6 herbs for erectile dysfunction

Several herbs for erectile dysfunction have drawn interest as potential natural options for supporting erectile function. Ginseng, maca, yohimbine, ginkgo, cordyceps, and ashwagandha, have shown potential for supporting erectile function in small studies with varying levels of research done in humans. However, the evidence is limited, and we still don't know much about the safety of using herbs for erectile dysfunction (ED). Ahead, we'll cover the most promising herbs, potential side effects, and evidence-based alternatives.

For centuries, herbs such as ginseng, maca, yohimbe, ginkgo, cordyceps, and ashwagandha have been used in traditional medicine as aphrodisiacs. While none are approved treatments for ED today, they're thought to influence factors such as blood flow, libido, and mood, which may help support erectile function.

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1. Ginseng

Ginseng is a root that’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to its potential medicinal properties and aphrodisiac nature. There are several types of ginseng that are used for sexual function, including Panax ginseng (Asian or Korean ginseng) and American ginseng. 

Panax ginseng is believed to help ED by potentially improving blood flow and enhancing nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a gas that widens and relaxes blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the penis, which may improve blood flow to support erections.

American ginseng, on the other hand, may support erectile function in another way. Because stress and anxiety can interfere with sexual desire, arousal, and the ability to get or maintain an erection, American ginseng's potential stress-reducing properties may indirectly benefit some men with ED. That said, most research has focused on Panax ginseng so far. 

In one multicenter study, ginseng extract was found to improve erectile function and premature ejaculation in men with mild-to-moderate ED compared to placebo. According to researchers, this may be due to ginsenosides, the main compounds in ginseng, which may promote the production of nitric oxide. While this may seem promising, the evidence is limited. Although it may work on mechanisms similar to Viagra (sildenafil) and tadalafil (Cialis), most studies are small, and a more recent analysis of one of the most influential studies found the results were far from conclusive.

Overall, larger studies are needed before ginseng can be considered an effective remedy for ED.

2. Maca

Maca is a Peruvian plant that’s closely related to cruciferous vegetables (think: cabbage, broccoli). It’s also known as Peruvian ginseng and plant Viagra — and, like ginseng, is traditionally known as an aphrodisiac.  

In a small study, maca was found to improve symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism such as low sexual desire and ED, though it did not appear to change testosterone levels.

Other research suggests that maca may increase some degree of sexual desire, which, in turn, may promote better erectile function and health. Think of it this way: The lower your sex drive, the less likely you are to get and keep a strong erection. So, a boosted libido may contribute to more arousal and better erections. 

That being said, the overall evidence supporting maca for ED is limited, and researchers are still learning how it might work for sexual function in humans.

3. Yohimbine

Yohimbine is a substance derived from the bark of an African tree. Traditionally, yohimbe has been used as an aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant, and yohimbine has been studied for its potential effects on erectile function, but findings are mixed.

A meta-analysis of eight studies suggests that yohimbine may be able to address ED when used alongside other treatments. The herb's potential benefits may stem from its ability to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow. It may also block certain receptors (alpha-2 adrenergic receptors) involved in inhibiting erections. 

But again, while the meta-analysis found yohimbine was superior to placebo, the overall evidence remains limited. Guidelines generally do not recommend the use of yohimbe because it can be associated with side effects, such as anxiety, difficulty sleeping, chest pain, and hypertension (high blood pressure). It can also interact with some medications, such as antidepressants and blood pressure drugs. 

These are just some of the reasons why you should always consult a healthcare provider before trying anything new, including an herb for ED like yohimbine. 

4. Ginkgo

Ginkgo or ginkgo biloba is a large, long-lived tree that’s native to Eastern China whose leaves (through which extract is made) are often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various conditions, including ED.

One way ginkgo is thought to improve ED is through its effect on low mood and depression, a major risk factor for ED. Animal studies have found that ginkgo extract may increase dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that have been linked to depression when their levels are too low. However, more human studies and clinical trials are needed.

According to another study, ginkgo extract may increase nitric oxide, which may boost blood flow and support erections. The catch? The study focused on just 80 people with coronary artery disease, so it was a small study on a specific population.

Larger studies with broader inclusion criteria are needed to draw a solid link between ginkgo, nitric oxide, and ED. 

5. Cordyceps

If you’re familiar with medicinal mushrooms, you’ve likely heard of cordyceps. In traditional Chinese medicine, they’re used to ease issues, such as fatigue, coughing, and kidney problems. But they’re also used for the enhancement of sexual function, which gives them a place on this roundup of herbs for ED. 

While studies on cordyceps and ED are limited, some research attributes the potential sexual effects to cordycepin, a main compound in the mushrooms that may boost the release of testosterone. And because testosterone supports libido and sexual desire, this may support healthy erections.

In an animal study, cordyceps were shown to improve sexual dysfunction in diabetic rats. Researchers concluded that this effect might be due to cordyceps acting as an analogue of adenosine, a chemical with vasodilation (i.e. blood vessel widening), which may increase blood flow and support erections.

However, far more research is needed on humans before we can determine whether cordyceps is an effective treatment for ED. 

6. Ashwagandha

Another potential herb for ED, ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda, a traditional medicine system in India, for thousands of years. It’s an evergreen shrub, but the root is used to treat various ailments, including issues with sexual performance.

Ashwagandha may benefit ED by increasing levels of testosterone. Low testosterone levels can reduce sexual desire, making it difficult to get hard; so, a boost in the hormone might help with getting and maintaining an erection if you have a testosterone deficiency. 

Results of small trials of ashwagandha are mixed, meaning some studies find a benefit while other studies suggest ashwagandha does not help with ED. So, more research is needed before it can be linked to better erections.

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Herbs are considered dietary supplements, so they’re not regulated by the FDA in the same way as conventional drug products. This means they don’t have to go through the same rigorous testing for safety and efficacy and can hit the market without prior FDA approval for safety and efficacy.

There's only a small amount of research on herbal supplements and herbs for ED, and many of the studies have been small and focused on animals rather than humans. Currently, there isn't evidence that herbal approaches are effective or safe for treating ED.

Herbs for ED can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications, possibly changing how they work or increasing the risk of side effects. 

While research on herb-drug interactions is limited, experts recommend talking to a healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements, especially if you take medication for high blood pressure, blood clotting, depression, or diabetes. 

For example, ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners, while ginseng may interact with antidepressants.

To date, there’s minimal evidence that herbs are viable natural remedies for erectile dysfunction. Researchers are also still learning about how these herbs might work, if at all.

Many evidence-backed ED treatments have been proven safe and effective, ranging from lifestyle changes to prescription drugs. Here are a few alternatives to herbs for ED:

Try prescription medications

 If you’re experiencing ED, consult a healthcare provider, as they can determine what might be causing your erection difficulties and how to best address them.

The first line of treatment for ED is often a prescription medication, such as Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil) — both of which are part of the drug class known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors work in part by increasing blood flow to the penis when sexually aroused, which promotes stronger, longer-lasting erections.

You can also get the benefits of PDE5 inhibitors through other, non-pill formats. Ro Sparks, for example, combines sildenafil and tadalafil in a sublingual treatment that dissolves under the tongue for fast-acting effects. And Daily Rise Gummies feature 7 mg of tadalafil in a fruit-flavored gummy. While these last two options are compounded medications and have not been FDA-approved, their active ingredients have been individually FDA-approved for the treatment of ED.

Get enough sleep 

Lack of sleep can harm many aspects of health, including sexual function. Not only has poor sleep overall been associated with ED, but sleep apnea and sleep deprivation, in particular, may contribute to ED. 

Plus, lack of sleep can increase your chances of developing conditions that affect blood flow and increase your risk of ED over time, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. In short, getting enough sleep is key for sexual function and wellbeing, so aim for 7–9 hours per night.

Take care of your mental health

Stress can affect many aspects of life, including sexual performance. After all, getting and maintaining an erection — as well as feeling in the mood to begin with — is just as much about mental health as it is about physical health.

Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help address ED by improving mental health. You can also speak to a mental health professional, who can help you develop a better understanding of your emotional and mental wellbeing. 

They might also suggest additional treatment options, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication, depending on your symptoms. Certain antidepressants can also make ED worse, so it's important to stay in close touch with a healthcare provider about treatment response.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity is key for improving cardiovascular health, which is important for supporting healthy blood flow to the penis, a crucial component of erections.

In addition to improving blood pressure and blood flow, regular exercise may also increase chemicals that boost penile blood flow, such as nitric oxide. Working out can also support sleep and mental health, both of which contribute to erectile function.

More alternative treatments to herbs for ED

Making changes to your lifestyle can also have a positive impact on erectile function. Research suggests that improving your eating habits, quitting smoking, cutting out excess alcohol intake, and staying physically active can improve the blood flow and cardiovascular health needed for healthy erections.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet promotes cardiovascular health, which is closely linked to erectile function. Quitting smoking and reducing excess alcohol intake can help protect the blood vessels and nerve function needed for erections. And Kegel exercises may strengthen the muscles that support erections, improving erectile function in some men.

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Compared with prescription medication, herbs for ED can be enticing because they're inexpensive and accessible without a prescription But these products aren't necessarily the best choice for addressing ED symptoms. Here's what we know:

• Some herbs may help support erectile function, but research is limited. While ingredients such as ginseng and maca have shown promise in small studies, none have been proven to treat ED or been approved by the FDA for this purpose.

• Herbal supplements aren’t always safe. They can vary in quality and interact with certain medications, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider before using them.

• Prescription ED medication remains the most effective option. Medications such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil), along with healthy lifestyle habits, have much stronger evidence for treating ED and can be safe in many people.