General characteristics

Impotence or erectile dysfunction can be described as a failure in the sexual capability of a male, characterised as having difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an erection or difficulty or failure to ejaculate.

There are many causes for this condition including low or unbalanced hormone levels (eg. low testosterone and/or high oestrogen) medications (some high blood pressure treatments and antidepressants for example), loss of libido, relationship issues, illness such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, stress, depression, anxiety, overuse of alcohol or drugs or nerve damage to the area.

Many other factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, poor circulation, adrenal burn out, low blood sugar, low energy and fatigue and even sitting for long periods can contribute to the development of the condition.

Healing objectives are to provide the body with proper nutrition, encourage good circulation (especially to the peripheries), alleviate stress and its physical and emotional effects and to provide specific tonic herbs to target the reproductive system and secreting glands.

Useful herbs

Although there are many aphrodisiac herbs out there it would be wise to start by building up the health of the whole system rather than forcing the body to perform. Using specific tonics, circulatory, promoters, stress relievers and specific reproductive tonics together is more likely to achieve steady long term benefits.

Many of the herbs used to improve circulation and blood flow can be useful. These could include ginkgo, hawthorn, yarrow, garlic and ginger.

Herbs that deal with the effects of stress and can be used for impotence or erectile dysfunction include oatstraw, skullcap, liqourice root and gotu kola.

A daily tea could be made by combining any 3 herbs from each of the above categories and taking up to 3 cups daily.

Cayenne (chilli powder) can increase libido and produce an erection very quickly. Take a pinch in water 3 times daily and slowly increase the amount over time to a teaspoon a day if you can. Use half an hour before planned lovemaking to get positive results. You can even add a pinch to some oil or cream and rub it into the penis for speedy results!

Ashwagandha, schisandra, sarsaparilla, ginseng, saw palmettto, celery seeds and damiana are a well known male tonics with specific actions on the reproductive functions and will provide energy and vigour to the system. Make a formula from equal parts of the tinctures and take a teaspoon 3 times daily.

Yohimbe bark is a potent herb used by men to gain an erection but should only be used in small amounts (half a teaspoon of tincture) for very short periods of time as it has unpleasant side effects.