Natural Viagra and Herbal ED Remedies: Do They Work?

Korean ginseng, also known as red ginseng or panax ginseng, is a plant which has been used in Asian medicine for centuries. There are three varieties of ginseng: fresh, white or red. (The variety changes depending on how long it is grown for.)

Korean red ginseng, or Asian ginseng, is the variety said to help with male impotence.

Ginseng is made up of ginsenosides, which may have potential cardiovascular benefits, that could in theory help reduce ED.

Ginseng may also promote the release of nitric oxide, which could relax the muscles in the penis and promote erections.

The root could also impact hormone levels which, in turn, could theoretically enhance sexual stimulation and arousal.

So what does the evidence say about red ginseng? Can it help with erections? One study found that red ginseng was more favorable at treating ED than a placebo. However, the authors pointed to low sample size as a caveat of the study.

Another broader study and meta-analysis involving 2080 men found that “encouraging evidence suggests that ginseng may be an effective herbal treatment for ED.”

However, more research is needed on the relationship between ginseng and ED. Furthermore, what treats one case of erectile dysfunction may not treat another. So while red ginseng supplements can be bought over the counter, it’s still advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using them.

Horny goat weed is a natural supplement made from a traditional Chinese herb. It is said to be beneficial for erectile dysfunction, and also low libido.

According to legend, a goat herder witnessed their flock grow sexually stimulated after eating the herb. This is where the term “horny goat weed” comes from. Its formal name is epimedium and it’s found in China.

Horny goat weed may contain chemicals that are good for blood flow and vascular health. In relation to erectile dysfunction, this is beneficial because one of the main physical causes surrounds poor blood flow or constricted blood vessels in and around the penis. It’s also said to have other benefits, such as helping with bone density problems.

Horny goat weed is available for purchase as a supplement but it’s not licensed for medicinal use, whether prescription or over the counter.

Because regulatory processes that apply to prescription drugs do not apply as strictly to some dietary supplements, this raises questions about their safety — specifically in relation to the listing of full ingredients and the reporting of side effects.

Example: in 2011, one branded version of horny goat weed, called Via Xtreme, had to be recalled after it was found to illegally contain sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra).

But does horny goat weed work? The evidence is slim. In controlled animal studies on rats , icariin (the active ingredient found in horny goat weed) was found to have positive results. However, no studies surrounding erectile dysfunction in humans have been conducted.

What’s more, horny goat weed can cause a number of side effects (which people sometimes assume herbal supplements do not). For example, side effects of horny goat weed can include dry mouth, dizziness, vomiting, thirst, nose bleeds or even breathing problems.

Maca is a Peruvian herb said to help with low libido and sexual stimulation problems.

The so-called sex herb maca is also said to have other health benefits. It is proposed that maca may help with the symptoms of menopause, improve mood, provide more energy, improve learning and give skin protection from the sun.

Like a number of natural health supplements, maca became increasingly popular throughout the 2000s, helped in part by the rise of the internet.

The big question surrounds what the evidence says about maca. Will maca root increase sex drive? At the moment, there’s limited evidence that maca helps ED and so further research might be needed.

Yohimbe comes from an African evergreen tree and its bark has been used in West African traditional medicine for generations.

In the US, yohimbine hydrochloride is a form of yohimbe that is a licensed prescription drug for erectile dysfunction.

Yohimbe can be also used as a natural treatment for erectile dysfunction and to increase sexual performance, but is said to have other health benefits too.

These are reported to include anxiety and depression relief, increased athletic performance, helping with dry mouth and with blood pressure problems and even weight loss.

Buying supplements like yohimbe online can come with risks. As with many herbal remedy supplements, some manufacturers label their products inaccurately.

For example, a study conducted at Harvard Medical School looked at 49 different yohimbe supplements. They found as many as 78% of them did not label the correct quantity of Yohimbe.

For clear reasons, this is extremely dangerous, and there still isn’t sufficient evidence to suggest it will actually help with ED symptoms.

Some suggest that watermelon may help with impotence — specifically that watermelon juice may be a natural treatment for ED.

This is because watermelon contains L-citrulline, an amino acid which helps with blood vessel dilation and constriction issues. And one University study even went so far to claim that: ‘Watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido.’

This was a bold claim that was widely reported on in mainstream media at the time.

Others strongly refute the claim. In reality, there are currently next to zero clinical studies focusing on watermelon as an erectile dysfunction treatment.

Zinc is one of the essential minerals that help our bodies to fulfill a number of important functions. For example, zinc is vital for immune system health and it is also present in DNA proteins, which make up cells.

Zinc is present in many foods including meat (particularly red meat), shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy products, eggs and oysters.

However, some claim that zinc may also be beneficial in terms of sexual function and ED. One animal study seemed to suggest some benefit.

However, trials on humans have not been conducted. What is true is that seeking a balanced and varied diet is one lifestyle choice that may help with erectile dysfunction. As will regular exercise, not smoking and not drinking too much.