6 herbs for ED

While there are plenty of evidence-based medical treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), you might be wondering about more “natural” methods, such as herbs for ED. After all, compared to prescription ED pills, they’re often less expensive and more accessible given they’re available over-the-counter and do not require an Rx. Despite these enticing qualities, however, herbs for ED (and the supplements in which they’re often found) are not necessarily the best choice for addressing any “down there” difficulties. 

Still, you’re curious and we get that. So, what are herbs for ED, exactly—and do they actually work? Read on to learn what the science says (and doesn’t say) about these treatment options.

Herbs for ED are plant-based materials that are believed to have a positive impact on ED symptoms—many of which have a history in traditional medicines. Today, they’re often found as ingredients in herbal supplements that claim to improve or address sexual dysfunction, and tend to be marketed as “herbal” or “natural Viagra.” But let’s be very clear: Despite this branding, herbal supplements for ED are not in the same ballpark as Viagra (sildenafil) and other extensively tested and proven ED treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Both herbs for ED and the supplements containing them are not approved or even regulated by the FDA—plus, they lack a good amount of scientific evidence to support their supposed efficacy. That’s not to say that the herbs for ED, in particular, are totally without any backing. There is some research that suggests the plants can have effects—such as on blood flow and nitric oxide production—that may lead to improved erections and health. However, it’s hard to guarantee what’s actually in the supplements you’re taking, and may even vary from batch to batch or amongst different manufacturers of the same herbal substance. Furthermore, some supplements are especially unsafe and contain unverified amounts of prescription medications which can be dangerous. 

Like supplements for ED, herbs are considered dietary supplements, so they are not regulated by the FDA. This means they don’t have to go through the same rigorous testing for safety and efficacy as FDA-approved medications. So, they can hit the market without first being reviewed or researched. There’s only a small amount of research on herbal supplements and herbs for ED and many of the studies have been small and focused on animals (vs. humans). Currently, there is not any evidence that herbal approaches are completely effective or safe for treating ED. 

But, as mentioned above, there have been some studies on a handful of herbs for ED. And while you should consult a healthcare provider before trying anything new, here is a bit more about some herbs for ED:

1. Ginseng

First up on this list of herbs for ED? Ginseng, a root that’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to its potential medicinal properties and aphrodisiac nature. There are several types of ginseng that are used for sexual function, including Panax ginseng (Asian or Korean ginseng) and American ginseng. The former is believed to help ED by potentially improving blood flow and enhancing nitric oxide production (more on this in a minute). The latter, on the other hand, may be able to impact ED thanks to its general stress-reducing properties.

In one study, ginseng extract was found to improve erectile function and premature ejaculation in men with mild-to-moderate ED. According to researchers, this may be due to ginsenosides, the main compounds in ginseng, which can promote the production of nitric oxide. In case you’re unfamiliar, nitric oxide is a gas that widens and relaxes blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the penis; this can improve blood flow, which can support erections. 

While this may seem promising—after all, ED medications such as Viagra and Cialis work similarly—there isn’t a lot of research on ginseng for sexual dysfunction. Plus, most of the available studies are small, and one of the more important studies claiming ginseng had a benefit on men with ED subsequently had a second look analysis indicating results were far from conclusive. Overall, larger studies are needed before ginseng can be considered effective for  ED.

2. Maca

Maca is a Peruvian plant that’s closely related to cruciferous vegetables (think: cabbage, broccoli). It’s also known as Peruvian ginseng and plant Viagra—and, like ginseng, is traditionally known as an aphrodisiac.  

In a small study, maca was found to improve symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism (i.e. decreased levels of testosterone experienced later in life), such as ED. Other research suggests that maca may increase some degree of sexual desire, which, in turn, can promote better erectile function and health. (Think of it this way: The lower your sex drive, the less likely you are to get and keep a strong erection. So, a boosted libido may contribute to more arousal and better erections .) 

That being said, the overall evidence supporting maca for ED is limited, and researchers are still learning how it might work for sexual function in humans.

3. Yohimbine

Another potential herb for ED is yohimbe, a substance derived from the bark of an African tree. Traditionally, it’s used as an aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant, but findings on the potential sexual effects of yohimbe are mixed.

A meta-analysis of 8 studies suggests that yohimbe may be able to address ED when used alongside other treatments. The herb’s possible effectiveness may be due to its ability to stimulate blood flow by dilating blood vessels. Yohimbe may also be able to decrease production of  norepinephrine, a chemical that would otherwise decrease the formation of erections. 

But again, per the aforementioned meta-analysis, yohimbe works best as a complementary herbal medicine. Meaning, it’s unlikely to improve sexual function alone. And while yohimbe is generally well tolerated, it can cause common side effects, such as anxiety, difficulty sleeping, chest pain, and hypertension (high blood pressure); it can also interact with some medications, such as antidepressants and blood pressure drugs. These are just some of the reasons why you should always consult a healthcare provider before trying anything new, including an herb for ED like yohimbe. 

4. Ginkgo

Ginkgo or ginkgo biloba is a large, long-living tree that’s native to Eastern China whose leaves (through which extract is made) are often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various conditions, including ED.

One way ginkgo is thought to improve ED is through its effect on low mood and depression, a major risk factor for ED. Animal studies have found that ginkgo extract can increase dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that have been linked to depression when their levels are too low. However, research has yet to explore in-depth the link between ginkgo and ED via depression, so more human studies and clinical trials are needed.

According to another study, ginkgo extract can increase nitric oxide, which can boost blood flow and support erections. The catch? The study focused on just 80  people with coronary artery disease, so it was a small study on a specific population. With that in mind, larger studies with broader inclusion criteria are needed to draw a solid link between gingko, nitric oxide, and ED. 

5. Cordyceps

If you’re familiar with medicinal mushrooms, you’ve likely heard of cordyceps. In traditional Chinese medicine, they’re used to ease issues, such as fatigue, coughing, and kidney problems. But they’re also used for the enhancement of sexual function, which gives them a place on this roundup of herbs for ED. 

While studies on cordyceps and ED are limited, some research attributes the potential sexual effects to cordycepin, a main compound in the mushrooms that may be able to boost the release of testosterone. And being that testosterone supports libido and sexual desire, this may be able to support healthy erections. 

In an animal study, cordyceps were shown to improve sexual dysfunction on diabetic rats. Researchers concluded that this effect might be due to the fact that cordyceps is an analogue of adenosine, a chemical with vasodilation (i.e. blood vessel widening) properties, so cordyceps can cause similar effects. Theoretically, this can pave the way for better blood flow and better erections. But far more research is needed on humans before we can draw any conclusions on how cordyceps can truly treat ED. 

6. Ashwagandha

Another potential herb for ED, ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda, a traditional medicine system in India, for thousands of years. It’s an evergreen shrub, but the root is used to treat various ailments, including issues with sexual performance.

Ashwagandha may benefit ED by increasing levels of testosterone. Low testosterone levels can reduce sexual desire, making it difficult to get hard; so, a boost in the hormone might help with getting and maintaining an erection. Results of small trials of ashwagandha are mixed, meaning some studies find a benefit while other studies suggest ashwagandhadoes not help with  ED. So, more research is certainly needed before it can be linked to better erections. 

To date, there’s minimal evidence that herbs are viable natural remedies for erectile dysfunction. Researchers are also still learning about how these herbs might work, if at all.

Luckily, there are other many evidence-backed ED treatments that have been proven to be safe and effective, ranging from lifestyle changes to prescription drugs. Here are just a few alternatives to herbs for ED:

Try prescription medications. If you’re dealing with ED, you should definitely consult a healthcare provider, as they can determine what might be causing your “down there” difficulties and how to best address them. Oftentimes, the first line of treatment for ED is an Rx medication, such as Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil)—both of which are part of the drug class known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors work in part by increasing blood flow to the penis, which promotes stronger, longer-lasting erections. You can also reap the rewards of PDE5 inhibitors through other (non-pill) formations. Ro Sparks, for example, combines sildenafil and tadalafil (the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, respectively) in a sublingual treatment that dissolves under your tongue for fast-acting effects. And then there are Ro’s Daily Rise Gummies, which feature 7 mg of tadalafil in each fruit-flavored gummy. 

Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can harm many aspects of health, including sexual function. Not only has poor sleep overall been associated with ED, but sleep apnea and sleep deprivation, in particular, may contribute to ED. Plus, lack of sleep can increase your chances of developing conditions that affect blood flow and increase your risk of ED over time, such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Point being: Getting enough shut-eye is key for sexual function and wellbeing. So, aim to get 7–9 hours per night. 

Take care of your mental health. Stress has an uncanny ability to wreak havoc in seemingly every facet of life, including your sexual performance. After all, getting and maintaining an erection—as well as feeling in the mood to begin with—is just as much about the mental as it is about the physical. Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help address ED by improving mental health. You can also speak to a mental health therapist, who can help you develop a better understanding of your emotional and mental wellbeing as well as potentially suggest additional treatment options, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication, depending on your symptoms. Remember, certain antidepressants can also make ED worse, so keep in close touch with your healthcare provider regarding your response to treatment. 

Exercise regularly. Physical activity is key for improving cardiovascular disease, which is important for supporting healthy blood flow to the penis—a crucial component of erections. In addition to improving blood pressure and blood flow, regular exercise can also raise chemicals that boost penile blood flow, such as nitric oxide. On top of all that, working out can support sleep and mental health, both of which (as you now know) contribute to erectile function. 

More alternative treatments to herbs for ED:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake

• Try pelvic floor or kegel exercises

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Current version

August 07, 2024

Written by

Kirsten Nunez

Fact checked by

Peter Schlegel, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Peter Schlegel, MD

Dr. Peter Schlegel, MD, is a board-certified urologist and an internationally acclaimed expert in the treatment of male infertility. The James J. Colt Professor of Urology and Reproductive Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, Attending Urologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Dr. Schlegel has had a series of leadership positions in Urology (Trustee, American Board of Urology) and Infertility (President of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society for Reproductive Surgeons, Society for Male Reproduction/Urology, and the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction). His contributions to medicine have been recognized by a series of national and international awards, including Established Clinician Award from ESHRE, Distinguished Surgeon Award from SRS, Maurice Greenberg Distinguished Service Award from Weill Cornell Medical Center, and the Barringer Medal from the American Association of Genitourinary Surgeons.