Erectile dysfunction (ED) or the inability to maintain an erection firm enough to have sex can affect up to a third of men. While there are several prescription drugs available for men to help improve this condition, there are some natural ways to combat ED as well.
The Mayo Clinic has recently compiled a list of several herbs and supplements that can help treat ED either on its own or in addition to prescription drugs. Below, we identify four that were studied in humans and gave positive results. After that, don’t miss 15 underrated weight loss tips that actually work!
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps produce proteins, and in the body it becomes nitrogen gas (NO). This is important because it does NOT help relax the blood vessels, which allows more oxygen-rich blood to circulate through your arteries. For men or those who identify as men, healthy blood flow to the arteries in the penis is essential for normal erectile function. According to the Mayo Clinic, some evidence suggests that high doses may help improve blood flow. It may work best when taken in tandem with pycnogenol or yohimbine hydrochloride, however, L-arginine should not be taken with Viagra.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced naturally by the body. However, as you age, levels are thought to drop to 80% throughout adulthood, with levels starting to drop at an early age of 30. When you take the hormone as a supplement, it helps to increase your body’s own levels and part of it even converted into testosterone and estrogen. In men, it is said to help ED and libido in women. Some minor but not yet ideal side effects that are associated with the supplement are oily skin, acne and increased hair growth in the armpits and pubic area.
Currently, health experts believe that red ginseng supplements can help treat ED. At first, it is believed that red ginseng causes hormonal influences similar to testosterone, however, more recent research suggests that the plant could increase NO levels and ultimately promote blowing flow. A 2018 meta-analysis that looked at 28 studies found that Panax ginseng is effective in treating the condition. In addition, it can help improve memory and thinking skills.
Propionyl-L carnitine on its own may not do the trick, however, when taken with Viagra, this supplement may help improve erectile function better than just taking Viagra alone, according to the Mayo Clinic. The chemical is believed to help increase blood flow, however, there is not much scientific evidence to support all of its potential health benefits (from helping people with congestive heart failure to inflammatory bowel disease).
For more, be sure to check out 21 foods to increase your sex drive and libido, according to Science, and then, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter.