Natural treatments for erectile dysfunction are not just a load of hooey. And they’re not for pussies, either. For some men, ED is simply a result of nutrient deficiency, stress, or a lack of exercise. Rather than taking a prescription drug or going to testosterone therapy for hormone injections, why not try natural treatments like vitamins and lifestyle changes that will not just address the root cause of your erectile dysfunction, but also improve your overall health?
Disclaimer: Hormone therapy and prescription drugs are sometimes necessary to improve erectile dysfunction. Below, we offer some natural alternatives, but these are not always sufficient remedies for extreme cases of ED. Speak to your doctor to determine what’s best for your unique case.
Best Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
1. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral found in nature and essential to the health of the human body. Paradoxically, though, the human body does not produce it. We must get it from outside sources like supplements or zinc-rich foods, such as beef liver, shellfish, cashews, dark chocolate, and green beans.
Zinc is essential for cellular health as well as our immune systems, but it’s also been shown to improve erectile function in male rats. In a study published in 2009, male rats that received a regular dosage of zinc were able to thrust and ejaculate longer. These findings prove that zinc can have a positive effect on a human male penis’s ability to “get up.” Plus it’s all natural, which is great news for men who want to try natural methods before medication.
The current RDA, or recommended daily amount of intake for zinc is 11 mg per day for male adults 19 years of age and over. However, for men who are deficient in zinc, the RDA is 2-3 times the normal amount, or 4-6 times the normal amount if your body is completely depleted of the mineral.
2. Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng is an herb that grows in China, Korea, and Siberia. It’s been used for centuries to cure a host of different ailments, including ED. Nicknamed “nature’s Viagra,” panax ginseng has been scientifically proven to improve ED in men.
But don’t run out and buy some regular old ginseng from the grocery store. Panax is a specific type of ginseng, and other types may not produce the same effects. It may sometimes be sold as “red ginseng,” so be sure you read the supplement label carefully before you buy it.
Experts recommend that men who suffer from ED take 1400-2700 mg of this herb a day in capsule supplement form for at least 12 weeks.
3. Folic acid
This supplement is a synthesized version of a B vitamin, and it improves cardiovascular as well as cellular health. In a study published in 2019, researchers found that folic acid supplements improved ED in the male participants.
The RDA for folic acid for adults over 14 years old is 400 mcg per day.
4. Vitamin D
Erectile dysfunction has been linked over and over again to a lack of Vitamin D in studies like this one. This supplement has several benefits, and among them are the improvement of blood flow and the support of the production of testosterone. The latter is the primary male sex hormone, and low levels of it are often to blame for the development of ED.
Many people are Vitamin D deficient, but it can easily be remedied by spending more time out in the sunlight, and taking it in a supplementary capsule form. The current RDA for Vitamin D is 600 IU per day for adults.
5. Vitamin C
You’ve probably taken in extra Vitamin C before, maybe even without knowing it. The orange juice you drank for breakfast contains Vitamin C, as do many other fruits and vegetables.
This supplement is popular because it fortifies your immune system, but it’s also been found to help men with ED. Vitamin C improves blood flow, which helps your penis erect, and boosts your testosterone levels.
The RDA for Vitamin C for men over 19 years old is 90 mg. However, according to a Harvard Health expert, adults can safely take up to 2000 mg per day.
6. L-arginine and pycnogenol
L-arginine is an amino acid that aids your body’s production of proteins. On its own, it doesn’t appear to improve ED. However, combined with other natural supplements like Pycnogenol, it’s been shown to cure ED in some men.
When ingested, Pycnogenol produces nitric oxide in the human body, which in turn facilitates penile erection. L-arginine helps Pycnogenol produce the nitric oxide. Therefore, it’s essential to take them together.
Experts suggest taking 2.5-5 mg of L-arginine to help with ED. Furthermore, men with ED have found success in improving their situation by taking 40 mg of Pycnogenol twice daily.
Contact Viking Man
While we can’t deny the impact of modern medicine, we should not overlook the power of natural remedies. If you would like to speak with a medical professional about what natural treatment might work best for you, click here to get in contact with one of Viking Man’s licensed doctors and have them create a personalized plan for you.
