11 Herbal Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

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11 Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction

11 Herbal Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

It is estimated that 10 to 30 million men in the United States experience some form of erectile dysfunction. Over 50% of men, aged 40 to 70 have experienced erectile dysfunction and this number increases with age. However, erectile dysfunction is not inevitable with aging, even in the 70s and 80s. Men can enjoy sexual activity throughout life, although the amount and force of ejaculation and muscular tension decrease.

Erectile Dysfunction Herbal Remedies

Here are powerful erection herbal remedies…



L-arginine is an amino acid found in foods such as meat, dairy products, poultry, and fish. Arginine appears to be safe at moderate doses of 2 to 3 g per day, although minor digestive distress can occur.

High doses of arginine may stimulate the body’s production of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid. For this reason, arginine may be harmful to individuals with ulcers and people taking drugs that are hard on the stomach.

L-arginine may also alter potassium levels in the body, especially in people with severe liver disease. It is particularly a concern for people who take drugs that alter potassium levels such as potassium-sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors.

In a double-blind clinical trial, 50 men with problems achieving an erection received either 5 g of L-arginine per day or placebo for 6 weeks. More men in the treated group experienced an improvement in sexual performance than the placebo.



Some research suggests that ginkgo may be useful in erectile dysfunction, due to their ability to stimulate blood flow to the penis. In one study of 60 men with impotence due to poor blood, circulation demonstrated a 50% success rate after 6 months. In addition, some research suggests that ginkgo may be useful for impotence caused by drugs in the Prozac family as well as other types of antidepressant medications.  Gingko appears to be relatively safe. It should not be combined with blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin), heparin, aspirin, and Trental (pentoxifylline).  Ginkgo may cause bleeding problems if combined with natural blood thinners such as garlic, phosphatidylserine, and high dose vitamin E. There have been some case reports of subdural hematoma (bleeding in the skull) and hyphema (bleeding into the iris chamber) with ginkgo use.



The deficiency of zinc is known to have a negative effect on sexual function. Zinc is one of the most commonly deficient minerals. A typical dosage of impotence is 15 to 30 mg daily, taken with 1 to 2 mg of copper since supplemental zinc interferes with copper absorption. Too much zinc can be toxic, so do not exceed this dose.

ashwagandha (1)


Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is sometimes called “Indian Ginseng”. It is not related botanically to ginseng but has similar uses as a tonic herb believed capable of generally strengthening the body.  It is used traditionally to increase sexual capacity as an aphrodisiac.  Some constituents of Ashwagandha can make you drowsy, so it should not be combined with sedative drugs.  However, this may make ashwagandha useful for people with impotence related to anxiety. This herb also helps with cholesterol and the prevention of colds and flu.



The herb damiana is used traditionally in Mexico as a male aphrodisiac. It is a popular male aphrodisiac with a mild effect. Damiana is also used for the inability to achieve orgasm in women.  Damiana appears to be safe at the recommended dosages. However, it contains low levels of compounds similar to cyanide, so excessive dosages may be dangerous.  Safety of damiana in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver and kidney disease is not established. The only common side effect is mild digestive distress.



Pygeum is a tall evergreen native to central and southern Africa. The bark has been used since ancient times to treat urinary problems.  It does not appear to work by affecting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Pygeum is known as an herbal treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It appears to be non-toxic. Side effects include mild digestive distress.

Siberian ginseng

Siberian ginseng

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is believed to be an aphrodisiac. It is believed to be an adaptogen, which means that it affects whichever system of the body in need of support. Siberian ginseng is considered by many traditional Chinese doctors to be a superior treatment.  Traditional Chinese practitioners also use lycium berries and lotus seeds for sexual dysfunction to enhance kidney and liver energy. The body uses arginine to make nitric oxide, a substance that relaxes the blood vessels.
Suma (Pfaffia paniculata) is a large ground vine native to central and South America. It has been called “Brazilian ginseng”. It is traditionally used to promote robust health and longevity. There is increasing interest in suma. It helps adapt to stress and fight infection. A typical dose of suma for stress is 500 mg twice daily. More comprehensive safety studies are needed.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is used for impotence, especially if it is mixed with other herbs. It reduces the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Hormone Replacement

Testosterone replacement is used by some holistic doctors to increase the patient’s sex drive and improve their mood. The first step is a blood or saliva test to assess the levels of the hormone.  If testosterone levels are low, testosterone injections or transdermal creams are used. Oral testosterone is avoided because it can cause liver dysfunction.  Men who supplement with testosterone should only do so under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.  They should monitor their PSA levels, as excess testosterone has been linked to prostate cancer. Other possible side effects include testicular atrophy, male pattern baldness, elevated red blood cell counts, elevated blood pressure, and polycythemia, and increased risk of stroke, gynecomastia (find out more on the gynoguide website), prostatic enlargement, and sodium and water retention. Transdermal DHEA and androstenedione are also used.
Image result for Yohimbe


The bark of the West African Yohimbe tree is a traditional aphrodisiac and the source of yohimbine, a prescription drug for impotence.  Yohimbe stimulates blood flow to the penis. It has been shown to increase libido and decrease the period between ejaculations.  Yohimbe may also have a positive effect on impotence problems caused by depression.  Yohimbe is not recommended because it has a very narrow therapeutic index.  There is a relatively small dosing range, below it, the herb does not work and above it, the herb is toxic. Side effects of normal dosages include dizziness, anxiety, hyperstimulation, and nausea. As little as 40 mg a day can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, abdominal pain, fatigue, hallucinations, and paralysis.

Herbal Guide Staff




