If you walk into a health food store, chances are you’ll see herbal supplements on the shelves. Some of them are advertised as a natural treatment for ED, such as Kamagra jelly, Vidalista and Rhodiola rosea.
However, the scientific evidence behind these herbs and supplements is mixed. And some are even dangerous.
Herbs and Supplements for ED
While some herbal remedies and supplements can help treat ED, it's important to approach them with caution. They haven't been tested as extensively as prescription ED medications and may not provide the same results.
Ginseng: This herb is commonly known as "herbal Viagra" because Kamagra Jelly increases nitric oxide levels and helps blood flow to the penis. It also has libido-enhancing effects. However, it's not recommended for people on blood thinners or who have bleeding disorders.
Horny goat weed: This herb has been used for centuries to treat fatigue and low libido or sex drive. It contains icariin, which is a mild inhibitor of PDE5.
Yohimbine: This herb is often found in supplements advertised as aphrodisiacs. It can trigger a rapid heartbeat and shouldn't be taken by people with coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney or liver problems.
Herbs for Sexual Health
If you're struggling with ED, herbs and supplements claim to help. But the United States government doesn't monitor these herbal products, so you may not know how much of each herb is in a product or if it contains dangerous contaminants like amphetamines. Some of the herbs that are promoted as "herbal Viagra" can lower blood pressure and can interact with drugs like prescription nitrates, so talk to your urologist before trying them.
Horny goat weed, also known as epimedium, works by inhibiting PDE5, the same enzyme that Vidalista 40mg targets. It's also a natural aphrodisiac and helps with anxiety, fatigue, and low blood pressure. It increases sexual desire in both men and women. It's good for treating erectile dysfunction and improving blood flow to the penis.
Herbs for Energy
Herbs like matcha green tea and lion’s mane can help boost energy naturally without caffeine. Ginkgo biloba is another herb that can increase blood flow and boost mental function, while ashwagandha and maca are adaptogenic herbs that can reduce stress and fatigue.
Rhodiola rosea is another great herbal remedy for energizing the body and reducing fatigue. It has been shown to decrease fatigue, anxiety, and depression and improve sleep quality.
Peppermint is also a wonderful herbal remedy for boosting energy and improving alertness. It is also known to treat headaches, migraines, clogged sinuses, menstrual cramps, and digestive issues.
Herbs for Digestive Health
A healthy digestive system is essential for your immune system, detoxification, digestion, mental clarity, mood, and energy. Herbs can help support a healthy gut.
Peppermint is anti-inflammatory and helps ease indigestion, spasms, stomach cramps and nausea. It can also improve your digestion and bowel movements and aid in the relief of colic.
Ginger is warming, anti-inflammatory, and calming to the digestive tract. It boosts appetite and milk production, relieves bloating, and is a liver supporter. It also has anti-microbial properties and a balancing estrogenic action.
Studies have shown that slippery elm, licorice root, and a combination of dried fruits called triphala can act as prebiotics to increase the number of bacteria Acidaminococcus and Sutterella in the gut while decreasing the number of potential opportunistic bacteria Enterococcus and Klebsiella.
Herbs for Mental Health
Herbal medicines are increasingly popular for mental health, but there's a lot of confusion about what they do and how to use them. The FDA doesn't regulate supplements, and they can vary wildly in potency and quality. They can also interact with medications and cause side effects.
Several double-blind studies have shown that St. John's wort is effective against mild to moderate depression and that the herb improves the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters. Kava has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Its active ingredient is hypericin, and it has been found to be as effective as some prescription medicines.
