9 essential oils for erectile dysfunction: what the research says

If you’ve searched for natural ways to support sexual health, you may have considered using essential oils for erectile dysfunction (ED). These plant-derived oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts used in aromatherapy, massage, and relaxation practices, and some proponents claim they can support better erections.

Below are the essential oils most commonly discussed for ED:

1. Ylang-ylang

2. Lavender

3. Cinnamon

4. Rosemary

5. Clary sage

6. Ginseng 

7. Rose

8. Ginger

9. Sandalwood

But do essential oils actually help with ED? Below, we break down what the research shows, and whether they’re worth trying.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that contain the aromatic compounds responsible for a plant’s scent. The oils listed below are often promoted for sexual wellness because limited or early research suggests they may support relaxation, mood, or circulation — factors that can indirectly influence erectile function.

However, there is little direct evidence that essential oils treat ED. Most available data come from small or indirect studies, so these findings should be viewed as preliminary rather than proven.

Here’s what we know so far.

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1. Ylang-ylang

Ylang-ylang essential oil comes from the Cananga tree and is known for its sweet, floral scent. It’s commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

How it may help with ED: Some research suggests that inhaling ylang-ylang may help lower heart rate, boost mood, and increase feelings of relaxation. Since stress and performance anxiety can make erections harder to maintain, anything that helps the body shift into a calmer state might indirectly support sexual function.

Still, no research has directly tested ylang-ylang for ED, so any potential benefit is theoretical, not proven.

2. Lavender

Lavender essential oil comes from the lavender plant and is widely used for relaxation and stress relief. Its scent is one of the most frequently studied in aromatherapy research.

How it may help with ED: Limited research suggests that lavender oil aromatherapy could help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote a calmer nervous system response. Because anxiety is a common contributor to erection difficulties, the calming effects of lavender may indirectly support sexual function.

While lavender has been associated with improved mood and relaxation, it has not been directly studied as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Any potential benefit remains unproven. 

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon essential oil is made from the bark or leaves of the cinnamon tree and is known for its warm, spicy scent. It’s sometimes promoted for circulation and metabolic support.

How it may help with ED: Early research — largely on cinnamon extracts rather than on the essential oil — suggests cinnamon may support blood flow by promoting vasodilation (aka relaxation of the blood vessels). Because erections depend on healthy penile blood flow, improved vascular function could theoretically support erectile function.

Cinnamon has also been studied for its potential effects on metabolic health and inflammation, factors indirectly linked to ED risk. However, no studies have directly evaluated cinnamon essential oil for erectile dysfunction, so any potential benefit remains theoretical, not proven.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is derived from the leaves of the rosemary plant and is commonly used in aromatherapy to support alertness and circulation.

How it may help with ED: Small studies suggest rosemary oil may help increase blood circulation. Because erectile function depends on adequate penile blood flow, improved circulation could theoretically support erections. 

Limited research also suggests rosemary oil may help lower stress-related cortisol levels, which could indirectly support arousal.

No studies have directly evaluated rosemary essential oil as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, so any potential benefit remains unproven.

5. Clary sage

Clary sage essential oil  is derived from the leaves and buds of the clary sage plant and is commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming, mood-soothing effects.

How it may help with ED: Early research suggests clary sage may help lower heart rate and promote relaxation. Because stress and performance anxiety can interfere with erections,these calming effects may indirectly support sexual function.But again, no research has specifically examined clary sage as a treatment for ED, so any potential benefit remains unproven.

6. Ginseng 

Ginseng essential oil is derived from the roots of the ginseng plant. Ginseng supplements have a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for sexual health.

How it may help with ED: A review of nine randomized controlled trials involving 587 men with mild-to-moderate ED found that oral ginseng supplements led to small improvements in erectile function compared with placebo. Those taking ginseng scored slightly higher on standardized erectile function tests, and some reported improved ability to have sex with ED.

However — and this is important — the authors concluded that these changes were small and possibly not clinically meaningful, meaning most people may not notice a significant difference. The evidence was also based on oral ginseng, not the essential oil.

There’s no evidence that ginseng essential oil (used aromatically or on the skin) provides the same effects seen with ginseng supplements, so any ED-related benefit from the oil itself remains theoretical.

7. Rose

Rose essential oil is made from rose petals and is commonly used to support relaxation, emotional balance, and mood.

How it may help with ED: Limited studies suggest rose oil aromatherapy may help reduce anxiety and stress, which can indirectly support sexual function in some people, since stress can play a role in ED. Small studies have also explored rose oil for sexual dysfunction related to antidepressant use.

Unfortunately rose essential oil has not been directly studied as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, so further research is needed to better understand any potential role it may play in addressing ED symptoms.

8. Ginger

Ginger essential oil  is derived from ginger root and is commonly used to support digestion, inflammation, and circulation.

How it may help with ED: Studies using ginger extracts (not essential oil) suggest ginger may support blood flow and reduce inflammation. Because erections depend on adequate circulation and vascular function, these effects are of theoretical interest for ED.

But research  on ginger essential oil — either for circulation or ED — is extremely limited. Any potential benefits are based on studies of ginger extract, not the oil itself, so the use of ginger essential oil is not evidence-based. 

9. Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil is derived from sandalwood trees and is known for its warm, woody scent. It’s commonly used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

How it may help with ED: Limited early research suggests sandalwood aromatherapy may help reduce anxiety symptoms and support a calmer emotional state. Because anxiety can disrupt sexual response, these effects may indirectly support sexual activity.

However, sandalwood has not been directly studied as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, so any potential benefit for ED remains unproven.

If you choose to try essential oils, using them safely is key. Here are the most common ways to use them while minimizing the risk of irritation or side effects:

• Dilute oils before applying topically: If you’re applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil. Undiluted essential oils can cause redness, burning, or allergic reactions.

• Use aromatherapy or diffusion: Using a diffuser or simply inhaling the scent from the bottle is generally the safest way to try essential oils. This avoids skin irritation and provides the relaxation benefits most often associated with essential oils.

• Test the oil first: Before applying a diluted oil to larger areas of the skin, apply a small amount to your forearm and wait 24 hours. If you develop redness, itching, or burning, avoid using the oil further.

• Avoid genital application: Essential oils can be especially irritating on sensitive skin, such as the penis and scrotum. Even diluted oils may cause burning or discomfort, so avoid direct application to the genitals.

• Use only high-quality oils: Use pure essential oils without synthetic fragrances. Reputable brands typically provide sourcing information and third-party testing.

• Never ingest essential oils: Most essential oils are not safe to swallow unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation, toxicity, or other adverse effects.

Essential oils can be used as a complementary tool for relaxation or stress relief, but they are not an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Most research on essential oils focuses on mood, stress, or circulation — not erectile function itself. While some oils may help you feel calmer or more at ease during sexual activity, there’s no strong evidence that they directly improve ED. Even substances with more promising data, such as ginseng, have shown only small, possibly clinically insignificant benefits (and that, too,  is in supplement form, not as essential oils).

Safety also matters. Essential oils can irritate the skin (especially more sensitive areas of skin such as the genitals), trigger allergic reactions, or be made from low quality ingredients. When used incorrectly, they can cause more harm than benefit.

There are several natural approaches that are far better studied than essential oils and much more likely to help with erectile dysfunction. Here’s what you should know.

Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity improves circulation, supports heart health, and boosts nitric oxide production — all of which are known to play important roles in erectile function. Aerobic activities (like walking, cycling, or swimming) in particular have been shown to reduce ED symptoms, especially in people with cardiovascular risk factors. Bonus: exercising regularly may boost your mood, too, which can have benefits in the bedroom.

Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in whole foods (think: fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats) supports vascular health and reduces inflammation, two key components of sexual function. Diets like the Mediterranean diet have been linked to improvements in erectile performance in several studies.

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is strongly linked to ED. Even a small amount of weight loss can boost blood flow, lower inflammation, and support healthy testosterone levels over time.

Get ample sleep

Poor or inconsistent sleep can interfere with hormones related to sexual function, including testosterone. Poor sleep also increases stress and reduces energy, both of which can contribute to ED. Getting a good night’s sleep (which is about seven to nine hours per night) can have a noticeable impact on sexual health and your overall quality of life.

Reduce stress

Stress is also linked to erectile problems. Managing stress through mindfulness, deep breathing, therapy, or gentle movement can help the body shift into a more relaxed, arousal-friendly state.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol 

Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis. Heavy alcohol use can also interfere with nerve function and hormone balance in the body. Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking can lead to meaningful improvements in erectile function for many people.

Strengthen your pelvic floor

Pelvic floor exercises (often called Kegels) help strengthen the muscles involved in erections and ejaculation. Research shows that regular pelvic floor exercises could improve erectile function and reduce symptoms of premature ejaculation. A pelvic floor physical therapist can help you get started if you’re unsure what exercises to focus on.

If you’re looking for options with stronger evidence, several medical treatments are proven to help with ED. These treatments directly target the physical processes involved in erections, making them far more reliable than essential oils or other home remedies.

ED medications (such as PDE5 inhibitors)

Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (aka PDE5 inhibitors) are considered the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction because they work for most people and are supported by strong clinical evidence. These medications relax blood vessels in the penis, improving blood flow and making it easier to get and maintain an erection with sexual stimulation. Common options include:

• Sildenafil (Viagra)

• Tadalafil (Cialis)

• Vardenafil

• Avanafil (Stendra) 

For people who don’t respond to oral medications, injectable treatments such as alprostadil can be administered directly into the penis to produce an erection. These injections are highly effective when used correctly but require training and comfort with self-injection.

Devices and other tools

Several devices can also support erectile function, either on their own or alongside medication. For example, penis pumps (also called vacuum erection devices) use suction to draw blood into the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection. 

In more severe or long-standing cases of ED, surgically implanted penile prostheses provide a highly effective, long-term solution. Each method of ED treatment comes with its own risks and benefits. Speak with your healthcare provider if you’d like more information.

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Essential oils may help reduce stress and promote relaxation — factors that can play a role in sexual function — but they’re not proven treatments for erectile dysfunction. The research behind essential oils is limited, and better-studied options are far more likely to produce meaningful results. Here are the key points to remember:

• Essential oils such as ylang-ylang, lavender, cinnamon, and rosemary may support relaxation or circulation, but there’s no strong evidence they directly improve ED.

• Ginseng supplements have shown small improvements in erectile function, but these findings don’t apply to ginseng essential oil.

• Essential oils should always be used safely: diluted, tested on a small area of your skin before broader use if you are planning to apply them topically, and never applied directly to the genitals.

• Lifestyle approaches such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress reduction, and pelvic floor strengthening are all better supported by research.

• Medical treatments, such as PDE5 inhibitors, injections,  and certain devices, offer the strongest evidence for improving erectile function. Speak to your healthcare provider if you’d like to discuss prescription options.