes and erectile dysfunction.
How safe is Propionyl-L-carnitine?
Just two patients in the aforementioned study experienced mild stomach discomfort following propionyl-L-carnitine and sildenafil use.
- Yohimbe
Yohimbe (also called yohimbine), an extract of the bark of the central African tree Pausinystalia yohimbe, is arguably the most exotic-sounding item on our list.
You might be tempted to romanticize this specific natural remedy for erectile dysfunction because of its natural and tropical origins. However, it is comparatively anti-climactic in terms of its efficacy as a treatment.
How effective is Yohimbe?
Not very much. Few men have reported that yohimbine significantly affected their erections. Only 5 percent of the men who responded favorably to yohimbe said they were entirely happy with the outcome.
How safe is Yohimbe?
Not very, again. OTC yohimbe preparations have been known to cause gastrointestinal distress, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, headaches, rash, agitation, fast or irregular heartbeat, and frequent urination.
- Horny goat weed
The aptly named horny goat weed is another natural remedy for erectile dysfunction that has ancient roots.
The plant family Berberidaceae includes horny goat weed, also called barrenwort, yin yan huo, and Epimedium grandiflorum. A Chinese goat herder noticed that his goats became especially lustful after consuming the plant, which led to the discovery of its aphrodisiac qualities and the creation of its fabled name.
Icariin, a flavanol glycoside, is thought to be the active component of horny goat weed. It has been demonstrated that icariin inhibits PDE5, the enzyme that causes an erection to fade, and increases the penis’s production of nitric oxide, a crucial molecule for promoting erections.
How effective is horny goat weed?
The effectiveness of horny goat weed on humans has surprisingly not been the subject of any published research. However, there are studies showing that it works well on rats. It has been demonstrated that icariin works well to treat ED in castrated rats, diabetic rats, and even elderly rats.
How safe is horny goat weed?
Long-term toxicity studies for icariin, or horny goat weed, in any animal species have not yet been conducted. Before trying to use horny goat weed to treat your erectile dysfunction, speak with your doctor until more information is available.
The Science Behind Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction: Final Insights
Common misconceptions about erectile dysfunction can be debunked by scientific research that examines the efficacy of natural treatments for the condition.
Notably, many of the studies investigating the effects of natural ED remedies are carried out with a limited number of participants, despite the fact that they yield valuable results.
When drawing conclusions regarding the effectiveness of an ED treatment, larger, secondary studies (like systematic reviews and meta-analyses) are also beneficial.
For instance, a seminal study that examined 6659 men found that sildenafil was a successful treatment for erectile dysfunction. 57% of men were able to have penetrative sex successfully, and 78% of men reported improvements in their erections.
When it comes to selecting the best ED treatment for you, studies with sizable sample sizes typically provide fairly accurate evidence.
