A man who's thinking about taking supplements or using other non-surgical methods to enlarge his penis might want to think twice. There is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of male-enhancement products, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, certain herbal remedies may benefit men who are unable to achieve or maintain an erection due to erectile dysfunction or ED. Talk to your health care provider about using herbal remedies for sexual dysfunction.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo or Ginkgo biloba helps stimulate circulation and may improve sexual function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A University of California study published in the April to June 1998 Journal of Sex and Martial Therapy found Ginkgo to be 84 percent effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction that's primarily caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. The study was led by A.J. Cohen. Common SSRIs include citalopram, which goes by the brand name of Celexa, and fluoxetine, sold as Prozac. Ginkgo may magnify the effects of certain blood-thinning medications. Ask your doctor if it's safe to take Ginkgo for erectile dysfunction.
Korean Red Ginseng
A study published in October 2008 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology looking into the effects of Korean red ginseng in men with ED concluded that it may be an effective herbal remedy. Researchers added, however, that additional, more rigorous studies are necessary. The research was led by Jang Dai-Ja of the Korea Food Research Institute, Sungnam, South Korea. Consult your doctor before taking herbs for male sexual health.
Maca
The herb maca has been advertised as herbal Viagra, according to healthlibrary.com. A 12-week study published in December 2002 in the journal Andrologia concluded that sexual desire improved in men who were treated with Maca. The study participants were 21 to 56 years old. The study was led by G.F. Gonzales of the Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. Ask your doctor about using herbal remedies for male enlargement as it relates to ED.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe is used to treat erectile dysfunction, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Yohimbe contains a chemical called yohimbine hydrochlorid. It's found in the prescription drug Viramax, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction, the UMMC says. When taken in large doses, yohimbe may raise blood pressure and lead to kidney failure. Check with your health practitioner about taking yohimbe.
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