Effective & Trusted Medications Guide

Erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as ‘impotence’ - is the repetitive inability to get or maintain a sufficiently firm erection, if any at all, enabling to have sexual intercourse. It commonly hits the men in the elderly (over 65), however, it can occur at any age due to a preexisting physical medical condition (e.g., cardiovascular disorders), psychological factors (e.g., depression & too much stress) or as a side-effects of some pharmaceutical medications while on treatment.

Alternative treatment techniques penetrated the whole range of existing ailments and health conditions… Erectile Dysfunction made no exception.

Below is presented the list of 5 natural remedies that are used to treat erectile dysfunction.

1. L-Arginine – is an amino acid naturally-occurring in the human body and participating in the making of nitric oxide, which is a substance signalizing the smooth muscles that envelop blood vessels to relax… and as a result – blood vessels dilate and blood flow increases. All significant increase of blood flow through the penis results in an erection.

Sources:     L-Arginine occurs naturally in different foods, such as dairy products, meat, fish and poultry. However, vegetarians or meat & fish dislikers can opt for a dietary supplement version of L-Arginine, which is quite often marketed as a “natural Viagra”.

Scientific background:    Only 2 clinical studies, however, assessed the effectiveness of L-Arginine in treating erectile dysfunction.

Study #1: was conducted over the period of 6 weeks and involved the participation of 50 men taking either L-Arginine (5 grams a day) or a placebo. The conclusive results confirmed the prevailing efficacy of L-Arginine as compared to a placebo. Interestingly enough, only men with the initial deficiency of nitric oxide benefited from L-Arginine use.

Study #2: was conducted over a shorter period of 17 days and involved the participation of 32 men suffering from erectile dysfunction. A smaller dose of L-Arginine (500 milligrams 3 times a day) than in the previous study or a placebo were used. Unfortunately, no benefit whatsoever was revealed… Oral L-Arginine wasn’t any better than the placebo.

As for possible side effects they mostly include digestive discomfort. Since L-Arginine in high doses may intensify the secretion of stomach acid, individuals with ulcer or patients taking stomach-unfriendly drugs should avoid L-Arginine use.
L-Arginine may also affect potassium levels in the body and quite significantly in people with liver disease. Therefore, patients that are being treated with medications altering potassium levels, such as potassium sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors should NOT take L-Arginine.

2. Gingko – also going by the name ‘maidenhair tree’ is a tree originating from the Oriental world that has been long used to treat male impotence… especially in men who obtained the condition as a side-effect of anti-depressant treatment. Gingko is known to relax smooth muscle in the penis and thus enhance blood flow through the penis. And that’s about all you need to get a firm erection.

Scientific background:    Only a few clinical studies evaluated the effectiveness of Gingko in treating erectile dysfunction.

Study #1: was conducted over the period of 6 months and involved the participation of 60 men. Only half of them revealed a noticeable amelioration of erectile dysfunction condition.

Two additional clinical studies, however, revealed no significant advantage of gingko over the placebo.

3. Propionyl-L-Carnitine – and its use along with the use of another carnitine form - acetyl-L-carnitine were subject to examination in 96 men who suffered from erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery.

Members of the first group were given a placebo; members in the other group took a combination of propionyl-L-carnitine (2 grams per day) + acetyl-L-carnitine (2 grams per day) + sildenafil (Viagra) but only when needed. Members of the third group were treated with Viagra blue pills alone.
The #2 group combination of Propionyl-L-carnitine + acetyl-L-carnitine revealed itself as enhancing the effectiveness of Viagra, as a result a significant improvement of erectile function was detected.  The whole experience of love-making was taken to a higher level of quality, sexual intercourse being satisfying and orgasmic feelings explosive-like…as compared to cases of Viagra used alone.

Study #2 examined whether men suffering from erectile dysfunction and who were previously unresponsive to Viagra alone would manifest amelioration of symptoms when treated with a combination of propionyl-L-carnitine supplements + Viagra.
The study was conducted over the period of 24 weeks. Participants were either given 2 grams propionyl-L-carnitine per day + 50 milligrams Viagra two times a week or Viagra alone. The conclusive results confirmed that Viagra supplemented with propionyl-L-carnitine was a significantly more effective treatment method for male impotence.

4. Zinc – is an important trace mineral critical for proper functioning of our body’s immune system. Interestingly, if zinc deficiency occurs due to a long-term use of diuretics or certain health disorders, such as diabetes, digestive ailments and kidney/liver disease – erectile dysfunction may follow.

5. Ashwagandha – also going by the name Indian Ginseng, is a herb that affects the body similarly to classic Ginseng, i.e., produces a powerful energy-increasing, stamina-boosting and sexual-enhancing effect. Unfortunately, no studies whatsoever were conducted in order to determine whether it’s effective in treating male impotence.

Ashwagandha has a mild side effect, which is drowsiness. Therefore, it shouldn’t be combined with sedative medications.

Yohimbe - Not Recommended! 

A compound called yohimbine and extracted from the bark of the west African Yohimbe tree is believed to increase blood flow to the penis, boost libido and shorten the regenerative waiting-period in between ejaculations.

However, Yohimbe is not at all recommended for use, no matter the doses! Because even in small amounts it may provoke dizziness, a severe hypotension attack (low blood pressure), anxiety, excessive fatigue, abdominal pain, hallucinations and even paralysis.