Herbs that May Help Erection Problems

It is estimated that over 30 million American men suffer from some type of erectile dysfunction. Some cases are psychological, but many others are health related. Diabetes and heart diseases are some of the leading causes of impotence.

Today's market is full of prescription drugs, ointments, injections and even penile implants. If you aren't ready to try these methods, you may get acceptable results from some herbal remedies.

Fava beans contain a compound called L-dopa. It is used to treat Parkinson's disease and could cause priapism in high doses. But it's a safe bet that eating 8-16 ounces of fava beans will not cause this painful experience, but could be enough L-dopa to assist an erection. Fava beans have a long history of being an aphrodisiac. Fava bean sprouts may also be beneficial as they contain more L-dopa than the beans themselves.

Velvet bean seeds are also another good source of L-dopa.

Gingko biloba is known to help with improving blood flow to the brain, but could be beneficial in improving blood flow to the penis as well. Increased blood flow means an increased erection.

Yohimbe can help produce erections but can also come with some unwanted side effects like anxiety, headache, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. If you want to try yohimbe you may consider the prescription form because the compounds that cause the unwanted side effects have been removed. This product is yohimbine hydrochloride or Yokon or Yohimex.

Anise has estrogenic properties giving it the effects of the female hormone estrogen. But many men have claimed it has androgenic effects on them. Androgens are male sex hormones. It couldn't hurt to try.

Cardamom has androgenic compounds and is also considered an aphrodisiac. Cardamom contains cineole, a nervous system stimulant.

Aromatherapists suggest using body massage with some essential oils. These oils should not be ingested but diluted with vegetable based oil and massaged onto the body. Some to try are clary sage, jasmine and rose. If you do not have access to essential oils it may help to just try a good massage without them.

Any form of stimulation may help overcome the problem of impotence and should be tried before taking drastic measures. If you have health problems you should seek the advice of your physician before undergoing any herbal remedies as these substances may have adverse reactions with your medications.