Viagra and drugs like it have helped millions of men to overcome the widespread problem of erectile dysfunction, a chronic condition for 15 million to 30 million men, according to a 2002 estimate from the National Institutes of Health. However, there are countless other men who cannot take these drugs because of pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease. Fortunately for them, there are some herbal remedies that appear to have similar medicinal properties. Don't take Viagra or herbal alternatives without first consulting a medical professional.
Gingko Biloba
This popular herbal supplement appears to stimulate more than just the memory, according to James A. Duke, a botanist and author of "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." He reports that the herb's ability to increase blood flow makes it useful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, particularly in cases where the problem can be traced to atherosclerotic clogging of the penile artery. Duke cites a nine-month study in which men with this condition were given a daily dose of 60 to 240 mg of a standardized gingko extract. Seventy-eight percent of the men in the study reported significant improvement with no adverse side effects. Duke warns, however, that it's inadvisable to exceed a daily dose of 240 mg, because excessive intake has been reported to cause diarrhea, restlessness and irritability.
Damiana
Used as an aphrodisiac by Mexico's ancient Aztecs and Mayas, damiana comes from a low-growing shrub---part of the mint family---that is found naturally in tropical and subtropical climates. French sex therapist Marc Bonnard, author of "The Viagra Alternative: The Complete Guide to Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction Naturally," says the herb has also been used by Western societies to improve sexual function in both males and females. Bonnard suggests that the herb's strong effect on the male sexual organ may come from plant alkaloids that act like testosterone. He recommends a tea that is brewed by steeping a cup of boiling water over 2 tbsp. of dried damiana leaves for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink a cup of the tea three times daily, he suggests. Damiana can interact with some drugs and has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. Consult your physician before using Damiana if you are taking other medications.
Ginseng
For centuries, Chinese herbalists have prescribed panax ginseng, also known as Asian or Korean ginseng, as a remedy for impotence. Linda B. White, M.D., and Steven Foster, authors of "The Herbal Drugstore," report that American scientists are skeptical of the herb's effectiveness but do acknowledge that some Asian animal studies have produced promising results. White and Foster point out that ginseng is not a quick-fix solution to erectile dysfunction but may produce positive results if taken consistently over a period of a few months. Drink two cups daily of a ginseng tea that is brewed by steeping ½ tsp. of ground ginseng root in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, they recommend.
References
- Healthcommunities: Overview of Impotence, Incidence of ED
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook"; James A. Duke; 2000.
- "The Viagra Alternative: The Complete Guide to Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction Naturally"; Marc Bonnard; 1999.
- "The Herbal Drugstore: The Best Natural Alternatives to Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medicines"; Linda B. White and Steven Foster; 2000.
