The National Institutes of Health characterize impotence as an inability or difficulty achieving or keeping an erection. More commonly known as erectile dysfunction, it can stem from a number of different factors, including stress, fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and tobacco or alcohol use. Besides treating the direct cause of an erectile dysfunction with changes in lifestyle or medications, there are a few herbal treatments that may help you achieve and maintain an erection. Before taking a dietary supplement for this or any other disorder, make sure to talk to a health care professional. Some herbs can adversely interact with prescription medications.
Gingko
The Mayo Clinic lists gingko as an herbal treatment that may potentially treat erectile dysfunction. Gingko can actually increase blood flow to the penis, which is often needed to achieve an erection. The University of Maryland Medical Center identifies the dosage at 50 to 100 mg. per day.
Yohimbe
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests yohimbe extract. Yohimbe extract contains yohimbine hydrochloride, which is used in prescription medications for erectile dysfunction. The amount of yohimbine hydrochloride varies from extract to extract, so results aren't necessarily consistent.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Often referred to as DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone can help to treat erectile dysfunction in some men. The Mayo Clinic explains that it's of most benefit to men experiencing this condition as a result of hormonal issues, such as low testosterone. However, a study conducted at the Department of Urology at the University of Vienna indicates that 50 mg. of DHEA a day is of benefit in the treatment of any erectile dysfunction.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine may also help treat erectile dysfunction in some men. A study conducted by the Seminological Laboratory in Sofia, Bulgaria demonstrated that l-arginine combined with pycnogenol, an herbal antioxidant, improved erectile dysfunction in 80 percent of patients in two months. The number increased to over 92 percent by the third month.
Epimedium
Also known as horny goat weed, epimedium is another potential herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction, advises the Mayo Clinic. Epimedium is known to increase testosterone levels as well as thyroid hormones, which could help men achieve and maintain an erection, especially when the erectile dysfunction is linked to hormonal issues.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto used in combination with pygeum can treat erectile dysfunction as a result of prostate disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Doses of 160 mg and 100 mg twice a day, respectively, provide the best results.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Erectile Dysfunction Herbs - A Natural Treatment for ED?
- National Institutes of Health: Erectile Dysfunction
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Sexual Dysfunction
- BioPsychiatry.com: DHEA in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
- National Institutes of Health: Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction with Pycnogenol and L-Arginine
