Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is one of the most widespread conditions that millions of men face in their lifetime. They have defined it as an inability to conceive or maintain a erection for sex. That is why men are constantly searching for remedies and treatments that can improve the sexual function and performance. One such remedy, erection tea, has been very popular in recent years. The tea is alleged to be an aphrodisiac and helps to boost erectile function. But does it actually work for ED? In this essay, let’s see if erection tea is ED friendly and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using it for treating ED.
What is erection tea?
The term erection tea refers to a number of herbal teas that have been used to increase sexual function and reduce ED. These teas are usually brewed with herbs like ginseng, ginkgo biloba, maca, and saw palmetto. Such herbs have been researched extensively as aphrodisiacs and for their ability to enhance sex.
Ginseng:
Ginseng is an ingredient that most erection teas contain. The drug is reported to improve erectile function by stimulating nitric oxide, widening blood vessels and enhancing blood flow to the penis. A meta-analysis of 28 randomised controlled trials showed that ginseng was as effective at improving erectile function as placebo (Lee et al., 2014).
Ginkgo Biloba:
Another herb that is frequently found in erection teas is Ginkgo biloba. It also increased sexual function by increasing blood flow to the genitals. In a 60-man ED study, eight weeks of ginkgo biloba administration resulted in better erectile function than placebo (Ito et al., 2006).
Maca:
Maca is a Peruvian herb that has been used for centuries to support sex performance. It has been used to improve erectile function and sexual desire in ED men. In one systematic review of six randomised controlled trials, maca was significantly more effective than placebo in treating erectile dysfunction (Shin et al., 2010).
Saw Palmetto:
Saw palmetto is an herb used in erection teas to improve prostate health and sexual function. It is reported to reduce urinary symptoms and increase sexual desire in ED men. In a study of 82 men with mild urinary tract symptoms, taking saw palmetto for six months was better than using a placebo for enhancing libido (Sinescu et al., 2011).
What does erection tea actually do for ED?
Erection tea manufacturers assert that their product contains herbal substances which increase blood flow to the penis and will create a more powerful and longer-lasting erection. The tea also increases testosterone, they argue, which could improve libido and sexual performance. There are even supplements that purport to soothe the mind, decreasing performance anxiety and helping you feel more comfortable during sex.
What does the research say?
For all that the manufacturers tell you, very little science exists about the use of erection tea to combat ED. Most of the research we’ve found has been on individual ingredients rather than the tea itself. Some of these herbs do indeed appear to enhance sexual function, though the evidence is inconclusive and there is much to learn.
A 2014 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that both ginseng and ginkgo biloba enhanced erectile function in ED men. But only 119 people participated, so the findings might not be universal. Yet another study on maca root, this time published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, indicated that it could improve sexual desire in mild ED men. But it was a small study – it included only 20 subjects – and it did not measure erectile function itself.
Note that these studies were based on specific components and not the blend found in erection tea. This makes it difficult to determine whether or not erection tea is effective for ED on the basis of these studies.
Do you see any potential side-effects?
Possible Side Effects
Though erection tea is an innocuous product, many of its ingredients have adverse reactions or side-effects on other drugs. Here are some of the major issues that concern me:
Ginseng: Ginseng is a very popular herbal supplement that is used for energy support; ginseng can interact with drugs. Examples include anticoagulants, including warfarin; the two medicines together may alter the effectiveness of the latter. Even the ideal doses cause headaches, sleeplessness or GI issues.
Horny Goat Weed: This is typically added for its allegedly erotic effects, but horny goat weed when consumed in excessive quantities leads to health problems. Through its use, individuals become dizzy, nauseated, or have an irregular heartbeat, particularly in people with cardiovascular diseases.
Yohimbine: One of the herbs used in a few erection teas, it is usually potent but can also lead to anxiety, tachycardia and perhaps elevated blood pressure. The drug is not prescribed to those who have hypertension or heart problems.
Other Herbs and Ingredients: There are other, lesser known, herbal ingredients that can be toxic. It’s easy to get allergic, and most teas containing exotic ingredients aren’t widely known to be safe.
Conclusion:
Erection tea is an herbal tea marketed to promote erectile function and sexual performance. Even though some of the active components in these herbal teas can enhance sexuality, there is very limited scientific evidence to support erection tea’s effectiveness in treating ED. More studies are needed in the field to clarify the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.
In a nutshell, though erection tea might be an effective and natural solution for men who want to try new ED treatments, it should not replace medical advice and therapy. Always consult a general physician prior to utilizing any new remedy or treatment for ED.
