14 Natural Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction That Don’t Involve Prescription Pills

If you’re looking for natural treatments for erectile dysfunction then maybe you’ve noticed your “Big Bad John” not work the way it used to.

Do you find that lately you seem to come weaker, come faster and sometimes not get hard at all? Does making an erection happen seem like you’re trying to start a fire with two sticks? Even when you do get hard is it becoming difficult to keep an erection and harder to satisfy your partner?

This all sounds like erectile dysfunction and it’s true the symptoms are harsh—embarrassing and damaging to a man’s ego, at least at first. But it’s important to remember that erectile dysfunction doesn’t just happen. Impotence and weak erections (not all cases of ED are about total impotence) are not a natural part of aging, especially if you’re 30-50 years old. You can and should get help.

But if you’ve tried just about everything for erectile dysfunction (and or premature ejaculation), such as viewing explicit material, spending more time on foreplay, and other techniques that did not prove successful, you may feel frustrated and anxious about seeing a doctor for prescription pills.

However, there may be good news yet. You may not have to resort to radical treatment or take heart-affecting medications like Viagra. It might be a much better idea to seek natural treatments for erectile dysfunction. And yeah, avoiding visiting the doctor might also be appealing, since practically herbal products can be bought online or in a health store.

Still, it’s best if you get a health check up by a doctor first, just in case you have a heart condition or some other physical condition that might cause side effects with herbal supplements. It’s also a good idea to research the natural treatment, by its ingredients, so that you can avoid taking anything that’s just a scam, or might cause discomfort.

Let’s start by discussing some of the most popular herbal supplements said to increase erection strength, and find out how and why the product works.

Natural Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

1.    Yohimbine

According to WebMD, yohimbine has helped some men gain back staying power and erectile function, even when they were taking prescription antidepressants. However, this supplement, taken from the bark of the Yohimbe Tree, is not recommended by the American Urological Association, because of side effects as well as convincing evidence that it works in the majority of tests.

Clinical trials did prove that a small percentage of men had erectile improvement after taking yohimbine, and in some cases, yohimbine with L-arginine. The mechanism is the same as Viagra; activation of penile nerves to release more nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels for easy penis flow.

However, the most concerning factor for anti-yohimbine doctors is that a significant number of users report side effects like increased blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.

2.    L-Arginine

According to Healthline, L-arginine for staying power, may work in a similar but slightly different way as Yohimbine. This amino acid produces nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels for better erections and staying power. According to some studies, thirty-one percent of men taking five grams of L-arginine reported improvement in erectile function. Even better, a second study reported that 80 percent of test subjects reported success after taking L-arginine along with pycnogenol. Three months later the percentage rose to over ninety percent. Unlike Yohimbine there are not any known side effects to L-arginine when taken as directed.

3.    Panax Ginseng

Panax Ginseng (or Korean red ginseng) is an herb used for many years in Chinese and Korean medicine and to promote general health. But many users claim that ginseng root also provides more sexual stamina, deeper concentration and a reduction of stress.  According to some studies, red ginseng improved erectile dysfunction in a majority of subjects, when doses were in excess of 600-1000 milligrams, and taken daily. Like L-arginine, it releases additional nitric oxide which helps to improve blood flow to the penis, as well as the lungs. Although there aren’t major side effects in taking panax ginseng, it is considered a short term solution, and treatment should not exceed two months. Perhaps panax ginseng should be taken while you also pursue other long-term techniques, such as start and stop, and the 7-9 rhythm method.

4.    Maca Root

Maca root contains amino acids, iodine, iron and magnesium all good for general health. However, it also improves sexual performance, perhaps by reducing stress and increasing concentration. The reason people are investigating it for ED and PE is because in rat trials regular dosage led to sexual enhancement. But no other “hard” evidence (so to speak) has been proven as of yet. Usually dosage is limited to three grams a day for two months, with anecdotal evidence suggesting Maca may offer some blood flow movement. However, users with certain heart conditions did report elevated blood pressure, which is a concern.

5.    Mondia Whitei

Mondia Whitei is a relatively new treatment in America, though it has been used in Uganda in the past. This African plant has been studied for its effects on increasing sexual desire and improving sperm count. There is also a Viagra-like effect in Mondia Whitei, which has helped some users with libido increase, more sperm motility, and higher testosterone levels. The boost in testosterone is significant, since in theory, this is what helps to power erections and desire, especially in older men who may be suffering from acquired premature ejaculation and weak erections.

6.    Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba has been studied for erectile dysfunction and specifically for its effects on penis blood flow. According to WebMD, the supplement works as an antioxidant, which means various improvements to memory, cognitive function and other physical improvements. However, it’s not yet known if this is because it improves general health (and thus improves erections) or if it’s actually stimulating blood flow in the genital region. One test suggested that it had a 76 percent rate for sexual improvement for men who were taking antidepressants.

7.    Horny Goat Weed

WebMD also reviewed Horny Goat Weed, fittingly named as a traditional remedy in Chinese medicine that improves erectile dysfunction. However, only rat trials have been reported thus far and though some ED improvement has been suggested, and though it does provide an energy boost, there’s no evidence it directly affects how long you last. If anything, it may help a man regain his erection for a second round, after the first ejaculation.

8.    Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea or golden root, has been reported to increase sexual function and specifically in stamina, at least according to Russian folk medicine. One study suggested that a majority number of test subjects reported better sexual response, more energy and even the reduction of fatigue with 150-200 milligrams a day. For men suffering from acquired PE due to stress, it may prove helpful.

9.    DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone is a natural hormone made by the adrenal glands. Unlike most of the other supplements listed here, it works by manipulating hormones, not improving blood flow. One study showed that DHEA helped aging men suffering from erectile dysfunction; namely by restoring their levels of DHEA by supplemental means. The results were that those taking DHEA supplements reported greater success with maintaining erections. It is converted into estrogen and testosterone which directly affects hormones. However, it’s also possible that if your testosterone levels are normal, then DHEA will not have a great effect.

10. Pomegranate

One of the most interesting natural remedies for erectile dysfunction is pomegranate—both the fruit juice and extract. It’s well known that most fruit is packed with nutrients that improve prostate health and general health, but pomegranate specifically is being studies for help with genital blood flow. The fruit is believed to expand arteries and keep them supple. If this mechanism is proven true, it would be very effective in treating both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. You can’t really go wrong eating pomegranates anyway, since it’s packed with vitamins and has no side effects.

11. Musli or White Gold

Musli, also known as Chlorophytum borivilianum in Ayuveda practice, is being studied as an aphrodisiac. The belief is that it helps build stronger erections because of high saponin and polysaccharide content, though only rat studies have been conclusively cited thus far. It works in a similar manner to Viagra, though the effects are obviously not as intense. There is also an untested theory it may increase sperm production and even testicular size. While this is unlikely, it is possible it has a Viagra-like effect, though side effects are not well studied.

12. Saffron or Crocus Sativus

Are you just mad about saffron? Well saffron might be mad about you. This crocus plant of the iris family is found in Eurasia and has reddish purple flowers. It’s being legitimately tested for effects on erectile dysfunction and with exciting results. According to one study, 20 patients with various ED problems took 200 mg of saffron and then reported better nocturnal erections, and conscious erections. All sexual function, including duration and ejaculation, increased even within as little as ten days of treatment.

13. Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris is a caltrop plant found all over the world and even in dry climates. It’s actually considered an invasive species in North America. According to human and animal tests, it may also be an aphrodisiac but according to one test, only in women. However, Dr. Edward Group believes this ayurvedic medicine may also help with hormone stimulation, fertility and sexual response. The belief is that there are naturally occurring steroidal compounds in the plant, which directly affect the production of testosterone. There have been additional tests on Tribulus Terrestris for sperm count rejuvenation. If the theory is proven this would mean TT could help with prostate health, libido, better sexual function and endurance, as well as erectile dysfunction, which may be hormone or health related.

14. A Special Case: Acupuncture

Acupuncture is arguably not “natural treatment for erectile dysfunction” but it’s still considered conservative treatment compared to taking prescription-strength medications. Acupuncture supposedly improves the strength of erections as well as the ability to maintain them. Science also backs up some of these claims, even more so than competing natural treatments like certain herbs. A 1999 study found that acupuncture improved erections in 39 percent of test subjects. In 2003, another study showed 21 percent of patients reported success. Granted, these are not majority conclusive studies, but they are still interesting results to keep an eye on, especially if you are considering acupuncture for other health reasons, such as anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestion problems.

As you can see, there are natural treatments for erectile dysfunction available and they range from very safe (like pomegranates) to somewhat radical (acupuncture). Depending on the severity of your ED, you may consider one or more solutions. However, don’t underestimate the safety of combining some of these supplements.

Talk to your doctor first before trying anything radically different from the norm, and that includes changing your exercise routine. It’s good to be more active and exercise more and that’s definitely going to help with blood flow. But should you stick to light aerobic exercises for the time being or can you handle more high intensity workouts?

The doctor needs to make sure your heart is good and can take a change in lifestyle, whether that’s physical exertion or dietary additions. For example, eating more pomegranates is safe…but how about taking plant extracts which are very high dosage beyond normal dieting? Not the same thing.

Viagra and other prescription pills are a last resort because of potential side effects, but it is generally a good idea to try more conservative herbal products first before taking a chance. As we’ve seen however, even some herbal products come with unexpected side effects. Proceed with caution and always take the recommended dosage. Remember to study the effects within your own body, measuring performance and noting any side effects or changes in body, mood or sensation.

In no time, you can restore your sex life to what it should be! And you will definitely get your mojo and confidence back once the equipment starts working to maximum capacity.