Why Is It Not Advisable to Use Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction?
Naturally, Viagra and similar drugs are the first-choice remedies when it comes to erectile dysfunction treatment. However, it’s not uncommon for men who suffer from sexual dysfunction to look for some natural supplements to deal with their problems. The question is, are herbal substitutes effective and safe enough to be used as a cure for impotence? There are numerous herbal supplements available online that are said to help deal with sexual dysfunction. In the best-case scenario, herbal supplements may contain some ingredients similar to those contained in the licensed anti-ED drugs. However, they normally don’t contain such ingredients in sufficient quantity. Therefore, they are unlikely to work as an effective remedy for erectile dysfunction. In addition, many of them have not been properly tested and certified, and may be dangerous, or cause severe side effects. We are going to explore this issue and explain why herbal remedies for ED may not be safe and effective enough to be used instead of medical drugs.
Here is the list of the most popular supplements for ED treatment widely available through the web:
- DHEA is a steroid hormone, which is naturally produced by the human body. This hormone works if there is a decrease in the level of testosterone. In fact, such a condition is not a common cause of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, you are unlikely to get a desirable result if you take DHEA as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. In addition, this product may cause a number of side effects, including the reduction of good cholesterol and acne. Acne hardly looks aesthetic, and the increase in the bad cholesterol level is known as one of the common causes of erectile dysfunction.
- Ginkgo biloba is widely used as an alternative treatment for many health conditions, including erectile dysfunction. However, there is actually no evidence that Ginkgo is effective for men suffering from ED. It may cause a number of secondary effects, such as headaches, convulsions, and bleeding. In addition, it is incompatible with Warfarin, an anticoagulant used to prevent the clots in the blood vessels.
- Horny Goat Weed, an ancient Chinese herbal supplement, is one of the most popular alternative anti-ED remedies. Its effect is very similar to the effect of Sildenafil, the well-known Viagra component. However, according to research, it is at least 80 times less effective than Viagra and similar drugs, so you are unlikely to achieve the desirable result if you use Horny Goat Weed as a remedy for erectile dysfunction. Generally, it is unlikely to cause any severe side effects. Nevertheless, it has been reported to occasionally cause rapid heartbeat and hypomania.
- Fenugreek is one of the top-selling herbal anti-ED products available online. It is said to improve erection and sexual performance. This supplement can be considered safe enough since no secondary effects have been reported. Still, there is no scientific evidence to prove that it is an effective remedy for sexual dysfunction.
- Ginseng is another popular herbal supplement used as a cure for erectile dysfunction. Reportedly, it does actually have some anti-ED effect, but it is very mild in comparison to medical drugs. Besides, Ginseng may be the cause of insomnia, headache, constipation, and rash. In addition, it can provoke a decrease in the level of blood sugar, and therefore, men suffering from a certain type of diabetes should not take it.
- Yohimbine is obtained from the bark of trees that grow in Africa. It has been used a cure for erectile dysfunction for ages. It is known to improve erection in some cases. However, its potency has not been medically proven. Yohimbine may lead to a number of side effects, including headache, hypertension, insomnia, and sweating.
- Maca is one of the best-selling herbal supplements used for anti-ED treatment. However, there is no evidence proving that it is an effective remedy that helps improve sexual performance in men. It may cause an increase in liver enzymes, as well as high blood pressure.
- Tribulus Terrestris is believed to increase sexual desire. They also say that this herbal supplement helps attain and maintain erection in men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. However, there is no scientific evidence of such an effect. High doses of Tribulus Terrestris extract can be harmful to the kidney and liver.
In addition to herbal supplements, zinc and vitamins are sometimes used to boost erection quality and improve sexual performance. Still, there is no medical evidence proving that zinc or any vitamins work as a remedy for erectile dysfunction.
All in all, before you start any anti-ED treatment, you should consult your doctor, who will prescribe the best drugs suitable for you.