Erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to keep an erection firm enough to have sex, can occur in as many as a third of men. While there are several prescription medications available that men can take to help improve this condition, there are a few natural ways you may be able to combat ED as well.
The Mayo Clinic recently compiled a list of several herbs and supplements that can help treat ED, either alone or in addition to prescription medications. Below, we identify four that have been tested in humans and yielded positive results. After that, don’t miss 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work!
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps make proteins and in the body it becomes the gas nitric oxide (NO). This is important because NO helps blood vessels relax, allowing more oxygenated blood to circulate through your arteries. For men, or those who identify as male, healthy blood flow to the arteries in the penis is critical for normal erectile function. According to the Mayo Clinic, some evidence suggests that taking high doses can help improve blood flow. It may work best in conjunction with pycnogenol or yohimbine hydrochloride, but L-arginine should not be taken with Viagra.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body. However, as you get older, the level is believed to drop to 80% in adulthood, and the level is believed to begin to decline at the young age of 30. even converted into testosterone and estrogen. In men, it is said to help with ED and libido in women. Some minor, but still not ideal, side effects associated with the supplement include 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 was thought that red ginseng caused hormonal influences similar to testosterone, but more recent research suggests the herb could increase NO levels and ultimately promote bladder flow. A 2018 meta-analysis reviewing 28 studies showed that Panax ginseng is effective in treating the condition. In addition, it can also help improve memory and thinking skills.
Propionyl-L-carnitine alone may not work, but when taken with Viagra, this supplement may help improve erectile function better than taking Viagra alone, according to the Mayo Clinic. The chemical is believed to help increase blood flow, but there isn’t much scientific evidence to support all of its potential health benefits (from helping people with congestive heart failure to inflammatory bowel disease).
For more, check out 21 Foods to Increase Sex Drive and Libido, According to Science, then don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter.