Viagra, or its generic sildenafil, has long been the favored drug to treat male erectile dysfunction. It’s been there for over 20 years, and has been shown to enhance sexual performance. However, some men may shy away from taking Viagra due to the risk of side effects and the high price. That’s why there has recently been so much interest in natural Viagra alternatives. But the question is: are there really any good natural alternatives to Viagra?
First of all, you have to understand how Viagra works.
It’s part of a family of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It relaxes the muscles and increases the amount of blood that enters the penis to create a firm, durable erection. This is the mechanism of action behind Viagra’s potent ED effects. Yet herbal Viagra substitutes don’t typically work the same way, making them hard to measure.
Below are 5 natural Viagra alternatives proven to help boost sexual performance and ED:
1. Panax Ginseng
To begin with, the best natural alternative to Viagra is the herb ginseng. The herb has been widely employed in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is credited with increasing sexual performance and libido. Ginseng works by stimulating the production of nitric oxide, which in turn makes the muscles of the penis more comfortable, increasing the flow of blood to produce more robust, long-lasting erections. In addition, ginseng can also enhance sexual satisfaction and testosterone production, which makes it an ideal alternative to Viagra.
2. L-arginine
A second natural substitute for Viagra is the amino acid L-arginine. It’s a naturally occurring amino acid that makes nitric oxide which, like we said before, is crucial for the formation and maintenance of an erection. Research has demonstrated that taking L-arginine supplements significantly enhances erectile function and sexual performance in men. Also, it is said to enhance the quantity and quality of sperm, which makes it a promising treatment for couples experiencing fertility problems.
3. Yohimbe
Yohimbe is an African evergreen tree whose bark was traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. It contains a compound known as yohimbine, believed to increase blood circulation and prevent erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe comes in the form of supplements, but it is important to consult a physician prior to consumption as it can be harmful to those who suffer from certain conditions.
4. Maca Root
Maca root is an herb from Peru that acts as an aphrodisiac. Traditional medicine used it to improve sex function and fertility. The maca root is said to regulate hormones, enhance sexual desire, and enhance performance. It comes in capsules, powders, and extracts.
5. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is considered a natural Viagra due to its high antioxidant content and blood flow-enhancing properties. According to one study in the International Journal of Impotence Research, men who consumed pomegranate juice every day for four weeks gained greater erectile function. 8 ounces of fresh pomegranate juice should be taken per day to reap the full effects.
Bonus
6. Horny goat weed
This plant, also known as epimedium, has been used in Chinese medicine to treat ED for centuries. It acts by increasing blood flow to the penis, facilitating sexual function. In some research, horny goat weed is effective in preventing ED.
7. Ginkgo biloba
The root has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost circulation and blood circulation. It does this by increasing the body’s nitric oxide production and subsequently facilitating better sexual function. One research concluded that ginkgo biloba helped to prevent ED in antidepressant-treated men.
8. Tribulus terrestris
It is used in traditional medicine to increase sexual function and libido. It works by raising the levels of testosterone, the hormone that keeps an erection going. One study indicated that tribulus terrestris enhances sexual function in ED men.
9. Acupuncture
The ancient Chinese therapy uses tiny needles to stimulate the points on the body. It’s been clinically proven to be effective in treating ED, with one study reporting 39% of men reported increased sexual function following acupuncture.
10. Exercise and Lifestyle Changes
Lastly, even small lifestyle changes, including frequent physical activity and healthy weight, can help optimize sexual function. Exercise is effective at promoting blood flow and cardiovascular health, vital to proper sexual functioning. Additionally, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol can be also beneficial for sexual performance.
11. Zinc
Zinc is a critical mineral that helps men to function sexually. It contributes to testosterone production and it’s essential to the proper functioning of the male reproductive system. It has been reported that zinc supplementation can improve erectile dysfunction, especially in men with low zinc levels.
12. DHEA
This hormone is the body’s own naturally produced hormone, which is also involved in sex activity. There is evidence that DHEA supplements boost erectile function in men with low levels of the hormone.
13. Dietary changes
Healthy food, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can enhance health and sex function. Also, eating less processed foods and consuming less sugar and alcohol could benefit erectile function.
Conclusion:
This means that, while there are many natural alternatives to Viagra, their effectiveness and safety might vary. A few might behave the same way Viagra does, but some of them may not. It’s important for a patient to talk to a physician before taking a natural Viagra replacement because it interacts with medicines and may even produce side effects. Changing physical lifestyles and diet might also help improve sex function. Hence, what might suit a particular person also depends on their need and want.
