The two common sexual disorders that most men fear are Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Premature Ejaculation (PE). Erectile Dysfunction (also known as Impotence) is the general inability of a man to attain and maintain an erection in order to perform sexually while Premature Ejaculation is the ejaculation that occurs earlier than desired which can either be before, on, or soon after penetration leaving the couple feeling unsatisfied.

When it comes to the issue of Erectile Dysfunction, a series of factors are involved in developing an erection. Sexual arousal causes nerves in the brain and spine to signal arteries in the penis to swell up with blood. The spongy tissues in the penis expand and it becomes erect. Any interference with this process, whether physical or psychological, can prevent an erection.

As men age, there are changes in erectile function. It may take longer to develop an erection and it may not be as rigid, and more direct stimulation may be required. Orgasm may become less intense and the volume of ejaculate reduced. The majority of cases of ED are caused by physical factors such as diabetes and nerve damage. It can also be caused by psychological issues, or the use of certain drugs. In most cases it is not caused by low sexual desire.

Meanwhile, for majority of men, holding the urge to ejaculate is difficult and sometimes impossible to control, thus ejaculation occurs relatively fast. If this occurs prior to the women achieving sexual satisfaction, then frustration can result. If this frustration continues, it is very like to damage a relationship.

Premature ejaculation is rarely a problem by itself, as it has several underlying possible causes and rarely is it caused by a physical or structural problem. Some of these causes may include by not limited to stress or other physical conditions, emotional or psychological factors and even poor health issues like high cholesterol.

The ejaculatory reflex running from the brain to the penis is very complex thus just focusing on the nerve endings itself as is the case with most PE treatments does not really solve the problem in a holistic manner and have generally failed in solving the control of ejaculation. Ejaculation is more much concerned with the mind than with the penis only because if the mind is under control, the man will be in a better position to control his natural urge to ejaculate early.

From the foregone, there is now growing interest in alternative medication for the cure and treatment of both of these male sexual dysfunctions. The use of herbal medicine in the treatment of both ED and PE has thus received a very big boost in recent times owing to growing realisation of their effectiveness based on both historical records and some recent studies.

Herbal medication and practice have been used for well over 5,000 years and have proven highly effective in the treatment of most male sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. While most herbal practitioners over the centuries have focused more on the whole person, Western physicians look more at the disease itself. Herbs and foods are what have been used mostly for the treatment of most health problems.

New therapies continue to show the usefulness of plants as a source of our pharmacopoeia. It is on record that only 90 plant species accounts for most of the plant derived drugs in common use by physicians, about 120 drugs in all. Three-fourths of this list was discovered by following up on traditional folk medicine claims.

Basic to the use of herbs in alternative medicine is the belief that whole plant material is superior to synthesized or isolated chemicals derived from plant sources. The material may be flowers, bark, roots, or leaves, used singly or in combination, often taken in the form of teas, or ground and taken as tablets, or used in salves. These compounds are thought to produce fewer unintended or dangerous effects, and a “balanced” action as opposed to single drugs.

Herbal supplements are reported to be very promising in the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions. Herbs are generally more effective, safe, work just as quickly, have fewer side effects, cheaper than their synthetic counterparts and usually require no prescription. As a matter of fact, four-fifths of all people, worldwide, still rely to a great extent on traditional medicines based on plants and their components and about 40 per cent of the United States population have made use of some kind herbal remedy.

When it comes to the herbal treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, there are many potent herbs which as a result of their history of effectiveness in the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions are now prepared commercially as herbal formulas in the form of teas, pills or capsules, gels, creams, lotions, and oils.

The chief herbals plants used in the majority of these formulas because of their proven efficacy in treating male sexual dysfunction include the following:

Ginseng, American and Korean
Ginseng is thought of by many as a virtual panacea. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) are very similar in composition and properties. Korean ginseng has been used for centuries as a general tonic, stimulant, and stress reliever. In Chinese medicine, American ginseng has been used, but is thought to possess less stimulant activity.

Ginseng has adaptogen properties (helps the body deal with stress, whether physical or emotional) and enhances immune function. Research supports benefits for erectile dysfunction, enhancing fertility, improving blood sugar control in diabetics, improving physical performance and a sense of well-being, and enhancing mental function. Korean ginseng promotes the growth of male reproductive organs, increases sperm and testosterone levels, and increases sexual activity. In general, scientists believe the link between ginseng and sex drive is due to ginseng’s effect of strengthening the overall health and balancing the hormonal system. This is basically the thrust of herbal practitioners over the ages by concentrating on the whole person rather than on the disease itself.

Tongkat Ali
Scientifically known as Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, is the root of a tree known as the tree that “cures 1,000 diseases” normally found in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Tongkat Ali is also consumed to boost energy and stamina. Some studies have proven its efficacy as an aphrodisiac that improves strength and power during sexual activities and that it increases male virility and sexual prowess.

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is the top-selling herb in the United States. It increases blood flow to the brain, hands, feet and sexual organs (improves sexual sensation). It improves the tone and elasticity of blood vessels. Several studies involving men suffering from Impotence and Premature Ejaculation have shown that Ginkgo specifically boosts blood flow to the penis.
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