Natural Supplements that Help Erectile Performance
Traditionally natural supplements have been looked down upon by practitioners of mainstream Western medicine. We’ll take a look at the conclusions of some of the most promising natural supplements here, including: Icariin (“horny goat weed”), MACA, Tribulus and perhaps Ginseng.
Panax ginseng
There are a number of roots referred to as ginseng, one Panax ginseng, sometimes called Korean or red ginseng can enhance erectile function.
Some studies have shown clear benefits while others have had effects no better than placebo. The mechanisms whereby the plant works are yet to be worked out.
Tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is a small leafy plant that has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for hundreds of years. While for some it improves sexual desire in men and women for the most part it does not have a direct effect on the hardness and strength of erections.
MACA or Peruvian Ginseng (Lepidium meyenii)
Maca is a plant related to broccoli and cauliflower that has been cultivated and eaten in Peru for thousands of years. In the last few decades, maca has grown in popularity as a treatment for infertility and low sex drive.
The increases in sexual desire experienced are apparently not attributable to changes in testosterone levels or because of changes in mood.
One study showed that maca improved the performance of male cyclists.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium sagittatum)
The various species of the plant genus Epimedium have been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat sexual concerns. Colloquially known as “horny goat weed” or “yin yang huo,” these plants contain a chemical called Icariin, which has been shown to work similarly to the synthetic PDE5 drugs although to a far lesser degree. The compound has also been shown to promote nerve growth.
References:
Rise of herbal and traditional medicine in erectile dysfunction management. Curr Urol Rep. 2011
Ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021
Should you take these natural supplements?
If you expect instant results you will be disappointed. Most of these supplements need to be taken for at least 8 weeks before any discernible effects are experienced.
The good news is that adverse side effects are rare. However, if you try them out you should be alert to adverse symptoms and in particular horny goat weed, maca, as well as yohimbine and Ginkgo biloba, can cause changes in perception and mood.
If you experience side effects you should stop taking them right away.
These natural supplements can be purchased in most drugstores or natural food stores.
There have not been any studies investigating the benefits or otherwise of taking these supplements while undergoing SONICWAVE therapy, however it is unlikely there are risks because SONICWAVE stimulates natural processes in the body similar to wound healing and tissue growth.