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).

Ginseng is a leafy plant that will sometimes bloom red flowers, but it is the root that is claimed to be medicinally beneficial.

Anecdotally, the root is said to resemble the human body, with shoots for arms and legs. This is partly why it was adopted into Asian medicinal practices.

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 to reduce ED.

Ginseng may also promote the release of nitric oxide, which could relax the muscles in the penis to 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 favourable 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 impotence may not treat another. So, while red ginseng supplements can be bought over-the-counter at high street stores, it’s still advisable to consult with a healthcare professional first before using it.

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. It’s full name is Epimedium and it is endemic to China – but is also found in smaller numbers across the whole of Asia.

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

Horny goat weed is available to purchase as a supplement, but it is not licensed in 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.

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 impotence 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. It is an ancient herb, the benefits of which have been passed anecdotally from generation to generation. The root was first described in writing as early as 1553.

It grows mostly in Peru, but also in the Andes. It typically grows in testing conditions, often above 13,000 feet. It’s actually a type of cruciferous vegetable like broccoli. Much like Korean red ginseng, it is the maca root that supposedly carries the medicinal benefits.

The root is often dried and consumed as ‘maca powder.’ It is also available in liquid and tablet forms.

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, helped in part by the rise of the internet, maca became increasingly popular throughout the 2000s.

The big question surrounds what the evidence says about maca. Will maca root increase sex drive?

In one study on maca, researchers found ‘limited evidence for the effectiveness of maca in improving sexual function. However, the total number of trials, the total sample size, and the average methodological quality of the primary studies were too limited to draw firm conclusions. More rigorous studies are warranted.’

Other studies on maca and sexual dysfunction give conflicting results. A series of randomised clinical trials were conducted in relation to maca. Two of the trials showed a significant positive effect of maca on sexual dysfunction, or desire, in healthy adult men. However, another RCT, as part of the same review, failed to show any results in healthy cyclists.

Yohimbe comes from an African evergreen tree native to the south and west, which can be used in health supplements. Specifically, yohimbe bark, called yohimbine, is the main ingredient used in medicine. It has been used in West African traditional medicine for generations.

In India, yohimbine hydrochloride is a form of yohimbe that is used as a supplement to boost your testosterone levels.

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.

But Yohimbe is not approved for use by the MHRA UK, and it is also not legal to buy it over-the-counter in registered pharmacies.

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 that as many as 78% of them did not label the correct quantity of Yohimbe.

For clear reasons, this is extremely dangerous. According to the NIH, “Yohimbe has been associated with heart attacks and seizures. Because of inaccurate labeling and potential for serious side effects, yohimbe supplements have been restricted or banned in many countries.

There is not enough research to say whether yohimbe as a dietary supplement is helpful for any condition, including erectile dysfunction, athletic performance, or weight loss.”

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. This helps with blood flow which, in theory, could relieve the symptoms of impotence. L-citrulline supplements are also available to purchase online.

But what is the medical consensus on watermelon as a treatment for impotence? Well – a study by researchers at Texas A&M University claimed:

“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. One University paper wrote: “The only activity that will be stimulated by drinking huge amounts of watermelon juice is urination.

A ripe, sweet watermelon can certainly give a boost to the taste buds, but don’t expect anything else to be boosted. Except sales.”

An Italian study, conducted in 2011 , found that citrulline supplements slightly helped with ED symptoms in just over half of the men who participated in the study. When citrulline is absorbed into the body, it is converted into arginine which helps with blood vessel constriction problems.

It should also be noted that the study looked at citrulline supplements, not watermelon itself. There is 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 study found that zinc therapy (5mg per day) ‘improves sexual competence by increasing penile thrusting and prolonging ejaculatory latency without disturbing arousability and motivation of male rats.’

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 impotence. As will seeking regular exercise, not smoking and not drinking too much.