Herbal Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

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About 300,000 men each year are diagnosed with erectile dysfunction in the United States alone. A third of these men do not respond to the conventional treatment with drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. A smaller percentage cannot be prescribed with drugs due to pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. All these men are essentially left with the option of penile devices that help them maintain erections - or, of course, they could turn to herbal remedies.

As populations within the developed world are increasingly turning to traditional medicine for overall healthcare, they have come to realize the fact that herbalism is not a "quack science." Modern medicine is also starting to be more accepting of herbal remedies for treating sexual dysfunctions. A few studies indicate that Gingko Biloba has great potential for treating erectile dysfunction as it increases blood flow to the penis. However, this herb can be fatal if it interacts with blood thinning drugs such as Coumadin (Warfarin) or natural foods like garlic and vitamin E. The herb Aswagandha (Withania somnifera), also called Indian ginseng, has been known for centuries as a tonic for stress relief. It works by decreasing performance anxiety and aiding better circulation.

Mexican natives are known to use the plant damiana (Turnera diffusa) as a male aphrodisiac -- however, the active compound in the herb is similar to cyanide and may be toxic in large doses.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) has received some attention in the past years as an effective treatment for libido loss for its ability to help the body retain testosterone levels.

One of the most popular herbal remedies to emerge that has gained considerable acceptance in recent years is Ginseng. Although the term ginseng has been used to refer to a variety of unrelated plants, many of them show remarkably similar properties and thereputic values. Among them, Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng), Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and Female ginseng (Angelica sinensis or Dong Quai) show poptential as treatments for erectile dysfunction.

The FDA does not approve herbal remedies, as they do not fall under their jurisdiction, and this includes remedies for erectile dysfunction. Men interested in these medications should consult their physicians or herbalists in order to determine the appropriate herb and dosage.

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