If you have ever thought of using Viagra (Sildenafil) to help strengthen your erection or make it last longer, then think again. Known to increase the blood supply to the blood vessels of your penis, the little blue pill has a number of side effects like headaches and painful erections. What’s more this drug should not be used if you have heart disease.
But if you’d still like to use something to give your erection a boost, here are some herbs that work just as well.
Ginseng
A herb used in Chinese medicine, ginseng contains a compound called ginsenoside that acts on the body the same way as Vigra, sans the side effects. In fact, according to a study[1] conducted in 2002, men who had ginseng for eight weeks showed better results than those who merely took a placebo. Even though, the herb doesn’t show immediate results like Viagra, using it for a period of time has been known to improve sexual performance.
Epimedium (Horny goat weed)
Found only in China, epimedium has around 50 species – and extracts from some of them are believed to have aphrodisiacal properties. Icaarin, a flavonoid present in these plants is believed to boost sexual performance and is present in many herbal supplements. Like Viagra, Icaarin also works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5 in the penis.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is a wonder herb used for treating many ailments, especially prostate enlargement and urinary tract infections. Even though, it’s efficacy as an impotence drug has not been established it is considered good for sexual health as an enlarged prostate or any urological ailment can seriously hamper a person’s desire and performance.
Yohimbe
Derived from the bark of pausilinia yohimbe, this herb has proven to be useful in treating erectile dysfunction. The herb works as a sexual stimulant by blocking alpha-2 andrenergic receptors and improving blood flow to the penis. Additionally, it helps in the production of the chemical norepinephrone which in turn helps in getting an erection.
A drug called yohimbine hydrochloride has been approved by the US FDA for treating erectile dysfunction.
Ginkgo bilboa
Growing only in some parts of China, ginkgo bilboa works as an aphrodisiac by improving blood circulation in your body. Most erectile dysfunction issues are caused due to lack of blood supply to the penis, and increasing blood circulation in the body should be the number one agenda for people suffering from the ailment. Besides this, gingko bilboa also helps in easing anxiety related problems that lead to ED.
Sometimes, manufacturers just add some herbs to regular Viagra and sell it as herbal Viagra. Be wary of such products.
