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Natural Therapies
For Relieving Erectile Dysfunction
Until recently, the very mention of erectile dysfunction
or impotence could bring about a blush to even the most manly
of men. Embarrassing as it may be, erectile dysfunction affects
more than 18 million men in America. It can vary in severity from
an inability to achieve, maintain and sustain an erection, to
an inability to achieve an orgasm, even though a healthy sexual
desire exists. Because of the sensitive nature of this disorder,
it often goes unreported.
Achieving a normal erection is a complex process.
It involves psychological impulses from the brain, adequate levels
of testosterone (male sex hormone), a functioning nervous system,
and healthy vascular tissue of the penis.
Electrical impulses from the brain, when stimulated,
cause the nerves in the penis to release nitric oxide. This, in
turn, increases the production of guanylate MonoPhosphate (cGMP)
in the muscle cells of the corpora cavernosa (the tissue of the
penis, consisting of smooth muscles, fibrous tissues, spaces,
veins and arteries). The cGMP triggers the muscles of the corpora
cavernosa to relax and fill with blood, which causes the penis
to expand.
Because of the intricate nature of the physiological
processes involved, a number of different factors can interfere
with a man’s ability to achieve a normal and healthy erection.
The most common of these is aging. As a man gets older, his ability
to produce nitric oxide decreases, thus affecting the proper functioning
of the corpora cavernosa.
A number of health issues can also underscore this
disorder. The most frequently seen are diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
Diabetes, for example, can damage the sensory nerves in the body.
In turn, individuals who suffer from hypertension exhibit low
nitric oxide production. Other factors that can contribute to
erectile dysfunction include cardiovascular disease, nerve or
spinal cord damage, cigarette smoking, low testosterone levels,
prescription medications, depression, stress and anxiety.
Until recently, it was believed that little could
be done to help a man who is suffering from erectile dysfunction,
but there are a number of natural alternative health remedies
that can be tried before having to rely on the “little blue
pill."
Recommendations For Wellness
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If you think your stress, anxiety or depression
is affecting you physically, perhaps psychological counseling,
meditation, bio-feedback or hypnotherapy can help.
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If you are taking prescription medications
such as MAO inhibitors or anti-hypertensives, talk to your
doctor about their possible side effects.
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Have your hormone levels checked. You might
be suffering from low testosterone levels. In some en, low
levels of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have also
been reported. DHEA is essential for the production of testosterone.
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Quit smoking -Try supplementing with
the amino acid L-arginine. Nitric oxide formation depends
on sufficient levels of L-arginine in the body and has been
found particularly effective for men with abnormal nitric
oxide metabolism.
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Yohimbe bark has a history of helping men
with erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe dilates blood vessels and
may help regardless of the underlying cause. If you are on
prescription medications, talk to your doctor before taking
yohimbe.
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Muria puama can be used to increase the libido
and erectile strength. It works best when combined with yohimbe
bark. This combination can be found in Nature’s Sunshine’s
X-Action for Men.
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In Mexico, the herb damiana is used as a male
aphrodisiac and is an herb traditionally recommended for men
with erectile dysfunction.
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In Peru, maca is known as a potent aphrodisiac.
Maca is often called the herbal “Viagra” and does
not alter circulation. Instead it works to regulate hormones
and bring the body back into balance.
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Asian (panax) ginseng is an herb that has
long been used to support male potency.
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Sarsaparilla has a history of being used as
a tonic for male sexual potency and is thought to assist in
the production of testosterone.
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Some men find relief when taking ginkgo biloba.
Ginkgo biloba supports blood circulation and may help by increasing
blood flow to the penis. This supplement is not recommended
if you are taking any kind of prescription blood thinner.
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Traditionally used to lessen the symptoms
of an enlarged prostate, saw palmetto stimulates a low libido
and increases sexual energy.
