According to the Mayo Clinic, erectile dysfunction is common in men who are diabetic because of consistent low blood sugar that damages nerves and blood vessels. The damage done to nerves and blood vessels make obtaining and sustaining an erection difficult. Merck.com concurs that erectile dysfunction is due to reduced vascular and nervous system health. In order to sustain an erection for any period of time, strong nerves and blood vessels are required. Erectile dysfunction can be affected by proper blood flow, and some herbs may aid with improving blood pressure and sexual response. Consult with a physician prior to taking any herbal remedies to discuss any possible side effects or contraindications.
Asian Red Ginseng
Traditional Chinese Medicine has used Asian red ginseng, a form of Panax ginseng, as tonic to improve circulation and regulate blood pressure. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners call ginseng the king of tonics because it aids the heart and circulatory system, and can be prescribed for not only blood pressure irregularities, but also for erectile dysfunction. If any heart or blood pressure conditions exist, consult with a physician prior to taking any form of ginseng.
Hawthorne Berry and Gingko
Hawthorne berry contains phytochemicals, natural chemicals that aid in reducing free radicals and blockages in blood vessels. For erectile dysfunction, Hawthorne berry works by dilating blood vessels to allow proper blood flow. Gingko also dilates the blood vessels to ensure strong blood flow, while providing needed energy.
Herbal Aphrodisiacs
There are several herbs, such as muira puama bark extract, saw palmetto, damiana and catuaba bark that act as an aphrodisiac, increasing sensitivity and response along with erection potency. Many can be found in over-the-counter erectile dysfunction herbal medications or sold separately. Consult with a physician prior to taking any medication as they affect the blood pressure. All of the herbs aid in blood flow by dilating the blood vessels. Muira puama is stimulant used to improve virility. While saw palmetto is used in a prostate health, it also contains aphrodisiac properties to help sustain erections.
Michael Tierra, author of "The Way of Herbs", writes that damiana has been used for low libido because of its aphrodisiac properties.
The bark of the Brazilian plant catuaba is used to produce an extract that has powerful aphrodisiac properties. Not only does it work on the blood vessels to create proper blood flow, it increases sensitivity by working on the nervous system. Catuaba also provides energy needed during sexual intercourse.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Erecticle Dysfunction and Diabetes
- "The Way of Herbs"; Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D, N.D..; 1998
- Healthcommunities.com: Naturopathic Treatments for ED
- Merck.com: Male Sexual Dysfunction
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines:Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
