Managing erectile dysfunction with herbs

By Tracey-Ann Brown,  Complementary & Oriental Medicine

Erectile dysfunction (ED, or impotence) occurs when a man can no longer get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.

Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it may cause stress, relationship problems or affect self-confidence.

Problems getting or keeping an erection can be a sign of a health condition such as heart disease or poorly controlled diabetes. In fact, treating an underlying problem may be enough to reverse erectile dysfunction.

Causes

Male sexual arousal involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Problems with any of these can cause erectile dysfunction. Physical, as well as psychological, issues can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction, and in some cases a combination of both.

Physical

In most cases, ED is caused by something physical. Common causes include:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Metabolic syndrome, a condition involving elevated blood pressure, insulin levels,

cholesterol and body fat around the waist

Parkinson's disease

Multiple sclerosis

Low testosterone

Peyronie's disease, development of scar tissue inside the penis

Certain prescription medications: including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate cancer

Tobacco use

Alcohol and substance abuse

Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate

Surgeries or injuries affecting the pelvic area or spinal cord

Psychological

A number of things can interfere with feelings of sexual excitement and cause or worsen. These include:

Depression, anxiety or other mental-health conditions

Stress

Relationship problems

Chinese medicine & erectile dysfunction

With the use of acupuncture and herbal formulas, treatments generally aim to strengthen qi (energy) and blood flow in the pelvic area, thereby assisting in:

Getting an erection

Maintaining an erection

Increasing sex drive, if necessary

Depending on the root/underlying cause, treatments will also be tailored to address the underlying problem as well. So treatments may also be designed to aid in the management of health concerns such as:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Stress and anxiety
• Obesity

Additionally, diet and lifestyle habits are assessed and recommendations for modification made, where necessary.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture points primarily on the abdomen and legs are selected and gently stimulated to strengthen the Jing/ESSENCE which governs sexual and reproductive function.

Herbal formulas

In creating the ideal herbal formula, a number of herbs are typically combined. Popular herbs used to assist in getting and maintaining an erection and increasing sex drive include:

Bu Gu Zhi (Fructus Psoraleae Corylifoliae)

Tu Si Zi (Semen Cuscutae Chinensis)

Hai Ma (Sea Horse)

Yin Yang Huo (popularly known as "horny goat weed")

Ba Ji Tian (Radix Morindae Officinalis)

Most have the added function of increasing sperm count and motility and preventing premature ejaculation.

Dr Tracey-Ann Brown is an oriental medicine practitioner, herbalist and doctor of acupuncture; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.