Out of the Closet: Discussing Erectile Dysfunction

Out of the Closet

“It is not that more men are having sexual problems, it is that the subject is out of the closet, or the bedroom,” David Winston RH, founder, Herbalist & Alchemist, said. There are many reasons why someone may have erectile dysfunction (ED); it is often associated with other conditions such as diabetes or atherosclerosis, which impair circulation to the small capillaries and reduce penile blood flow. According to Winston, supplements that are profoundly rich in antioxidants make sense for addressing ED symptoms. A product combining solid extracts of blueberry, elderberry and hawthorn solid extract is used by Winston. He noted amla fruit, turmeric and green tea are also powerful anti-inflammatories and reduce oxidative damage to the small capillaries. Additionally, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, alpha lipoic acid and L-carnitine can be promising nutrients based on their antioxidant profile.

Dietary supplements that stimulate circulation and penile blood flow such as standardized ginkgo extract, goji berry, prickly ash and butcher’s broom can be potentially used to address these issues. Herbs such as yohimbe that act as male sexual stimulants can also be attractive to the male consumer. However, yohimbe is drug-like in its effects; Winston suggests herbs such as muira puama, a mild sexual stimulant, and horny goat weed.

Is there an herb equivalent to Viagra or Cialis? The answer is no. “An herb will not have the immediate effect of a pharmaceutical,” Winston said. “If one does it is probably spiked with a pharmaceutical. There are significant differences but herbs can and do play a useful role here.”

Interestingly herbs can also address conditions like performance anxiety in younger men. Nervines such as fresh oat extract and calming botanicals like passion flower, skullcap, linden flower and others of similar nature are up-and-coming herbs that help reduce anxiety levels, Winston noted.

“Americans are the most overmedicated people in the world means more cases of sexual dysfunction,” Winston said. “People are living longer, so there will continue to be more men with prostate conditions and who will experience ED. The longer men live, the greater chance they will experience these problems.”