Canadian Health&Care Mall Explains – Viagra vs Home Remedies Against Erectile Dysfunction

Viagra is a very popular and effective drug, the #1 remedy for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) worldwide. Viagra is also known under its generic name, sildenafil citrate, which is, in chemical terms, a citrate salt of sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-specific type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5). The active component of Viagra boosts blood flow to the penis within 30 minutes, with its effect (ability to maintain erection) lasting up to several hours.

Yet, some men prefer home remedies and non-drug alternatives to tackle ED. The legitimate questions that arise here are:

1. What are the most effective natural substitutes of Viagra, if there are any?
2. Are they safe?

The experts of Canadian Health&Care Mall (click and go to about page) researched the market of home remedies for ED and present their findings and conclusions in the paragraphs below.

Can Erectile Dysfunction be Treated with Alternative Remedies?

The good news here it’s true that not every guy with ED requires the magical touch of Viagra; occasionally all one truly needs is a change to a healthier lifestyle and a bit of Mother Nature’s help. From the ancient times onward, men around the globe have attempted to enhance their manhood by natural cures. Every nation has invented its own ED remedy, sometimes as exotic as eating bulls’ testicles or a soup with shark fins.

When looking for a natural remedy for ED online, you will easily get confused because you will likely be looking at a list of hundreds of products, each claiming to be the most ancient, or the most effective and so on. The experts of Canadian Health&Care Mall have curated a list of several ED supplements whose certain benefits to men’s sexual performance are undeniable and visible within days to weeks. Let`s look at them, as well at principle behind each of them, in more detail.

• Horny Goat Weed

The king of sexual performance supplements, Horny Goat Weed was discovered, according to Chinese legend, by a goat-herd who noticed that his male goats got sexually aroused after eating the herb. The modern science says the plant contains a bioflavonoid called lcariin, which works in a similar fashion to Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors. Since the effect of Horny Goat Weed is, on average, some 80 times less than Viagra, achieving an adequate dosage is problematic. The accepted dosage constitutes some 200mg of Icariin 90 minutes in advance of sexual activity.

• L-Arginine

Akin to the principles on which Viagra works, L-Arginine boosts the body’s ability to produce nitric acid, which is confirmed to help sustain erections. Just like Viagra, L-Arginine relaxes blood vessels, which means your genital area gets a more consistent supply of blood – giving you a more consistent supply of sex. In a study conducted by Tel Aviv University, 31% of men with impotence felt the improvement after taking the supplement for six weeks. Take 500mg-3g of L-Arginine daily to achieve results. As with sildenafil citrate, those men taking heart drug nitroglycerin should avoid L-arginine to evade dangerous drop in blood pressure.

• L-Tyrosine

This potent amino-acid triggers a major spike in levels of dopamine, the pleasure-enhancing hormone, with an aphrodisiac effect that stimulates erections. Be careful though: L-tyrosine also boosts your blood pressure and metabolism. Discuss with your physician before taking L-Tyrosine, or you may go red in the face for unnecessary reasons. According to many men who tried it, L-Tyrosine produces more energy, but no clear change in erection lasting power. An average dose of 400mg l-Tyrosine daily is recommended.

• L-Carnitine

Like arginine and tyrosine, carnitine is an amino acid produced naturally by the body and it represents a building block of protein. L-carnitine can be used to treat peripheral vascular disease, such leg pain due to poor blood circulation. L-Carnitine is also important to heart function, by boosting circulation. The amino-acid has been shown to help with low levels of testosterone in the body as well. All of the above may be beneficial to individuals with ED. Read on this page  examine.com/supplements/arginine what is L-Carnitine, advantages and benefits.

• Vitamins

In those men who experience zinc deficiency, taking a zinc supplement should help with ED, although one needs to beware of getting an overdose. Excessive zinc levels in one’s body may harm that person’s immune system. Some online pharmacies sell Vitamin E to enhance the effects of Viagra – but the evidence of benefits is largely speculative.

• DHEA

Sufficient levels of testosterone is critical for a normal sexual function. ED patients with low testosterone tend to improve when placed on testosterone replacement therapy. The studies have demonstrated that taking supplements that contain DHEA, a hormone that can be converted by the body to estrogen and testosterone, might help improve some cases of ED. Be aware that DHEA may cause problems, such as acne, suppression of pituitary function, as well as hair loss; its long-term safety is unknown. Therefore, some experts discourage men from using DHEA supplements.

• Maca

Also known as “Peruvian Viagra”, the maca roots extract contains “macaenes“ and “macamides” – exclusive phytochemicals restoring hormone levels and improving energy for extra endurance in both sexes. It is one of the strongest aphrodisiacs available for men. In addition to helping with maintaining erections it also improves seminal volume, sperm motility and count. The recommended dose is 500mg two times daily.

• Pomegranate juice

Having been proclaimed as a ‘superfood’ due to its antioxidant characteristics, pomegranate juice has also been linked to improved sexual performance. The body uses nitric oxide to relax the penile smooth muscles and enable an erection. Some studies of pomegranate juice properties have suggested that its high levels of antioxidants may protect nitric oxide levels whereas keeping oxidative stress at safe levels. Consistent levels of nitric oxide may help some men in achieving and maintaining an erection.

Although the results of those early studies may seem promising, they are not categorized as statistically significant. Existing body of knowledge on pomegranate juice’s positive impact on ED is unreliable; therefore, further examination in the area is needed.

• (Red) Ginseng

Ginseng, especially its Red or Korean variety, has been considered a natural remedy for ED in ancient China. Recent research confirms that ginseng may have a mild positive effect on ED. Nevertheless, ginseng can also suppress the sugar levels in your blood, which makes it quite dangerous for diabetic patients with ED.

• Ginkgo biloba

The tree extract can be bought in capsule and liquid form. The tree extract ginkgo biloba is thought by some clinical experts to boost nitric oxide activity, thus increasing blood flow to the penile area and hypothetically resulting in enhanced erections. One specific study, by University of California, claims that ginkgo biloba improved erections in ED patients taking certain SSRI antidepressants (such as Prozac); however, research on ginkgo effectiveness for treating ED in a broader population of men has largely been dubious. The suggested dose is up to 80 mg 3 times per day.

• Cordyceps

This exotic mushroom extract may boost testosterone levels and blood flow alike, translating into better sex appeal. Its secret is the sugar aptly named ‘fucose’, which can also be found in human breast milk. This sugar plays an anti-ageing role, assisting cell communication and increasing blood flow to the penis, according to British scientists at the Medical School of University College London. The recommended dose is up to 650mg dry cordyceps extract daily.

• Watermelon Juice

According to recent insights, watermelon juice can do much more than just satisfy thirst on a hot summer day; it can also aid with bedroom satisfaction. Citrulline, the amino acid contained in watermelon juice (albeit in high concentrations of it) may improve blood flow to the genital area. A study conducted in 2011 revealed that patients with mild to moderate ED who took L-citrulline supplement displayed an improvement in their erectile function. L-citrulline is also easier on the stomach, while pills like Viagra may cause diarrhea.

Using Natural Alternatives safely

Many products liberally called “Herbal Viagra” with undisclosed content may be downright dangerous due to the fact that many of them contain either traces or major amounts of PDE5 inhibitors or other prescription-only drugs, which can put at risk men with certain health problems.

Be aware that some natural remedies have not been clinically tested, let alone licensed. In the most outrageous cases, unscrupulous sellers alter the formula, labelling and packaging to escape regulatory issues. Unregulated remedies may contain dangerous amounts or a harmful substance. It is imperative that you consider any ED treatment alternative, whether herbal, or conventional, as a new medicine that requires proper professional monitoring.

Patients are recommended to be screened for several conditions, not limited to:

• History of strokes
• Active stomach ulcers
• Low or high blood pressure
• Vision complications caused by poor blood circulation
• Liver or kidney disease

Also keep in mind that the inability to have an erection may be the first manifestation of a significant underlying health issue. ED may be caused by diabetes and cardiovascular disease, among others. Any self-prescribed treatment carried out without professional supervision may mean that you are overlooking a condition requiring diagnosis and attention.

Even if patients are relatively at ease about hypothetical drug interactions or side effects, using herbal Viagra alternatives may just be a waste of money. Normally, treatment of ED starts by tackling the underlying psychological or health conditions that may be causing ED in a certain patient.

Placebo Effect Might Do the Work for Some Alternative Remedies

The power of the human mind should not to be underestimated when it comes to trusting in home ED remedies so they might sometimes work, even if they do not contain any active ingredients. This phenomenon is known as a placebo effect. Nonetheless, herbal ED remedies offered by unknown online vendors may be hazards to your health in a major extent. It is crucial that you have full picture of your treatment options before you start taking any alternative ED remedies.

To reiterate our message, we would like to emphasize that not all home remedies represent a safe alternative to Viagra. Like any other medicine, herbs and supplements may have side effects and potentially dangerous drug interactions. Most individuals tend to overdose on supposedly “safe and natural” ED remedies unreasonably thinking more is better.