Erectile dysfunction

Any serious medical condition including heart disease, sexually transmitted diseases, depression or other psychological disorders, fatigue, overwork or simply lack of adequate sleep can lead to loss of libido (interest in sex) or the ability to gain an erection (impotence). Loss of interest or ability may also obviously result from relationship problems.

Hardening of the arteries to the pelvic organs may be a direct cause of sexual dysfunction and maybe also be a sign of heart disease. Therefore it is important to be tested for any blockage or hardening of the arteries even if other factors are a possibility. The arteries supplying blood to the penis are relatively narrow compared to other arteries (1-2mm) so they become blocked by plaque far quicker and maybe be the indication that other arteries may be seriously blocked or will become so soon. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke so the sooner this is treated the better.

Many poor health habits lead to deterioration of numerous bodily functions, and sexuality is particularly vulnerable. Smoking, obesity, high stress, lack of exercise, lack of fibre, fatty acid imbalance (which affects hormones), vitamin, mineral or phytonutrient deficiency and certain drugs and alcohol consumption are all examples.

Chronic problems such as allergies, candidiasis, chronic fatigue syndrome and hypoglycaemia can also lead to sexual dysfunction.

As men age the ability to achieve an erection is affected. An erection will take longer to achieve and will not be as firm as in youth. Some may find it difficult to achieve an erection at all. About half of all men between 40 and 70 will experience problems with gaining or maintaining an erection.

The causes of erectile difficulties can be either psychological or physiological, with psychological causes thought to be most prevalent. The anxiety and pressure that a man might face as his body changes, may act as a catalyst for erectile difficulties. Achieving an erection becomes a process of prolonged stimulation and intimacy.

Psychological causes of erectile failure are often mistaken for physiological disorders. By far, the most likely causes of erectile failure are related to mental or emotional problems. The most common of these is performance anxiety.

When a man feels pressured to achieve an erection (often spurred by occasional difficulty), he will commonly become anxious and nervous when in a sexually demanding situation. Anxiety conflicts with the ability to achieve an erection, and thus failure results, perpetuating further anxiety.

Any neurological disorder which interrupts the nerve supply to the erectile tissues will generally cause an erectile failure. There is little known about the nerves which cause erection and therefore it is difficult to predict how damage to certain nerves will affect erectile capacity.

What is orchitis?

Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection or by the mumps virus. Bacterial orchitis can be caused by an urinary infection or sexually transmitted infections, particularly chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Untreated infections of the bladder or urethra can spread to the epedidymis causing epididymitis which is inflammation of the tube that connects the scrotum to the vas deferens which is the duct that transports sperm to the urethra. Orchitis can lead to erectile dysfunction. It is best to be tested by a health professional to find out the cause.

Natural remedies for orchitis

Coccinia leaf and root extract has antibacterial properties which can help to treat bacterial orchitis. Boil 10 to 12 leaves in water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and drink two times a day until the infection is gone.

Dandelion tea is known to help with treating orchitis. Drink three cups per day until the infection has gone.

Echinacea is a herb with powerful antibacterial and ant-virus properties which can aid in the treatment of orchitis.

Land caltrop is a herb that can help to treat orchitis has it has a beneficial effect on the prostate and. urinary tract.

Moringa is a herb, also known as drumstick, which can be very beneficial when treating orchitis.

Raw juice therapy can help to treat orchitis. The best organic natural foods to juice or blend are: apple, apricot, asparagus, carrot, celery, cranberry, cucumber, lemon, lettuce, parsley, spinach and watercress.

Yellow dock is a herb that has antibacterial properties which can help to treat bacterial orchitis.

If the orchitis is caused by a bacterial or other microbial infection more powerful natural antibiotics can be found here>> Anti-microbial healing plants and foods

Natural remedies for erectile dysfunction

The brain is a highly sensitive organ which can be affected by the slightest nutritional deficiency or toxicity so the diet must include high levels of fibre (to feed the beneficial bacteria and aid digestion and absorption), vitamins, nutrients and minerals. Certain phytonutrients have a direct impact on the brain and nerve cells and can affect hormones which in turn can improve the capability of gaining an erection.

Almost any health-enhancing program of diet and exercise with basic dietary supplements can help the situation. It is also important to deal first with known medical and psychological problems. Even some of these may be helped with nutrition and dietary interventions. Remember to start by changing those harmful life habits. They will not only begin to improve the love life, but they will help to prevent degenerative diseases.

Nutrients that can help to resolve erectile dysfunction

Alcohol forces expulsion of zinc, the B vitamins and other nutrients through the urine and this can cause erectile dysfunction. For the highest natural food sources of these nutrients, follow the links below:

Foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats can help improve blood flow and potentially alleviate erectile dysfunction and are beneficial because they support blood vessel dilation, reduce inflammation, and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Follow the links below to find the highest natural sources of these nutrients as supplements are not advised due to causing imbalances in the body. For instance, the man-made synthetic version of vitamin B3 has anti-vitamin properties meaning it inhibits the absorption of other vitamins and should be avoided. Natural food sources will not do this and also contain the natural co-factors required to make each nutrient work.

• Antioxidants
• Citrulline (amino acid)
• Fatty acids
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B7 (biotin)
• Vitamin B9 (folate)
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
• Zinc

Arginine is converted to nitric oxide which aids in the relaxation of blood vessels. The effect is better blood circulation in the body and especially in the extremities (eg. genitalia). For this reason L-arginine helps in stimulating and maintaining erection. Men with erectile dysfunction may benefit from intake of arginine rich foods as it is a major component of ejaculate (seminal fluid and sperm) and therefore it is important for maintaining healthy ejaculate volume. Arginine can especially help if peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the cause of erectile dysfunction as it can improve blood flow in people with this circulatory condition.

Highest sources of arginine in alphabetical order

Citrulline rich foods can help to eliminate impotency and lower blood pressure as well as help the body to overcome fatigue and stress.

Natural sources of citrulline in alphabetical order

Omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial as they have anti-inflammatory properties and are structurally involved in the sperm. Taking a cod liver or krill oil capsule once a day can provide this. See>> Fatty acids

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is required for cell respiration, helps in the release of energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, proper circulation, functioning of the nervous system, and normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids. It is also used in the synthesis of sex hormones.

Highest sources of vitamin B3 in milligrams per 100 grams

NOTE: Recommended daily allowance is15 mg for men. The man-made synthetic version of vitamin B3 has anti-vitamin properties meaning it inhibits the absorption of other vitamins and should be avoided.

Foods that can help to resolve erectile dysfunction

Algae and seaweed contain many vital nutrients lacking in land-based crops and do not contain pesticide residue as so many fruits and vegetables do if not organic. Algae and seaweed can be purchased in powder, capsule or as dried flakes which make a great highly nutritious alternative to salt for any meals and sandwiches.

Dark chocolate (minimum 84% cocoa) can help improve the mood.

Leafy greens like spinach, kale and watercress.

Berries especially black, blue, purple and red.

Dried fruit: apricots, dates and figs.

Nuts: almonds Brazil nuts, cashews, pistachios and walnuts can help to increase sexual vitality.

Oily fish can help to improve blood flow and provides the necessary omega-3 fatty acids, protein and vitamin D that the body requires to function correctly.

Seeds: chia, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin and sunflower

Herbs that van help to resolve erectile dysfunction

Camphor oil, when consumed, boosts the libido by stimulating those portions of the brain which are responsible for sexual desires and urges. When externally applied, it helps to cure erectile problems by increasing blood circulation in the affected parts, since it is a powerful stimulant.

Horny goat weed is commonly used as an aphrodisiac for men and women and has properties which can improve libido.

Moringa is a herb well known for its ability to treat sexual dysfunction in men.

Pepperwort (maca root), a root vegetable from Peru, has been used for centuries by native Peruvians for its powerful ability to enhance fertility and overall wellbeing. Maca’s natural “libido booster” properties are due to its high content of zinc, amino acids and vitamin C, which are essential nutrients for healthy sexual function.

Ylang ylang essential oil can be very beneficial for those people who have lost interest in sex due to workload, professional stress, depression or the effects of pollution. The loss of libido or frigidity is a growing problem in modern life which can be resolved by using ylang ylang as a massage oil, in an oil burner or a few drops in a hot bath.

Yohimbine is extracted from the bark of West Africa’s Corynanthe yohimbae tree and has been used for centuries in the fertility rituals of African tribes. Yohimbine is thought to enhance libido and physical energy in both men and women and may stimulate erection in men. Reports also indicate Yohimbine may have thermogenic properties (meaning that it may act to elevate body temperature and burn off fat.

Though traditionally, Yohimbine has been used as a treatment for impotence and as a sexual aphrodisiac, yohimbine enhances many bodily functions, not just the sexual ones. It increases metabolic rate. You’ll feel your digestive organs working better, and body builders have long used yohimbine to get rid of body fat before competitions.

WARNING: Therapeutic administration of yohimbine can cause nervous excitation, tremor, sleeplessness, anxiety, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, nausea and vomiting. In case of existing liver and kidney diseases, yohimbine preparations should not be used. Interactions with psychopharmacological herbs and drugs have also been reported.

Yohimbine must not be taken by elderly persons or children or if any of the following conditions are present:

• Allergic hypersensitivity
• Angina pectoris
• Anxiety
• Cardiac disease
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Chronic inflammation of sexual organs
• Pregnancy
• Prostatitis
• Schizophrenia

WARNING: Most aphrodisiac herbs tend to speed up the heart rate and some may raise blood pressure so are best avoided by those with blood pressure problems or heart conditions.

The following natural foods and herbs also have properties which can alleviate erectile dysfunction:

• Angelica
• Bananas
• Black seed
• Chilli pepper
• Cnidium monniera seeds
• Damiana leaves
• Fenugreek
• Flax seed oil
• Ginkgo biloba
• Gotu kola
• Green tea
• Liquorice root
• Kudzu root extract
• Passionflower
• Pepperwort
• Pine needle tea
• Queen of the meadow
• Saffron
• Saw palmetto
• Suma
• Valerian
• Wild strawberry leaf

Try to avoid refined and processed foods, any foods with additives such as aspartame, coffee, fizzy drinks, sugar, table salt (use Himalayan pink crystals), white flour and white rice (choose whole grains and brown or wild rice).

See also>> Feed your friendly bacteria

Related subjects

• A-Z of ailments
• Improve your sex drive
• Infertility
• Menopause and andropause (female and male)
• Mental health disorders