While many natural remedies for ED are available in stores and online, none have received FDA approval.
The FDA does not recommend using OTC products for ED because no authorities regulate them for safety or effectiveness. These products often contain undisclosed ingredients, inappropriate doses of prescription drugs, or different doses of ingredients than the label suggests.
The Urology Care Foundation agrees, saying that although supplements are popular and often cheaper than prescription drugs, they are not guaranteed to be safe or effective.
There are very few studies on the safety of natural remedies for ED. Some remedies have side effects varying from mild to severe.
Furthermore, a 2014 study into four popular herbal substances used for ED found that uncontrolled availability of potentially harmful substances was a cause for public health concern. The researchers concluded that extensive study and monitoring are necessary.
The following list looks at some common natural remedies that people use for ED:
L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid, which is a building block of protein. It is a vasodilator, meaning that it can help open up the blood vessels. In theory, this could increase blood flow to the penis and help produce an erection.
A study from 2017 reported that many people with ED had low L-arginine levels, which suggests the two may be linked.
However, scientific studies have not proven that taking L-arginine supplements can treat ED. More research is necessary before researchers know the safety and effectiveness of this remedy.
People should avoid taking L-arginine alongside prescription ED drugs, such as Viagra, as this combination can cause blood pressure to drop too low. It can also lead to headaches or flushing.
Side effects of L-arginine may include nausea, stomach cramps, low blood pressure, and increased blood sugar levels.
Propionyl-L-carnitine
An older 2004 study on men with ED and diabetes found that taking propionyl-L-carnitine alongside sildenafil could improve erectile function better than taking sildenafil alone.
That said, more studies are needed before researchers know the actual safety and effectiveness of this treatment.
Side effects are usually mild and can include a skin rash, nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn. This substance may not be safe for people with vascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver cirrhosis, among other conditions.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) helps create sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels decrease as a person gets older, which may cause a decrease in sexual function.
While some studies suggest that DHEA supplements could help with ED, others have found no evidence of their benefit.
DHEA generally causes few side effects when people take it orally in recommended doses. Possible side effects can include fatigue, headaches, acne, and an irregular heartbeat.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba may increase blood flow to the penis, which could improve sexual desire and counter ED.
However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that there is no solid evidence that ginkgo is beneficial for any health condition.
Side effects of this supplement include headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, palpitations, and constipation.
It can also increase the risk of bleeding and may be dangerous for people taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), or those with other bleeding disorders.
Ginseng
Ginseng, or Panax ginseng, is a popular home remedy. Certain chemicals in this plant may promote the relaxation of the body’s smooth muscles, helping produce an erection.
A 2012 study suggested that ginseng berry extract could help treat mild to moderate ED, though more high-quality research is necessary to confirm this.
The most common side effect of ginseng is insomnia. Other side effects include increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, and headaches.
Read more about ginseng and ED here.
Yohimbine
Yohimbine, the main component of an African tree’s bark, is a traditional aphrodisiac.
The NCCIH report that there is not enough evidence that yohimbine from tree bark can treat ED.
Yohimbine hydrochloride, a different form of yohimbine, is available as a prescription drug for ED. This is a different product than dietary supplements made from tree bark.
Studies have linked yohimbine with serious side effects, such as heart attack and seizures. Other side effects include stomach problems, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Horny goat weed
Epimedium grandiflorum, also known as horny goat weed, is a traditional remedy for increasing fertility.
A 2010 study found that the active component of horny goat weed, icariin, may have positive effects if treating ED caused by nerve injury. However, researchers conducted this study on lab-grown nerve cells and rats with injured nerves.
This supplement is often well-tolerated, but there is not enough evidence to support its use. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and dry mouth.
