We have studied the effect of some herbs
for erectile dysfunction, although much less than drug treatments as
"Levitra" (Levitra®), the "sildenafil" (Viagra®) and
"tadalafil" (Cialis®). In the market for herbal medicines are offered
various options that appear to perform miracles, and have been used by ancient
cultures like Chinese, African and Indian. Here is what the scientific evidence
has confirmed so far.
The following products are sold in health
food stores supplements without a prescription, and have shown qualities to
treat erectile dysfunction. Although a substance is "natural" should
be used cautiously. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal or herbal sexual enhancer, as they may have side effects when interact with other medicines.
Here we explain clearly their
characteristics and common precautions to consider when eating. For clarity,
only mentioned are precautions that apply to men and have left out those unique
to women.
Ginseng
(Panax ginseng)
The Chinese or Korean ginseng (Panax
ginseng) is a plant whose root is used medicinally. Not to be confused with
American ginseng and Siberian, it has been used by traditional Chinese as a medicine
for over 2000 years.
The Panax ginseng in combination with Ginkgo
biloba has been shown to be effective in improving memory and thinking skills
(abstract, arithmetic and reaction rate) in middle age. There is also evidence
that it lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics and improves sexual function in
men with erectile dysfunction. It also helps to stop premature ejaculation in
a cream applied to the penis.
Precautions
before taking Panax ginseng:
·
It can cause insomnia in people
who have difficulty falling asleep.
·
If you have heart problems, it
may slightly increase your heart rate and pressure on the first day you use it.
Usually, no changes when ingested regularly. However, it is important to
consume the Panax ginseng with caution since its effects has not been studied in
people with cardiovascular disease.
·
Do not use if you have any
bleeding since it interferes with blood clotting.
·
It can reduce levels of blood
sugar. People with diabetes who are also taking medication to lower blood sugar
should monitor their blood sugar levels, so that they do not fall more than
necessary.
·
It increases the activity of
the immune system, therefore, may worsen autoimmune diseases, such as
rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus, among others. Do not use
Panax ginseng if you suffer from any of these health conditions.
·
Do not use it if you have
received an organ transplant, as it may interfere with medications prescribed
to accept the body.
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone
that occurs naturally in the human body by the adrenal glands, responsible for
helping the body to handle stress. The DHEA serves as precursor to male and
female sex hormones, and their levels begin to decline after age 30. It also
decreases the concerns and lack of joy.
There is evidence that DHEA is effective
for treating osteoporosis, improve the appearance of skin in older people, improve
lupus, treat schizophrenia and improve erectile dysfunction. Its effect is
greater in cases of erectile dysfunction that are not caused by diabetes or by
disorders of the nervous system.
Precautions
before taking DHEA:
·
It is a safe alternative when
taken in small doses (25 to 50 mg daily or every other day) and for short
periods of time. Do not consume higher doses 50-100 mg for long periods of time
because they may increase its side effects.
·
Do not use if you have liver
problems, as they may worsen.
·
If you have diabetes, you
should monitor your blood sugar carefully as DHEA can affect how insulin works
in the body.
·
The DHEA may decrease the
levels of “Good” cholesterol (High Lipoprotein Cholesterol - HDL). It is
important to consult your doctor before taking DHEA if you have cholesterol
problems.
·
It can cause depression,
irritability and impulsivity. Pay attention to any changes in your mood.
·
Men who suffer from
hormone-related cancers, such as prostate cancer should not take DHEA
supplements.
L-arginine
The L-arginine is an amino acid found in
foods like nuts and other seeds, red meat, poultry birds, fish and dairy
products. It is necessary for the production of proteins in the body. It can
also be consumed in the form of nutritional supplements, although generally the
body makes all the L-arginine you need.
This amino acid is effective in treating
erectile dysfunction, as it opens blood vessels and improves the flow in them. It
has also worked well in other health conditions, such as symptoms and pains of
angina, heart failure, fluid congestion and inflammation of the bladder. It
also helps reduce infections and closing wounds after surgery.
Precautions
before taking L-arginine:
·
It's safe when taken for short
periods of time. Some of their side effects may include nausea, diarrhoea and
cramps.
·
Do not take supplements of
L-arginine along with drugs like Viagra®.
·
Use cautiously as it can cause
allergic responses or worsen inflammation of the airways.
·
It could cause problems for
people suffering from low blood pressure.
·
If you have had a heart attack
recently, never ingest it because it increases the risk of death after a heart
attack, especially in older people.
·
There is some evidence that
L-arginine may worsen the herpes virus.
·
One must stop their consumption
at least two weeks before surgery, since it affects blood pressure and may
interfere with their control during and after surgery.
