Natural Viagra: Herbs & Other Alternatives to Treat ED

No one wants to experience erectile dysfunction. As a matter of fact, it can feel pretty damned embarrassing — even depressing. 

There are numerous possible solutions and treatments available to help men regain their sexual health. Medications like Viagra® are just one popular, safe and FDA-approved option. 

For men interested in non-prescription solutions, there are natural alternatives for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, including so-called “natural Viagra pills.” But buyer beware. 

The jury is largely out on just how effective these might be — and there’s substantial evidence that they’re not always safe. 

In other words, before you go adding the maca and ginkgo biloba you bought online to your protein shake, you should probably read the fine print.

Below, we’ll explain what natural Viagra is, outline some Viagra alternatives that are considered safe and tell you what we — and most experts — think is the best treatment for ED you can get your hands on.

What Is Natural Viagra?

When it comes to treating a medical condition, the word “natural” can mean many things. It’s become a buzzword regarding food, skin care products, treating illnesses and everything in between. 

Viagra is a lab-created medicinal compound that the FDA has approved for the treatment of ED. The medication — also called sildenafil in its generic form — is what’s known as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. 

PDE5 is an enzyme that can keep a key step in the process of getting hard from happening.  Viagra promotes erectile function by stopping this enzyme from stopping your erection.

Natural Viagra, on the other hand, is usually natural, but rarely Viagra. 

You may have seen natural Viagra products — sexual enhancement herbal remedies often sold in gas stations — that claim to do the same things as prescription Viagra, just without a prescription. 

With apologies to exotic tree roots and rare flowers, however, many of these products have slim scientific backing, and at least some have questionable safety. 

Are we telling you they’re dangerous? Sort of. Certain products have been noted to contain things they’re not supposed to — for real, some of these supplements have even been found to illegally contain sildenafil itself without so much as a mention on the label.

Five Viagra Alternatives  

If you’re still with us, you’re probably realizing that alternatives to Viagra aren’t always a great (or effective) option. But there’s more nuance to this category of ED treatments than that. 

Consider the list of non-prescription treatments for ED. 

• Natural "Viagra" supplements

• Vacuum pumps

• Sex therapy

• Foods that can help with ED

• Lifestyle changes

Some may be dangerous, but others are pretty straightforward and well-backed. Below, we’ve examined these popular options in more detail, so you can be the judge. 

Natural “Viagra”  Supplements 

There are currently many over-the-counter herbal supplements marketed as natural remedies for erectile dysfunction.

Some products like dietary supplements that promote nitric oxide have a basis in fact and could offer some erectile health benefits, though they’re unlikely to be what a healthcare provider recommends.

But many of these other herbs and homeopathic remedies haven’t been thoroughly tested or approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and their claims should be taken lightly at best. 

• Epimedium or horny goat weed, for example, has been shown to produce small improvements in erectile dysfunction and aphrodisiac effects (increases in sexual desire) in animal testing. Still, no high-quality human studies have confirmed these effects, and this supplement could just be acting as a placebo. 

• Red ginseng (an antioxidant) and L-arginine (a type of amino acid) are two other products frequently marketed as natural Viagra alternatives, but lack much scientific evidence that they could be natural ED remedies. 

• Finally, a small study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology (involving 29 men) of yohimbine was shown to be a useful treatment option for orgasmic dysfunction.

Vacuum Pumps 

Vacuum devices are a mechanical treatment for sexual dysfunction. Used since the late 1800s, vacuum devices use a pump to create a vacuum on the penis, which helps increase blood flow and lead to the engorgement of your corpora cavernosa (aka causes an erection). 

Once the vacuum has enlarged and stiffened the penis, a ring is placed at the base to keep the tissue engorged for sexual activity. 

Satisfaction with the results of a penis pump or vacuum varies. 

One smaller study published in the Journal of Urology of 100 men with ED problems found the overall satisfaction rate with the penis pump was 68 percent, and those who were unsatisfied cited pain, inconvenience and fleeting effects as their reasons.

Sex Therapy 

For men whose ED is caused or worsened by psychological factors, counseling or sex therapy for ED may provide some relief. 

Things like anxiety, relationship conflicts, trauma, cultural taboos and unresolved relationship attachments can all be addressed with the help of a mental health professional.

It’s obvious that erectile dysfunction can be frustrating. Talking to a licensed therapy provider or mental health professional can help you work through any mental health issues that could be causing your ED and may improve your sex life. 

ED-Friendly Foods  

One of the best ways to create your ED improvement plan without a trip to the doctor is to change up your diet. You can think of them as really mild sexual function medications without any side effects.

A number of foods are associated with better erectile health, including:

• Oysters

• Spinach

• Watermelon

• Tomatoes

• Protein

• Olive oil

You can see more on these and other erectile super foods in our guide to foods that help ED. Oh, and if you’re in the market for aphrodisiacs, read this.

Lifestyle Changes

Because there are certain lifestyle factors that increase your odds of developing ED, managing these risk factors can both make you less likely to develop ED and possibly help get rid of existing ED. 

There are many ways to naturally maintain an erection. Losing weight, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking and managing chronic health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes can go a long way in improving erectile function and sexual health.

The Bottom Line on Natural Viagra Alternatives

We’re venturing a guess, but perhaps you’re searching for “natural” solutions because you aren’t ready to seek medical advice for your sexual performance. That’s totally understandable. 

Perhaps you’ve avoided Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), Viagra (sildenafil) and other pills because prescription medications are more expensive and harder to access. We get that too. 

But ED medications aren’t the only reason you should want to talk to a professional. Consider the following points:

• Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of more serious medical issues. Talking with a healthcare professional will ensure that something more serious isn’t behind your ED.

•  You need an expert to help you treat both ED and most underlying causes — your healthcare provider has heard it all about men’s health, and they’ve got the experience you want. 

• You won’t get dangerous stuff from a healthcare professional. Talking to a healthcare provider is the safest way to get an active ingredient that is clinically proven to work, instead of something dangerous.

With Hims, you can even meet with a medical provider and, if prescribed, get prescription drugs like Viagra (or another erectile dysfunction medication) shipped to your door.