Peyronie's disease is a condition in which you develop a plaque, or lump, within your penis. The severity of Peyronie's disease, notes the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, can range from mild to severe, and this condition may cause penile pain and abnormal curvature in your penis, making sexual intercourse challenging. Herbal supplements may be a useful adjunct therapy in treating your Peyronie's disease, but first speak with your doctor.
Peyronie's Disease
Peyronie's disease, a rare condition, usually affects men between the ages of 40 and 60, although it may occur in older men, too, reports the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This condition is associated with the accumulation of scar tissue under the skin of your penis, although the cause of this fibrous tissue accumulation is unclear in most cases. Penile injury during intercourse may account for some cases of Peyronie's disease, notes the center, and you may have a greater risk of developing this condition if you have been treated for prostate cancer with surgery and radiation.
Useful Herbal Supplements
Several herbal supplements may be useful in treating your Peyronie's disease, although these herbs may not be backed by clinical research studies examining their efficacy. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," naturopathic physician and expert herbalist William A. Mitchell Jr. notes that Oregon grape root and meadow saffron are two herbs that have historically been used in treating Peyronie's disease.
Featured Herb
Oregon grape root is one of the most frequently prescribed herbal supplements in the treatment of Peyronie's disease. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," says that Oregon grape root possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, and is considered a vulnerary, or a substance that has the potential to heal your wounds and tissue irritation. Other conditions that may benefit from Oregon grape root include psoriasis, congested liver and intestinal infections.
Considerations
Peyronie's disease often makes sexual intercourse painful, difficult or impossible. Surgery for this condition has its own set of complications, including impotence. If you suffer from Peyronie's disease, you should explore all treatment possibilities with your health care provider, including both conventional and complementary alternative treatments. Some herbs may interfere with other medications you might be taking. Discuss proper herb dosage, methods of ingestion and other herb-related topics with your physician before using herbal remedies to treat your Peyronie's disease.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Peyronie's Disease
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Curvature of the Penis
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbs and Supplements for Peyronie's Disease
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
