Is there a natural way of treating erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is a condition where a man can’t achieve or maintain an erection during sexual performance.

There are a variety of treatments for ED including prescription medications, surgery, vacuum pumps and implants.

However  many men prefer natural alternatives for treating ED such as Moringa and ginseng.

Here are some other natural remedies that may used for treating erectile dysfunction.

Exercise And A Healthy Lifestyle Can Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can result from a combination of physical and psychological issues. In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:

• • Alcohol
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Sleep disorders

Healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercise, diet, weight loss and good sleep can reverse erectile dysfunction in some cases.

Dr Zachary R. Mucher a urologist in Sugar Land, Texas says, “There are many lifestyle changes that are erectile dysfunction remedies, but among them, exercise is the ED treatment that can have the greatest impact.”

Exercise improves blood flow, which is really important to a strong erection.  It also improves blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide in blood vessels. According to Dr Mucher, this is exactly how Viagra works.

Regular exercise can increase DHEA production in the body. Weight-bearing exercise can increase the natural production of testosterone, a significant factor in erectile strength and sex drive.

Stop smoking

For many men ED is the result of vascular disease.  This is caused when blood supply to the penis becomes restricted due to blockages or narrowing of the arteries.

Smoking can also cause the narrowing of important blood vessels and have the same negative impact.

So stopping smoking can be an effective erectile dysfunction remedy.

Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

Even though it is often used socially, alcohol is a depressant.  Being under the influence of alcohol can reduce sexual desire and make it difficult for a man to achieve erection.

Heavy use or alcoholism can lead to both temporary and long-term erectile dysfunction.  This is because alcohol depresses the central nervous system, causing it to function less efficiently.

The central nervous system is responsible for releasing nitric oxide, an essential chemical for producing and maintaining an erection.  So not producing enough nitric oxide leads to erectile dysfunction.

Reducing your alcohol intake can reduce occurences of ED.

Adopting Good Sleeping Patterns

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for the body to carry out the necessary repair and maintenance needed to keep us healthy.

The circadian rhythm is also known as your sleep/wake cycle.  Irregular rhythms have been linked to various chronic health conditions,

Poor sleep patterns can be a contributing factor for erectile dysfunction.  Sleep patterns help the body determine when to release certain hormones.

So adopting a set sleep schedule can be a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction.

Natural Herbs And Remedies That Can Be Used For Treating Erectile Dysfunction

As well as looking at lifestyle changes, there are natural herbs and remedies that have been used to help reduce ED.  Here are a few.

Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Panax ginseng or red ginseng has been called the herbal Viagra.  Red ginseng is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.  It can improve your lung function and improve blood flow in other diseases.

All these characteristics may reduce ED. Research suggests that red ginseng is effective  in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Using Moringa Oleifera To Treat ED

The seeds of the Moringa tree have been found to enhance sex hormone levels in men.  This is due to the high concentration of vitamin A, C and D.

In Eastern medicines, Moringa seeds have been shown to help men in treating erectile dysfunction.  Vitamins and coenzymes in seeds increase blood flow to erectile tissue which increases the size and hardness of erection.

Moringa leaves are enriched with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.  They can be made into tea, eaten fresh, cooked or dried to enhance your sexual performance.

Pomegranate juice

Like Moringa, pomegranate fruit is rich in nutrients that can help to improve performance in bed. Pomegranate juice is a potent antioxidant and can help improve blood flow to the penis.

Using pomegranate juice while taking prescription medications for erectile dysfunction is not advised.  Taking both pomegranate juice and prescribed medication simultaneously has led to hospitalisation.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea grows naturally in Europe, Asia, and North America.  The leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach.

Rhodiola rosea has been used in traditional medicine for several disorders including treatment of anxiety and depression.  It has been shown to improve energy and reduce fatigue.

DHEA

A study showed that men with erectile dysfunction were more likely to have low levels of DHEA.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It can be converted to both estrogen and testosterone in the body.

ED commonly affects diabetic men because of hormonal issues. DHEA has been identified as an option for treatment of ED for men with diabetes.

L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid which is naturally present in your body. It helps make nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels and is essential for developing an erection,

L-arginine may be considered an alternative treatment for ED.  However, there is no strong evidence to support its benefits.

Whether you choose prescription medicines or natural remedies to treat erectile dysfunction, if you suffer from ED you should always consult with a doctor or a qualified health professional.