Erbology
What is the best herbal viagra?

What is the best herbal viagra?

Team ErbologyErbology

Herbal viagra is a name given to a variety of herbal products that claim to treat erectile dysfunction. So, do they work and if so, what is the best herbal viagra?

December 26, 2022 3:15 pm

What is viagra?

Sildenafil, available on the market under the brand name Viagra, is a medication men use to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, but perhaps more commonly, erectile dysfunction (ED). Simply put, Viagra works by helping the muscles and the arteries inside the penis relax. As a result, more blood reaches the penis. In turn, when aroused the combination of relaxation and increased blood flow helps fill the penis with blood.

There is a myth that Viagra is psychoactive, but we can clear this up. It will not have any noticeable effect on the way you feel, think or perceive things during sexual intercourse. Its effects are purely physical. This means it will help you to get and maintain an erection, but won’t change your emotions.

Viagra doesn’t start working immediately, because the medication needs time to be absorbed into your blood. For most men, it takes around 30 minutes before you start to feel the results of Viagra. These effects typically last between 2 to 3 hours before its effects start to diminish. However, Viagra can last up to 5 hours or longer depending on your dosage and body’s metabolism.

There’s also anecdotal evidence that Viagra may increase sexual pleasure in women. Supposedly, it increases blood flow to the female genital area, increasing sensitivity, stimulation, lubrication and aiding orgasm.

Although Viagra may help men get an erection, many people prefer natural alternatives that are readily available, discreet, and more likely to have fewer or no side effects. Before we go into these, firstly let’s discuss ED. 

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Also referred to as impotence, ED is an occasional or prolonged inability to produce or maintain an erection and is more of a symptom than a condition. An erection is a result of complex multisystem processes in the body and sexual arousal involves interactions between your penis, nervous system, muscles, hormones and emotions.

In a lot of cases men begin to experience symptoms of ED as they age, especially over the age of 50. However, if ED occurs frequently at a younger age, you might need treatment for an underlying health issue.

Physical issues including heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking can all cause ED. Meanwhile, depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health concerns can also interfere. So, what is herbal viagra and can it help these?

What is herbal viagra?

Certain herbal remedies may help increase sexual potency with fewer or no side effects compared to prescribed medications and are also likely to be less expensive. 

Natural aphrodisiacs have long been used to increase libido, potency, or sexual pleasure. These medicinal plants are popular and have varying degrees of success for ED. These include:

  • Red ginseng, a Chinese and Korean herb
  • L-arginine, commonly found in foods such as spirulina and pumpkin seeds
  • Ashwagandha, widely used in Ayurveda
  • Maca, a root vegetable from Peru
  • Yohimbine, a West African tree bark
  • Ginkgo, a herb from a Chinese tree
  • Mondia whitei, roots of an African plant
  • Tribulus terrestris, also known as gokshur, an annual plant from the caltrop family

Let’s dive into the supposed best herbal viagras, which include red ginseng, plants rich in L-arginine and ashwagandha. 

Is red ginseng a herbal viagra?

Red ginseng has a history going back as far as 2000 years in Chinese and Korean medicine as a tonic for health and longevity. More specifically, people take the roots of ginseng, for treating symptoms of ED. However, don’t confuse red ginseng with Siberian ginseng or American ginseng as they are completely different plants that serve different needs!

Biologically speaking, red ginseng works as an antioxidant, releasing nitric oxide which aids erectile functions. It does this because nitric oxide is a compound that aids blood circulation, thus helping muscles in the penis relax. 

Although studies are limited, the results of a systematic review suggests red ginseng may help treat symptoms of ED by improving the following things:(1)

  • Penile rigidity
  • Girth
  • Duration of erection
  • Libido
  • Stamina
  • Concentration
  • Stress

Interestingly, its proposed benefits affect not only men. In fact, a review of 10 studies found that red ginseng was also effective at improving sexual arousal in women with menopause.(2) Researchers do however acknowledge