10 natural remedies and treatments for erectile dysfunction

By and large, over-the-counter "male enhancement" products are the 21st-century version of snake oil. However, in some studies, some natural treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) have shown promise. Although more research is needed, some possible natural erection supplements include ginseng, horny goat weed, and DHEA. Here's what science says about a few of the most commonly touted natural ED supplements and remedies (and some that are lesser-known but might be helpful).

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when you can't get or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfying sex. That might include erections that don't last as long as you want or aren't as firm as you'd like. ED is the most common sexual dysfunction. An estimated 30–50 million American men have erectile dysfunction.

If you're experiencing ED, it is important to make an appointment with a healthcare provider. Frequent or worsening ED could be an early warning sign of a more serious health problem like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, stress, or a hormone imbalance, among other conditions. It is not uncommon to occasionally experience difficulty achieving an erection, but if it happens routinely it may be time to talk to a doctor. 

Considering a “natural” approach? Be aware that, unlike prescription drugs, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements and vitamins—they can vary wildly in potency, quality, and safety. Many herbal remedies come with the risk of side effects and drug interactions, and they may be dangerous for people with certain health conditions or taking prescription medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, including natural erection supplements.

1. Ginseng

Many "male enhancement" supplements contain Korean red ginseng, which has been used as a folk remedy for ED for decades—and studies show it may be effective. Studies suggest that ginseng may improve erectile function. However, another study showed that ginseng may have only minimal to no effects on erectile dysfunction. Either way, more research is needed to definitively assess whether ginseng could be a potential natural remedy for ED. 

2. Horny goat weed

A traditional Chinese medicinal herb, horny goat weed, has been used to treat fatigue and low libido for thousands of years. Horny goat weed contains icariin, a mild inhibitor of PDE-5. Similarly, ED medications like sildenafil (brand name Viagra) and tadalafil (brand name Cialis) belong to a class of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors. Animal studies suggest that icariin may improve erections; however, icariin may not work the same way in the human body, and more research is needed. 

3. DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, is a natural booster of estrogen and testosterone levels. Some studies show that low testosterone and DHEA levels can be associated with ED and suggest that DHEA supplements may improve sexual function. However, other data do not show an improvement in ED with DHEA supplementation, so more research is needed.

4. Citrulline and arginine

The amino acids citrulline and arginine (or L-arginine) help blood vessels relax. One study suggests that citrulline and arginine may be beneficial in mild to moderate cases of ED and could result in an overall improvement in sexual satisfaction, 

5. Yohimbe

Yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe bark, is frequently found in supplements sold as aphrodisiacs or male sexual enhancers—but it may actually work. Animal research suggests that yohimbine may improve sexual function and blood flow to the penis.

6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is made naturally by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Studies suggest that there may be a relationship between low vitamin D levels and ED, so it is possible that vitamin D supplements may help with ED. Another study found that vitamin D levels of <20 ng/mL were associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. 

7. Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 (a.k.a. niacin) may improve erections by increasing penile blood flow. This study found that adult men with both erectile dysfunction and dyslipidemia (abnormal amounts of lipids in the blood), particularly those with moderate to severe ED, saw improved erectile function after 12 weeks of Niacin. Niacin is naturally found in foods like turkey, avocado, and peanuts. Exercise caution when taking a niacin supplement, as too much niacin can cause problems like uncomfortable flushing, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, and arrhythmias.

8. Folic acid (vitamin B9)

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is linked to nitric oxide production and erectile response. Studies have found a possible correlation between folate deficiency and erectile deficiency. They also suggest that taking folic acid may help your ED. You can get folic acid from oranges, leafy green vegetables, bread and grains, cereals, pasta, rice, and beans, or by taking a B-complex supplement.

9. Propionyl-L-carnitine

In 2004, a study on men with erectile dysfunction and diabetes found that participants who took propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) supplements with sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) reported significantly higher quality and erections and higher rates of “successful” intercourse than the control group. While the participants of this study reported that this supplement was well-tolerated (except for two reports of mild stomach pain), more research is needed to determine if PLC is a safe and effective ED treatment. 

10. Ginkgo

Some research has shown that Ginkgo biloba, extracted from dried leaves of the plant, can boost nitric oxide which could improve peripheral blood flow. This could mean there is a possibility that Gingko could improve ED. That said, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), has found no substantial evidence to support claims that ginkgo is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction.

The supplement is not without side effects–you may experience stomach problems, constipation, headaches, headaches, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Ginkgo supplements may be unsafe for people who take blood thinners or with bleeding disorders, as the supplement can increase your risk of bleeding.

Dietary supplements are not the only options to treat erectile dysfunction naturally. Whether or not you choose to take erectile dysfunction medication or try vitamins and supplements, healthy lifestyle changes can also help you achieve more satisfying erections and improve your sex life (not to mention your overall health). Consider making these healthy changes to treat erectile dysfunction:

• Get regular exercise

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

• Quit smoking

• Limit your alcohol consumption

• Reduce stress

Like many other bodily functions, erections may decline with age. Over time, you may notice that your erections are softer or don’t last as long as they used to. Stress, illness, and other natural disturbances can affect your sexual health—not being able to get an erection now and then is not the same as erectile dysfunction. 

However, if you or your partner notice that you're regularly having difficulty getting an erection, your erections aren't as firm as you'd like, or they don't last long enough for satisfying sex, then it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Your provider can help you develop a safe and effective treatment plan to improve your sex life.

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Current version

August 23, 2024

Written by

Michael Martin

Fact checked by

Raagini Yedidi, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.