Some natural treatments for erectile dysfunction (E.D.) have been around for centuries in ancient medical cultures, such as those treatments found in Africa and China. Some of these supplements carry health risks and should be treated with caution. Other treatments have medical research to back up claims by the manufacturers.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (E.D.) is commonly referred to as male impotence, there can be both psychological and physical reasons for men who suffer from E.D. Counseling can often resolve psychological problems, while lifestyle changes can resolve E.D. caused by abuse of substances such as tobacco, cocaine and alcohol. E.D. can also be a symptom of a much more serious physical condition such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Natural Remedies
There are many natural remedies available for the treatment of E.D. Herbal remedies such as ginseng and epimidium or horny goat weed have been used as treatments for many health problems in Chinese medicine for centuries.
Horny goat weed helps raise low levels of testosterone and the thyroid hormone to aid E.D. symptoms. Ginkgo is another commonly prescribed natural remedy, this herb is used for both men and women. It is popular since it is said to increase the blood flow to the genitals. Yohimbe is probably the best known of all the natural remedies for E.D. as it is sometimes prescribed by doctors.
Derived form the bark of the African tree, Pausinystalia Yohimbe it contains an alkaloid that for many years was the only drug listed in the Physicians Desk Reference book as a sexual booster. Yohimbe is the basis of many pharmaceutical drugs created for the treatment of E.D. Other natural remedies commonly available include L-arginine and amino acid, which enhance the effects of nitric acid on the sexual organs.
Side Effects
Natural remedies and supplements are not required to gain government approval to be sold over the Internet or in stores. Some of these natural remedies carry the chance for side effects and problems may occur for the user. For example, the popular yohimbe remedy lists side effects of agitation, anxiety and insomnia.
Warning: Ginkgo should not be used alongside blood-thinning drugs, as it can cause additional thinning of the blood when it pushes more blood toward the genitals. It can also cause the user to develop bleeding problems.