Last Updated on December 5, 2018 by Douglas C. Goldberg, MD
Viagra, a well-known medicine for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), has already helped a great number of men in their struggle for improving their sexual performance. However, there are male persons who prefer natural supplements (natural Viagra alternatives) to chemically synthetized drugs. Today the pharmaceutical market offers a great variety of herbal remedies. Are they really effective in eliminating ED symptoms? Below we will provide reviews of the most popular alternatives to “blue pills”.
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What Makes Some Males Opt for Natural Supplements?
As Canadian Viagra is contraindicated to those ED patients who have recently come through a stroke or heart attack, they start searching for herbal remedies. In addition, Viagra can interact with other medicines taken by a man, which also provides grounds for looking for its natural counterparts. The third reason for resorting to herbal ED remedies is some men’s negative attitude to chemical medication resulting in giving preference to natural ones.
When considering natural alternatives to Viagra one should be aware of the fact that prior to being granted a license for sales, prescription drugs must undergo rigorous testing. This requirement does not apply to over-the-counter remedies, which casts doubt on safety and effectiveness of some of them.
Ginkgo Biloba (Maidenhair tree)
The unique properties of this plant are associated with a large number of elements that make up its chemical composition. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that some substances useful to humans can be found only in this ancient plant. To date, scientists have recognized the healing properties of only leaves. Various flavonoids, bioflavonoids, nonakosane, sterols, different aminos, essential oils, a complex of vitamins, a complex of macro-elements and microelements and many other biologically active substances have been isolated in the chemical composition of the leaves of the plant.
Ginkgo has been used in folk Chinese medicine as a plant stimulating blood flow in the penile area contributing to a better erection.
Causion. Ginkgo biloba, which has anticoagulant properties, is contraindicated to men with circulatory system disorders, and seizure or stroke history, as well as to those who are currently taking aspirin or other anticoagulant medications. Ginkgo may also react with some drugs, in particular, antidepressant medications. Therefore, before taking this natural remedy, a man needs to consult his health care provider.
Asian Red Ginseng
This powerful plant, also called panax ginseng, is considered to be a kind of Chinese Viagra. The Chinese have been using it for about five thousand years as a natural remedy. The plant is popular with athletes who take different Ginseng-containing food supplements to enhance their performance legally. Stimulating the nervous system Ginseng increases energy and strength. This action was proved by research findings. One of them, published in the press, referred to a clinical trial in the course of which 45 male persons took the plant and reported their health condition. According to them, they experienced reduced stress levels, enhanced sexual desire and more effective & firm erections.
Patients suffering from diabetes should take ginseng with caution, as the plant may lead to blood glucose content decrease.
Peruvian Maca
Maca is an adaptogenic remedy that naturally speeds up metabolism and stimulates energy production. It helps to lose weight, but it’s worth understanding that the remedy will not help burn fat if you just lie on the couch. The root of the plant will help burn fats and turn them into energy that you need to use by increasing your physical activity. By the way, reducing excess weight will also positively affect sexual function.
According to research findings, maca can boost sexual desire, enhance fertility by increasing seminal volume, sperm quantity, and sperm motility. In addition, the root can help depressed individuals enhance sexual function.
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T. Zenico et al. (2009) performed a double-blind study including 50 male persons experiencing mild ED. 25 men took maca root (2,400 mg), while the others were given a placebo. After 3 months, the first group of participants reported substantially increased erectile function compared to their placebo counterparts. The researchers draw a conclusion that maca-containing supplements have a small but tangible effect on sexual function in mild ED patients.
L-Arginine
Using high levels of L-arginine amino acid is considered a commonly accepted method of ED treatment. This amino acid can be found in a number of food products. It owes its efficacy to the ability to affect blood vessels passing through tissues in the penile area. However, in case of a heart disease history this Viagra alternative should be avoided or taken after a doctor’s approval, as it can widen blood vessels in the whole circulatory system.
Caution. Viagra and L-arginine should not be combined, as it can lead to a sharp decrease in blood pressure.
Pomegranates
If a man has many medical conditions, it is more difficult to fight erectile dysfunction. Taking pomegranates will help to experience many additional health advantages. Besides, you will not face any side effects or interaction with other remedies. Juice consumption is the most common way of taking this Viagra alternative. Although there are no scientific proves of the efficiency of this fruit, it will definitely not damage your health.
According to the research held by J. Rajfer in 2008, pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants, which contribute to maintaining nitric oxide levels. This in turn leads to increased erection.
Caution. If you take Viagra, it is best to stay away from pomegranate juice. It can make the effect of sildenafil (the main component of Viagra) less predictable.
Yohimbe
This drug is gaining popularity very fast due to the fact that it is a completely natural remedy, whose effect is almost identic to Viagra. The only one disadvantage that consumers face is that American doctors are not eager to prescribe this supplement. The access to it is rather limited. Of course, you may purchase thus drug over-the-counter, but side effects, especially in case of overdosing, may occur. Taking this herb, which is considered a powerful stimulant, is like taking a huge dose of caffeine. That is why uncontrolled consuming can cause headache, panic and jitter. Besides, men who have problems with heart are not recommended to take it because this supplement increases blood pressure.
There was study held by Lahey Clinical Center for Sexual Function, where men with ED aged from 40 to 80 participated. They had to take Yohimbine three times a day. The dose increased gradually: from 5.4 mg at first intake to 10.8 mg at third one. More than a half of men who participated in that research experienced positive results. The study’s confirmation was formal testing and checking penile tumescence and rigidity of the penis. Participants did not face any side effects or other discomfort.
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One of safe products based on yohimbine is Yohimbe-1200*. It improves both male and female libido. If you take it according to the instructions, the risk of side effects is very low.
Tongkat Ali
Its second name is eurycoma longifolia. In Asia, it is called Malaysian ginseng. This therapeutic herb originates from Malaysian rain forests. Traditional medicine promotes using this medication very much. It is appreciated by its ability to increase libido in a healthy way as well as to avert various sexual medical condition, which appear because of ageing. Placebo-based study held in 2012 showed that those participants who took tongkat ali daily experienced dramatic improvement of their erectile function.
Cordyceps
This is a mushroom extract, which has Chinese and Tibet origin. It is famous for boosting the testosterone rate and increasing the flow of blood, which consequently positively influences sexual activity. According to the expert from University College London’s Medical School Dr John Briffa, one of the substance’s component is a type of sugar called fucose. It prevents ageing process & encourages the increasing of blood circulation in sexual organs.
With the help of the study conducted on rats researches have concluded that there is a connection between the dose and effectiveness of the drug. The bigger dose provides better results.
Besides, the power of Cordyceps as supporter and enhancer of testicular function has been proved. Moreover, scientists have discovered that Cordyceps can increase the level of testosterone in the body, which positively affects sexual function.
We can compare Cordyceps with some superfood, which has only positive impact on our body. It has a number of advantages: there are no difficulties to get it, this substance is easily digestible, moreover it is very efficient in maintaining your sexual fitness. However, you will have to wait till its efficiency is achieved.
Complex Natural Supplements
Powerful plant components are often combined in a single supplement. One of the well-known examples is Yagara** (natural Viagra). It contains several powerful plant components that affect the body multilaterally by increasing sexual desire and erectile function. In particular, this supplement includes:
• Tribulus Terrestris;
• Mucuna Pruriens;
• Lata Karanja and other ayurvedic plant extracts.
This drug is useful for both sexes. Women in case of decreased libido can also use this herbal Viagra, as its components have a positive effect on the female body.
Do Viagra Alternatives Really Work?
Definitely, natural alternatives to Viagra work. As you could see above, many of them are science-backed.
However, they have a drawback: their effect is not immediate. Natural supplements show their useful effect gradually. To get the maximum effect, you need to take a natural supplement for a few weeks. However, the first improvements will be visible within a few days of supplementation.
Conclusion
If you want to increase the libido & enhance the sexual function naturally, you can choose any natural supplement. But if you want a very fast effect in half an hour you should choose Viagra tablets.
In addition, you should follow a balanced diet and lead a healthy lifestyle, in particular do some exercises on a daily basis. Proper diet will fit any Viagra form you take.
Taking “natural Viagra substitutes” as well as herbal remedies in case of suffering from erectile dysfunctions of any severity will be efficient and safe if you consult a licensed specialist before starting treatment.
It is worth remembering that a man should not try to deal with his problem alone. His beloved one has to ensure care, love and attention. In this way, a man will be able to cope with his problem whatever Viagra alternative he chooses.
Dr. Douglas Goldberg, MD is a Cardiology Specialist in Mineola, NY. He is affiliated with medical facilities Nyu Winthrop Hospital and Mercy Medical Center.
